Do I need to purchase health insurance when applying for a non-O retirement visa from outside Thailand?

Question

I am in the process of applying for a non-O Visa (retirement) using the online e-visa web site ([https://www.thaievisa.go.th/](https://www.thaievisa.go.th/?fbclid=IwAR1gQOdrOTXrNGly_w1IkxNe3ek6J-ANWRyBtB7JRF_QeMyaFNRB8_Xd-Wo)) .

Based on the comments that I had read in this forum and elsewhere, I was under the impression that it was not required to purchase health insurance for a non-O retirement Visa.

However, as part of the online application I am being requested to submit proof of insurance which meets the following requirement (this is extracted verbatim from the online form) :

**Health Insurance issued by thai insurer with outpatient benefit of not less than 40,000 THB and inpatient benefit of not less than 400,000 THB. The insurance must also cover all medical expenditures including COVID-19 at least USD 100,000 and must cover the whole period of stay in Thailand.

**Does this requirement apply only when requesting the visa outside Thailand? If so, it seems to be reason enough to enter Thailand Visa exempt and then apply for the Non-O Visa from within Thailand.

Notes:

1. I am aware that for the Thai Pass, health insurance providing Covid coverage for 50000 is required.

2. I am planning to purchase a health insurance that covers inpatient care, in order to manage the risk of an expensive hospital bill in the case of serious illness. However, I am not planning to get outpatient coverage, because it really boosts the premiums and is not cost viable, given the cost of basic outpatient care in Thailand.

Ask Thailand · Answer

The post discusses the requirement for health insurance when applying for a non-O retirement visa via the online e-visa system. The author was informed that health insurance was not required, but the application process requested proof of insurance covering specific medical expenses, including outpatient and inpatient benefits, as well as COVID-19 coverage. Comments indicate that if applying outside Thailand, health insurance is necessary, while some expats suggest applying from within Thailand to avoid this requirement. The discussion also touches on personal insurance choices and experiences of others applying for retirement visas.

Kristen ******** · Answer

[mention redacted] Were you successful in obtaining your retirement visas? Would you mind if I PM you a few questions? We are debating applying from Vancouver with my husband as the trailing spouse or waiting and applying from within Thailand.

Chris ******* · Answer

Simple answer, yes you need the 90 days health coverage as part of entry. (As all tourist need- even  non-o we are tourists).

AXA is reasonable for the insurance about a 100 cdn per month for 3 mth policy.

When you apply for non-O retirement extension, it is not required.

It is a tedious process, but many, many of us have done it.

Helen ******** · Answer

[mention redacted] also Canadian. We applied for the original 90 day visa within Canada because I would be a trailing spouse, so a bit different. We only needed insurance for the first 90 days. We weren't asked for it when we did our extension in Chiang Mai. If you don't have a trailing spouse then what [mention redacted] suggests is your best option.

Philip ********** · Answer

[mention redacted]. Yes you need insurance if you’re applying from outside of Thailand. I thought you understood this when you were first researching living here.

You enter here on a 30 day visa exemption. You apply for the extension based on retirement. Bring your pension statements. Email the Canadian Embassy to get a verification letter. Fill out the application for extension based on retirement. Copy of your passport data page, passport photo, original letter and receipt from Canadian Embassy, original pension statement. Sign all photo copies and put your phone number on it.

Do I need to purchase health insurance when applying for a non-O retirement visa from outside Thailand?

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