Answered6 years ago
Do I need health insurance to re-enter Thailand with a non-O-A retirement extension?
Can someone advise please? I am on a non -O-A retirement extension valid until next March ( no insurance required). If I were to leave the country and attempt to return I realise I would need COVID insurance but would I be required to get compulsory health insurance ( I presently have one with a non Thai company-Cigna but it will expire soon and renewal will be $6000))
Answer summary
The user inquired about the necessity of health insurance for returning to Thailand after leaving, given their current non-O-A retirement extension that does not require insurance. The responses clarified that while a COVID insurance of $100,000 is necessary for re-entry, the user must also have OA-compliant health insurance for their visa type. Some users discussed alternatives and specific requirements based on current regulations, emphasizing that health insurance is mandatory for an OA visa but that the user's current extension may not require it depending on its classification.
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Tod *********
Now that we sussed out what visa/extension you're on (and what one you're not on :O)
You would ONLY need the 100K USD covid policy and the other entry requirements to get back in.
AND
as long as you bought a re-entry permit before you left (and your covid insurance was good for a year) you'd get stamped in until your current extension expires (March next year) when you came back. :)
You would ONLY need the 100K USD covid policy and the other entry requirements to get back in.
AND
as long as you bought a re-entry permit before you left (and your covid insurance was good for a year) you'd get stamped in until your current extension expires (March next year) when you came back. :)
Tod *********
First off how did you get a year long O-A visa extension without showing proof of the 40K/400K mandatory insurance policy from a thai carrier?
Mike ***********
OPI'm on a retirement extension based on a non O-A obtained here in Thailand, not a visa from the UK. No insurance needed and as I am 78 I can't get Thai insurance, I've tried.
Tod *********
I think
OR
if you switched passports since you had that visa issued, it'll be noted what visa type started it all on the page where they transferred the stamps to this new passport :)
@Mi**
if you look at the original visa you got stamped into your passport by the thai immigration office (the one that was good for 90 days) you'll see it's just an O, not an O-A. OR
if you switched passports since you had that visa issued, it'll be noted what visa type started it all on the page where they transferred the stamps to this new passport :)
Tod *********
@Mike **********
that is not correct :( . You couldn't get an O-A visa inside thailand, you can only get an O-A visa from your country before you come here, and yearly extensions from O-A's need insurance :( If I was a betting man I'd say you are on a yearly extension based on a Non-O visa <- (note there is no A after that) that you got inside thailand. AND you're correct for that there is no insurance required
Marty *********
If you are concerned about getting yearly insurance and you are starting over then you should be aware that there is a pathway back to Thailand by getting a non-O visa that doesn’t require yearly insurance. You still need the Covid insurance to enter.
Marty *********
Oh yes! now I remember. However, if you get your non-O inside Thailand is insurance required?
James ********
@Marty ********
not required ...yet.I am suspicious though of why would the insurance be required for a New Non O retiree outside . And not yet required inside ?
Are changes coming ???
Guy ***********
Marty *********
@James *******
maybe someday the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will coordinate with the Department of Immigration. How hard could it be?Marty *********
@James *******
Thought so. Just want the OP to be aware of all the options. He mentioned insurance but did not give context. Often people are trying to avoid it if possible.James ********
@Marty ********
the NEW Non O visa for retirement issued by Thai Embassy's DOES require the same health insurance as the OA...yep...it was added when they finally allowed to issue a NEW Non O for retirement outside of Thailand. James ********
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James ********
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James ********
I debated allowing this post to appear tonight as its 11:00pm here in Thailand.
But to start...
What does your OA extension of stay show as your OA insurance expiration date?
You have to have OA compliant health insurance to initially obtain the OA visa in your home country...then to extend it in Thailand requires the 400,
To cut to the quick...the least extensive way to meet the
To leave and reenter Thailand will require the US $100,000 COVID health insurance for the time you will be stamped into Thailand on arrival.
The rates for the COVID ONLY policy may be higher than that of a new OA compliant health policy
If you are from a hi covid risk country such as UK US Poland etc
With your age known and what your passport nation ...is how I can better advise you.
As it may be best to buy a new one year OA compliant policy which has both insurance needs covered.
You asked do you need health insurance to return...
YES...OA COMPLIANT. as you are on an OA based extension of stay.
And will also need have the insurance include cover for COVID $100,000 in medical expenses.
But to start...
What does your OA extension of stay show as your OA insurance expiration date?
You have to have OA compliant health insurance to initially obtain the OA visa in your home country...then to extend it in Thailand requires the 400,
******
,000 inpatient/outpatient health insurance from an approved Thai insurer.To cut to the quick...the least extensive way to meet the
******
health insurance is to buy the LMG OA policy.... Issue ages thru age 74. To leave and reenter Thailand will require the US $100,000 COVID health insurance for the time you will be stamped into Thailand on arrival.
The rates for the COVID ONLY policy may be higher than that of a new OA compliant health policy
If you are from a hi covid risk country such as UK US Poland etc
With your age known and what your passport nation ...is how I can better advise you.
As it may be best to buy a new one year OA compliant policy which has both insurance needs covered.
You asked do you need health insurance to return...
YES...OA COMPLIANT. as you are on an OA based extension of stay.
And will also need have the insurance include cover for COVID $100,000 in medical expenses.
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