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Can I use my UK global travel insurance to extend my OA visa in Thailand?

OA Visa Visa Extension Thailand Immigration Global Travel Insurance COVID Insurance NON O Visa Options Expat Advice

Jul 22, 2021

3 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi guys need your help. 

I've tried doing a search now my brain hurts. 

I've got a OA Visa which expires 6th October 2021.

I'm now in the UK and intend to travel back to Thailand prior to 6th October 2021.

Will my 12 month UK Global travel insurance ( 15th/09/2021 to 14/09/2022 which includes $100,000 Covid cover) be acceptable to obtain my extension of stay for the second year?

Thanks for your help.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is currently on an OA visa expiring on October 6, 2021, and is seeking advice on whether their UK-based global travel insurance (covering COVID-19) will be sufficient for extending their stay in Thailand. The discussion indicates that the current insurance might not meet Thailand's requirements and suggests consulting the Thai Embassy. Additionally, alternatives such as switching to a NON O visa with different insurance requirements are considered.

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Michael ********

Did you consider ditching the OA visa and changing to a NON O while you are home, so you can try to avoid the long insurance requirement? Then you just need the COVID insurance (which your current insurance covers). You can then get a year long extension of stay in country by transferring, and showing, the required funds in a Thai Bank account. Something to consider at 70, with insurance options difficult to get. Also other options are to change to a NON O retirement visa inside the country, and then extend that. I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong.

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Gregor **********

@Michael *******

the UK insurance (foreign insurance) is only good for the first year of a Non-Imm-O/A visa. Going into the second year, all O/A visa holders need a Thai insurer. When you mention "ditching" as in let it expire, that actually works. But he cannot just "ditch" a still valid visa. It would mean he has to wait until after October 6th, before he can apply for another visa. Other than that, your advice is cool.

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Gregor **********

you cannot get a new visa or enter visa exempt, while there is a valid visa in your passport. You HAVE TO USE your O/A visa. The Thai embassy does not cancel a valid visa. Your only option is wait until October 6th and let it expire. After this date you can enter visa exempt, apply for a Non-Imm-O or a Tourist Visa

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Den ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Gregor *********

Been in contact with RTE London.

My current insurance is valid to travel to Phuket as long as I provide Covid Insurance they will give me a COE.

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Den ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank for the help.

I'll look into insurance options again and have a word with RTE London.

Wish they had continued with the 6 month multi entry that was perfect for me 😭

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Den ****

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Den ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Can I enter Phuket Sandbox with the 45 day visa exempt then get 30 day extension? (Or obtain Non O visa when in Thailand).

Or is it compulsory to use the current OA. Just feel I'm chucking away 27,000 THB with the Thai insurance.

I haven't looked into obtaining the Non O while in the uk need to find out the requirements

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Michael ********

@Gregor *********

Yes that is correct. That is what I would consider doing if I was in his situation. Let it run out and go with the NON O.

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Michael ********

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Den ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks James I'll ask them first. I thought I might be able to use this form.

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Benjamin ******

Very few people are successful at getting a foreign insurance company to sign off the form. The form says "director" (or some similar wording), which the Thai government means "director or signatory officer".

I know in America if an insurance company sees that form, almost all of them will refuse to sign it.

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Den ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Benjamin *****

Yes thanks.

I was able to get it signed off last year but the world has changed.

If it's not acceptable can I just apply for 60 day tourist visa and obtain a 30 day extension in Phuket? I'm 70 y/o the Thai insurance offering is just not cost effective for me.

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James ********

at age 70 the LMG policy is ideal for you. Affordable too.

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Den ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi James is it ok to use this insurance to just obtain my OA. it reduces the risk of COE rejection.

I automatically have the Emirates Covid 19 insurance with my flight.

I also have my UK Global travel insurance which I've always used to travel around Asia and Australia. Thanks in advance 😁

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James ********

yes the LMG policy will get the one year extension of stay stamp in passport. Show the Thai Immigration officer upon arrival the policy to confirm the policy dates if questioned about getting a one year extension stamp.

Your Emirates ticket provides the free AIG Travel Guard policy which will meet the CoE requirements for entry into Thailand.

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Den ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Brilliant thanks 😊

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James ********

hope it all works out well for you.

Use the Emirates provided insurance to obtain the CoE. Emirates has instructions on their website on how to get the AIG policy document. If your booking is a return ticket the free travel health insurance policy will be good for up to one year return ticket. A significant value for those who are elderly.

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Den ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

yep I've got the Emirates info covered.👍😁

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Den ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes thanks James that's a lot better.👍

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James ********

still will need proof of $100,000 Covid Insurance ...

Or apply for a new OA and get the OA policy from one of two insurers offering reasonable price of coverage for one year policy... Meet the OA insurance requirements.

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Den ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Been in contact with RTE London.

My current insurance is valid to travel to Phuket as long as I provide Covid Insurance they will give me a COE.

When I get into Thailand think I'll investigate the Non O visa option.

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Den ****

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James ********

I assume that you are now in your first year of the OA visa and....

If so when you return from UK you will be stamped into Thailand for one year or less if your OA insurance policy expires earlier.

It's doubtful that you can get the CoE to enter Thailand using your current insurance coverage. It probably does not meet the dual insurance requirements of the OA visa and or extension.

Suggest you ask the Thai Embassy... But I think you will need to have a OA insurance policy which is from one of the approved Thai insurers listed on the UK Thai Embassy website for the OA visa and or extension.

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James ********

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