Do I need COVID-19 insurance and when should I switch to an annual health insurance policy for my Non-O visa in Thailand?

Jan 7, 2022
3 years ago
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone, I will be relocating to Rawai on an O visa for at least 1 year. I would need medical insurance, not sure if I need to get 30 days covering covid & then transfer to an annual policy once retirement visa has been approved? TIA
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The inquiry revolves around the necessity of medical insurance for someone relocating to Rawai on a Non-O visa for at least a year. The user is unclear about whether to initially secure a 30-day COVID-19 insurance policy and later transition to an annual health insurance plan once the retirement visa is approved. Responses clarify that under a 30-day or Non-O visa, only COVID-19 insurance is required, while those on a Non-OA visa need both COVID-19 and annual health insurance. The concept of transferring policies is questioned, as it is not a common practice in Thailand.
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Benjamin ******
I'm not sure what's being asked by this post, but I'll try to answer it.

1. IF a person enters on a 30 day visa exempt, only the COVID-19 insurance is required, for a validity of 30 days.

2. If a person enters on a Non-O visa, only COVID-19 insurance is required, for the validity of 90 days. IF a person is acquiring a Non-O visa based on being over 50 at some consulates, health insurance may be required (again, the health insurance will need to be 90 days).

3. If a person enters on a Non-OA visa, COVID-19 insurance AND health insurance for one year is required.

>then transfer to an annual policy once retirement visa has been approved?

I have no idea what this means 🙁 There's no "transferring" of annual policies.
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
Cheers, I will be applying for an O visa from UK, which is 90 days. After 30 days I need to show proof of us$20,000 in a local bank account, annual insurance and proof of tenancy...I think
Benjamin ******
@Mark ******
Non-O based on what reason?
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Benjamin ******
@Mark ******
You will apply for a one year extension of stay. Each immigration office has slightly different requirements. From
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(Note: I do not know how accurate this website is)

"Valid Non-O visa ( without overstay ) or valid extension.

Up to date address registration.

Required papers:

Completely filled in TM 7 form.

Copies from following passport pages:

Detail page

Current visa/extension

All extensions from last Non-O visa or transfer stamp to new passport. (If applicable)

Last entry stamp

TM6 departure card

Passport size picture.

Proof of financial status:

Bank balance option:

Minimum of 800.000 Baht in Thai bank account (in your own name) for at least 2 months before the application date.

After the application date a minimum of 800.000 Baht in Thai bank account (in your own name) for at least 3 months and a minimum of 400.000 Baht for the remainder of the year until your next application date is required. (in conjunction with the 800.000 Baht for 2 months before the application date)

Please be aware that normal saving accounts are preferred. A fixed account can only be used if the money is available on a daily bases.

Signed and stamped bank letter AND Signed and stamped bank statement showing the required money and duration before application date. (Max 7 days old)

Copy updated Thai bank book name page and last 12 months transactions. (Update the bank book on the day of the application)

Please make sure that all papers have the same balance mentioned

OR

Income option:

Letter from Embassy/Consul certifying at least 65.000 Baht a month. (Max 6 months Old)

Supporting documents of the income may be requested by the immigration officer.

Copy bank book name page and last 12 months transactions.

(It is strongly advised to copy all used pages as this is often requested by the officers.)

OR

Combination of Bank Account and Income: ( PHUKET SPECIFIC AS OF NOV 2020)

A combination of bank account balance and income can be used as long the total (Bank Balance and Income combined) is more than 800.000 Baht for at least 12 months prior the application date with the following papers,

Certificate from Embassy/Consul. (Max 6 months Old)

(Supporting documents of the income may be requested by the immigration officer.)

The same papers, Bank letters and copies of bankbook ( as mentioned in the income option) are required for the combination option.

People without the embassy income certificate can still use the combination option but they need to keep at least 400.000 Baht in their bank account for the whole year.

They have to prove that the remaining balance to reach the 800.000 Baht is transferred from overseas to their Thai bank account on a monthly basis with proof of each monthly international transfer.

National Pension certificates from UK, USA, Australia are NOT recognized as income proof WITHOUT a certificate from the respective embassy / consulate

The following proof of the overseas transfers are required: Signed and stamped bank certificate AND signed and stamped bank statement for the last 12 months and Copy of the bank book of the last 12 months.

If people don’t have 12 overseas transfers they can contact the immigration office to discuss their situation to see what the options are."

You do not need proof of insurance for a one year extension of stay based on retirement from a Non-O visa.

The "Up to date address registration." is the TM30 that you'd acquire from your landlord.
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
Not sure how early I can do that, I read somewhere 60 day from visa expiry
Tod *********
@Mark ******
there is no insurance requirement for a year extension based on being over 50 (retirement) from a non-O visa

I believe you are confusing the entry requirements to get IN to thailand (which have nothing to do with the visa you hold) with what is required to get a year extension from a non-O
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
so my question would be how many weeks of covid insurance do I need before I can apply for a I year extension of visa, after which I'll purchase an annual policy
Benjamin ******
@Mark ******
You do not need to purchase any insurance to get a one year extension of stay based on retirement from a Non-O visa acquired inside Thailand.
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
Applying for Non-0 visa from UK
Benjamin ******
@Mark ******
You will need COVID-19 insurance for the length of your Non-O visa, which will be 90 days.
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
Brilliant! In a round about way that was my question. Many thanks!
Benjamin ******
@Mark ******
From the website:

>Extension application can be submitted within the last 30 days of the current visa/extension.
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