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Do I need a Health Insurance Certificate after traveling to Laos on an O-A visa?

O-A Visa Health Insurance Re-entry Permit

Nov 28, 2019

6 years ago

Nev ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm here in Thailand on a O-A visa first year just done my first 90 day report , my friend is getting married in Laos in January ,will I have to get the Health Insurance Certificate to get back into Thailand if I go to Laos for the wedding . The guy getting married is in the same situation except he is on the extension for the second year of the O-A visa ,now we are aware that he will have to get a re entry permit but will he need the Health Insurance Certificate

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The requirement for a Health Insurance Certificate when re-entering Thailand on an O-A visa is unclear, especially since the regulation was only recently implemented. Those who obtained the O-A visa before October 31st may not be asked for proof of insurance upon re-entry. However, if insurance is requested and not provided, you may be admitted only under a 30-day visa exemption. Regarding a friend on a second-year extension of the O-A visa, they will need a re-entry permit to ensure their return to Thailand.

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Wannikea *********

Off hand I’d say since your in the country on your approved extension already, and reentering on a reentry permit I’d think you’d get no grief at the border. I’d say it’s a lot different situation than your initial entry without an extension on that visa type.

6 years ago

Nev ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Wannikea ********

that's what we were thinking if he has paid for a re entry permit he shouldn't have a problem I on the other hand still have multiple entry visa and have heard of people being denied entry on this visa even though it was issued before the 1st of November

6 years ago

Reply to

Nev ********

Kristopher *****************

Out of curiosity, where is a 70+ yr old supposed to get insurance from?

6 years ago

Michael ********

@Kristopher ****************

Out of curiosity why not get a NON O and extend it ?? ;)

6 years ago

Gordon *******

@Kristopher ****************

I was quoted £5000 for a year at 74.

6 years ago

Nev ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kristopher ****************

that's always going to be a problem if you can find a company that will expect to be paying through the nose

6 years ago

Reply to

Nev ********

Tod *********

Sadly, there is no way to really tell how they will interpret the rules.

The way it is panning out IS

If you got the O-A visa BEFORE the mandatory health insurance requirement came into effect (Oct 31st) it seems they are not asking for proof of insurance when you enter the country..

BUT

With that being said, no one can really tell you how it will work when you go to stamp back in.

IF you are asked and can't provide proof, you will get stamped in on a 30 day visa exempt entry instead of the O-A visa.

AND

You are correct, If your friend is on the "free second year" of his O-A visa (meaning the VISA itself is expired and he's just on a year entry stamp) he WILL need a re-entry permit to get stamped back in to the country for the remainder of his current entry stamp.

6 years ago

Siggi ********

At the land border there should not be any problem

6 years ago

Nev ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

it seems we are at the mercy of whoever you get when trying to re entry I've heard stories from people having no problem at all and the just yesterday they refused entry for one guy and just gave him the 30 day stamp

6 years ago

Reply to

Nev ********

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Is the OA visa renewal process in Thailand still the same with health insurance requirements?

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