Do I need insurance for my OA visa to enter Thailand?

Nov 15, 2019
5 years ago
Carl ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
What's going on??

I have OA visa from August 2019

My Mrs just spoken to imigration in Sakon Nakhon about insurance on OA Visa she explained I have insurance in the UK and travel to Thailand soon do I need insurance he laughed and said what you talk about insurance is up to you, you come on OA visa easy??? She explained my concerns of being turned away and he said imigration cannot ask you about insurance up to you, dont worry come to Thailand.

Please advise why is this a grey area??
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The question regarding the necessity of insurance for OA visa holders is surrounded by confusion and inconsistent reports. While the immigration officer in Sakon Nakhon suggested that insurance is optional, there have been mixed experiences reported by others, especially since a new requirement for insurance was introduced on October 31, 2019. Some travelers entering Thailand with OA visas have not been asked for proof of insurance, while others have faced additional requirements, leading to concerns about potential entry issues for those without insurance. Therefore, it remains a gray area and travelers are advised to prepare for possible requirements.
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Tod *********
And on that note we are done.. Thanx one and all.
Bell *******
The ignorant person who spoke to your wife is not going to be the one to decide on if you should be allowed in and for how long.

I had a similar conversation with nice IO's at the Petchburi office yesterday because my Brit fiance wanted to attend a horse racing in HK (if it is not cancelled). I was told not to take the risk as he possibly would have an issue with the IO's at the airport.

We always have good travel insurance but somehow I don't think they will accept that.

The IO's also said to get a non-O visa next year as an extension based on the current non O-A would require a health insurance.

We landed on
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/19 and my OH was not asked about any insurance at all. Not everyone will be as lucky I am afraid.

Best of luck! :)
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on last page is how IO must act.
Tod *********
it is too soon to tell what they are really going to do. Right now some people without proof of insurance get in for a year, some people get a 30 day visa exempt entry, get told go GO by insurance and then come back to get the year. It's just too early to know how it will eventually work out
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Tod *********
@Carl **********
just so you and your thai missus is clear. The immigration officer AT immigration buildings are NOT passport control officers at entry points to the country. They have abso-tively, posi-lutely NO clue about what you'd be asked entering on an O-A visa when you fly in.

Right now there's not enough consistency with the few reports we've had. Some people entering on their first entry with their O-A weren't asked for proof of insurance, BUT some were.

Some people stamping in on entries after their first entry were asked and when they couldn't provide proof of holding insurance from one of the 12 thai companies that offer it were stamped in on a 30 day visa exempt entry, told to GET insurance, come back to the airport and get the stamp changed to a year entry.

Good Luck, and definitely let us know how it works out for you stamping, in.

BUT

I can tell you with near 100% accuracy an immigration office in a tiny province with maybe a handful of foreigners on O-A visas IF that, isn't the place to ask about how it's gonna work when you stamp into the country at the airport.
Marty *********
The recent reports that I've seen are that since Nov 7 the IO at Suvarnahbumi are not denying entry to people with OA visas obtained before Oct 31. But it is still early days and those reports may or may not be accurate. You should have a plan for what you might do if denied entry. Research your insurance options. If you are really planning to stay here long term and apply for a 1 year extension then you will have to confront this eventually.
Bobby ********
This is my entry stamp on 11 November 2019, admitted until 9 November 2020. This is an OA visa which expires in February 2020. This report is accurate. I was not asked about insurance. After I'd got the stamp I asked the IO what was the position on insurance. He said it's a visa application requirement, not an entry requirement, the same as police report and diseases certificate.
Terry **********
The fact is that after Oct 31st all new, or extension of stay applications require you to have insurance from their 'authorised' companies,

I got my last extension on Aug 5th in Samui, I'm guessing when I do a 90 day report, I will be told if it now applies to me, but for definite, it will apply for next extension.

*(I went back to UK for a holiday, so on the 27th it will be my first 90 check in).
Terry **********
@Darren ********
Yes mate, from five years ago.
Darren *********
@Terry *********
Hi Terry 🙂 did you get your extension off of the back of a Non O-A?
Chris ****
Following
Carl ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
So hes correct I dont need insurance as on your link that is for an extension of stay on an OA Visa!
James ********
@Carl **********
who knows? The new requirement became effective October 31st.

So is still very new. Listening for more reports from other holders of the O-A.
Carl ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
I've just read page 11 from the document and apparently I should of had insurance on my last 3 month visit as I've only just returned but I was asked nothing on entry?
James ********
Carl Pritchard not so quick. We are getting mixed reports.

Click on the link

"O-A health insurance for O-A visa "

Other posts will pop up...shared experiences by others with O-A
Robert *******
Sorry to tell you but there is NO grey area, you wife asked somebody who does not know what is going on. Scroll a little down on this page, than in the grey box go to page 7 as that is in English,
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Michael ********
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Robert *******
I read it as: If you apply for

a NEW Non Immigrant O-A visa

a NEW Extension of Stay based on this visa

a NEW entry into Thailand with this visa

you need health insurance, but others have total different views. At the moment there are report that you need for a New visa and for a New Extension of Stay and for those who had the visa before this change on 31 Oct 2019 it seems that immigration at checkpoints is lenient and give you the 1 year stay without asking for insurance. But that is just a few reports, not a confirmed way of working
Carl ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
if I arrive I will argue the fact now I have the facts, it's for new extension of stay applicants only which means when my visa expires and I apply for an extension then I will require insurance
Carl ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
but your link states it in black and white?
Carl ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
sorry mate your incorrect that is for granting an Extension to stay in the Kingdom I already have my visa
Carl ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
that's spot on thank you for the information, but my concern now are with the imigration why the hell are they giving out incorrect information to everyone?
Martin *********
... but that was from August ... it never became relevant until 1st November
Martin *********
@Mark *******
you mean you just arrived back in BKK 3 days ago in a O-A ‘extension ‘ Mark ?
Mark ********
@Martin ********
just done mine 3 days ago and no mention of insurance even though I have through cigna
Carl ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Martin ********
my visa OA is valid from August
Carl ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Martin ********
she called them 10mins ago
Coilean *********
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