Answered3 years ago

Can I use my O-A visa if I also have an METV without issues related to health insurance?

O-A Visa METV Visa Visa Regulations Thailand Immigration Travel Insurance Dual Visas

Lars ********

asked Sep 3, 2023

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I often see people write, that you can not have 2 visas at the same time. I have an O-A visa. I just applied and got an METV also. The O-A expires later this month. I am coming for 6 months, and would prefer to use the O-A as I would not have to leave the country and/or extend. I bought a travel insurance as it has much better coverage than a health insurance. It is also much cheaper.

I would prefer to use the O-A, but I doubt it will be accepted without a normal health insurance.

Will it be a problem to come with 2 visas and ask if I can use the O-A. If I can not, I will use the METV. 

If I am not allowed to have 2 visas, maybe I should not try to ask.

Answer summary

The poster is concerned about using their O-A visa after obtaining an METV, questioning the validity of holding two visas concurrently and the requirements regarding health insurance. The comments suggest not to disclose holding two visas to immigration, as the O-A visa is already in the system. There's uncertainty regarding acceptance of the O-A without normal health insurance, and the risk of visa expiration is raised. Ultimately, it's noted that the decision rests with the immigration officer at the time of entry.

12 repliesnewest first

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Alistair ********

Bro have you ever tried smoking two bongs at the same time? It's impossible!

3 years ago

Chris *******

So at this point you have 1 visa the OA.

The METV is valid but not active till you enter on it.

The problem is that Thai immigration does know when you enter that you have an active OA it's in their system.

Will they allow you to enter without the insurance... not supposed to but it happens.

The clock is now ticking on the METV, it is valid from the issue date only.

So your six month window is counting down.

Will they allow you to mix and match at the immigration counter is up to the officer you are in front of.

Maybe it's a mess and they give a 30day visa exempt entry.

There is no way to answer this question until you present to an officer.

3 years ago

Frank **********

Through the same Embassy?

Lars ********

Yes, same Embassy.

Frank **********

wow. Pretty good.

Wayne *********

I would not mention the 2 visa,s. They will not know you have 2 as embassy and immigration don't talk, when you arrive and activate the visa then they know what you have not before you arrive.

If your first year OA is about to expire why not extend it for the 2nd year ?

3 years ago

Lars ********

@Wayne ********

I do not want to buy health insurance, as the one I bought the first time, was absolutely useless I found out. The insurance company would not cover an incident as they should.

The travel insurance is much better. They do not ask for prior conditions. It covers home transport if needed. They cover theft on top of that. And lastly - it costs baht 15.000 for 6 months.

I just realised that they will see my stamp from from the O-A, which is valid for a few days after I arrive!

3 years ago

Wayne *********

@Lars *******

they didn't even check to see if I had renewed my health insurance for my OX visa.

I just use the very basic from axa easy care and also have a yearly travel policy which only cost just less than $600aud

3 years ago

Wayne *********

@Mark *******

they were expensive during covid but have dropped prices now

3 years ago

Wayne *********

@Lars *******

it covers me for the year that's why I bought it

3 years ago

Mark ********

@Lars *******

I live in Thailand now, but before that was looking at yearly policies traveling from Australia to the Asian Region as stated on the Policy. They were available as long as travel was no longer then 365 days. From memory nowhere near as cheap as Wayne’s Policy though.

3 years ago

Lars ********

@Wayne ********

I seriously doubt that your insurance covers if you travel all year. I also had a yearly travel insurance, but it does not cover more than 1 month per trip. It is not meant for long time stay.

3 years ago