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

Oct 12, 2025
7 months ago
Russ ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
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?
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TLDR : 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.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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.
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Thomas ***********
True medicare will not cover you outside the usa at all and is not recognised in thailand
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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.
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Thomas ********
@Frank *********
I was told that Medicare will be covering only emergencies and you must pay out of pocket first.
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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.
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Robert *********
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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.
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Bob **********
No
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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.
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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
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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.
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Michael *********
I agree with Brandon above, no insurance needed..
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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.
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Brandon ************
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