ask
Search
Ask
Answereda year ago

Can I use Medicare and supplemental insurance for a retirement visa in Thailand, and can I self-insure?

Russ ***********
asked Oct 12, 2025
2.7k
views
12
replies
5
likes
Regarding health insurance requirement for a retirement visa. Can I use my Medicare (USA) and supplement insurance.

I understand the insurance is not allowed to be used in Thailand but I could return if needed.

Secondly, can I self insure? If so how much do I need show?
Answer summary
For a non-O retirement visa in Thailand, there is no health insurance requirement. However, the non-OA visa does mandate insurance coverage, which cannot be fulfilled by Medicare or supplement plans since they are not recognized in Thailand. Instead, you may consider self-insuring, potentially requiring proof of significant funds available (such as $100,000). It is advisable, despite the non-requirement, to have some form of health coverage while in Thailand, such as travel insurance, especially to cover emergency medical situations.
12 repliesnewest first
13

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Tom **********
Tom **********
My Medicare Advantage coverage was $25,000 USD for International Travel. I was told it it cannot be combined with Thai Health Insurance for the $50,000 health insurance requirement for some LTR visas. Obtained health insurance with a high deductible through a Thai insurer for a reasonable rate to meet the visa requirement. They will exclude pre-existing (and related) conditions from coverage.
Thomas ***********
Thomas ***********
True medicare will not cover you outside the usa at all and is not recognised in thailand
Frank **********
Frank **********
Also be aware that Medicare will not cover you in Thailand. Like someone else said maybe a Medicare Advantage Plan might offer some coverage.
Thomas ********
Thomas ********
@Frank *********
I was told that Medicare will be covering only emergencies and you must pay out of pocket first.
Robert *********
Robert *********
@Frank *********
I think it depends on your provider, my Aetna agent told me I will be reimbursed when I submit receipts for emergency room treatment and admission for a hospital stay through the emergency room.
Gerg **********
Gerg **********
No insurance needed for a non-O retirement visa, but to answer your question, no, Medicare cannot be used to satisfy the insurance requirement for a non-OA retirement visa. There are only specific health providers the government requires you to have in order to satisfy the requirement. As for self insuring, just weigh the benefit of paying a small amount for outpatient services as you need them vs a large health insurance premium that might save you financially if you are ever in a catastrophic accident or have a stroke leaving you in the hospital for months. Up to you.
Bob **********
Bob **********
No
Jay *******
Jay *******
Get the non O so no insurance required. You can get travel insurance up to a year. That gives you plenty time to get here and figure out what you want to do about long term insurance.
Robin *******
Robin *******
You don’t need insurance for a non-o retirement visa, however it is prudent to have when you are here, or have $
*****
0 in the bank ringfenced for a medical emergency
James **********
James **********
Don't know what your supplement plan is . Medicare Plan C is a private company of your choice. Some plan C cover limited care for tourists in other countries.
Michael *********
Michael *********
I agree with Brandon above, no insurance needed..
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
The non-O visa, which most people use for retirement, does not require any insurance.

It's only the non-OA that requires medical insurance, and you would not be able to use your own insurance.

Activity

13 joined
Russ ***********
Russ ***********
Russ ***********
Russ ***********
Russ ***********
Russ ***********
13
people
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
...members60% approval
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
What are the steps to apply for a retirement visa for a 62-year-old military retiree moving to Thailand?
2.4k241913d
What type of insurance is typically recommended for expats getting a retirement visa in Thailand?
12.8k1051602mo
Can I use a hotel address for a non-O retirement visa in Thailand?
5.6k52542mo
What is the best visa option for a retired Austrian wanting to spend 4-5 months in Thailand during winter?
2.8k26263mo
What are the differences between the Non-O and Non-OA retirement visas in Thailand, and why do many expats prefer one over the other?
17.6k943406mo
What is the best visa option for retirees who want to spend 5 months in Thailand each year?
9.8k551796mo
What are the differences between Non-O and Non-OA visas regarding the 800,000 THB requirement?
2.9k22327mo
Is there a Non-O visa that allows a one-year stay in Thailand without a bank account?
5.1k44539mo
Is medical insurance required for the Non-Immigrant O (Retirement Extension) visa in Thailand?
4.4k16641y
What documentation do I need for a retirement visa application in Thailand, specifically regarding medical certificates and police clearance?
7.3k48871y
What are the visa requirements and medical insurance options for retiring in Thailand?
1.6k1291y
Can I transition from a Non-OA Visa to a Non-O Visa while in Thailand?
1.4k1351y
Can I apply for a 3-month retirement visa in Thailand every year?
4.6k42312y
Can I obtain a Non-O visa upon arrival in Thailand, even if I have trouble getting health insurance?
3.2k22292y
What factors influence the choice between a Non-O visa and a Non-OA visa for retirement in Thailand?
2.9k21252y
What are the requirements for insurance when applying for a retirement visa in Thailand?
882443y
What do I need to retire in Thailand as a life partner of a Thai citizen?
7k51853y
What are the requirements and best strategies for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand?
6k47633y
What should I do if my Non-O retirement visa application is asking for hotel reservations and insurance documents?
2.8k11523y
What are the requirements for the medical exam for a retirement visa in Thailand?
2.7k10454y
Are the medical insurance requirements the same for extending a Non-O visa compared to a Non-OA visa in Thailand?
2.4k17215y
What are the financial requirements for a Retirement Visa in Thailand, and does property ownership affect these requirements?
3.3k20425y
Can you use travel insurance to meet the medical insurance requirements for a retirement visa in Thailand?
866616y
What are the insurance requirements for a retirement visa in Thailand?
6.2k59426y
Can I apply for a Non-O retirement Visa while in Thailand?
1.7k12129y

Resources

Need help with your retirement visa?