Does U.S. VA healthcare meet the insurance requirement for retiring in Thailand?

Question

U.S. vet here.  Does my full-coverage VA healthcare benefits meet the “requirement” for health insurance if I retire in Thailand?  If so, how easy or nightmarish is it navigating healthcare thru the VA in Thailand?

Ask Thailand · Answer

A U.S. veteran inquiring about the adequacy of VA healthcare benefits for retirement in Thailand. The consensus among community responses clarifies that a retirement visa (Non-O) does not require health insurance. However, if an O-A visa is obtained from the U.S., an insurance requirement exists. The VA's Foreign Medical Program (FMP) is mentioned as an option for veterans, covering certain hospitals in Thailand, but it primarily covers service-connected conditions. Experiences vary, with some expats finding the process manageable while others suggest considering different insurance options or maintaining a minimum deposit in a Thai bank.

Glenn ***** · Answer

If you apply in the US you would be applying for an O-A visa and have an insurance requirement. If you apply in Thailand it would be an O with no insurance requirement. But you would have a requirement a deposit in a Thai bank.

You may use your VA to an extent but it would probably not be on the list of acceptable insurances.

So your choices are get a different insurance or keep ฿800.000 ( for the most part) in a Thai bank.

Mike ********* · Answer

In terms of peace of mind and financial stability the VA’s Foreign Medical Program covers several hospitals here and as stated before is direct with all the Bangkok Hospitals throughout Thailand. There is enrollment documents online search VA’s site for  FMP. It will only cover what your primary care providers says is service connected but there are many things associated with that and FMP will provide you an enrollment package that says what is actually covered. It is not the same of cover all like in the states.

Chuck ********* · Answer

A retirement visa obtained here does not require health insurance Non-O visa. A retirement visa obtained from outside Thailand (O-A I believe requires Health Insurance, medical clearance and police check I believe is the current requirement). I used an agent & opened up a Thai Bank account. Transferred the 800k from my US account & waited for it to season 2 months. Then used an agent to apply for retirement visa

Took 1 month but came thru no problem.

Took 1 month but came thru no problem.

Eric ********** · Answer

Dave,  I’m a… u.s. vet also and on retirement visa, non-o and you don’t have an insurance requirement.

And all service related goes through Manila, Philippines

Steve ********** · Answer

Depends on where you are going.  In Pattaya Bangkok Hospital is a direct billing FMP provider.

I haven’t done it yet but was told by those who have once you have signed up through the international insurance section when you get seen for a service connected condition you just sign your name and go on your way.