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Is health insurance mandatory for a retirement visa extension in Thailand?
Thailand retirement visahealth insurance ThailandNON-O visaretirement in Thailandvisa extensionhealthcare options for expatsaffordable health insurance in Thailand
Jun 4, 2024
2 years ago
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi everyone
I'm looking at retiring in Thailand and I know that to get the retirement visa extension you must to have health insurance. I've done some research and as far as I can see this is going to cost anywhere between $2000 and $4000 per year if you're over 60, which I am.
This seems like a lot :(. Does anyone have any better ideas about health insurance in Thailand? As far as I can see I need a minimum cover of 400,000 thai baht under the new rules. Is it possible to get cheaper health insurance than the figures given above?
Thanks
I'm looking at retiring in Thailand and I know that to get the retirement visa extension you must to have health insurance. I've done some research and as far as I can see this is going to cost anywhere between $2000 and $4000 per year if you're over 60, which I am.
This seems like a lot :(. Does anyone have any better ideas about health insurance in Thailand? As far as I can see I need a minimum cover of 400,000 thai baht under the new rules. Is it possible to get cheaper health insurance than the figures given above?
Thanks
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the requirement for health insurance when applying for a retirement visa extension in Thailand, expressing concern over high insurance costs for individuals over 60. Commenters clarify that health insurance is not mandatory for those with a NON-O visa, recommend various strategies for managing health costs, and suggest seeking advice from qualified financial advisors to find better insurance options.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Alan ******
If you're stuck contact an agent like Thaivisa.
Bob ******
Speak to Pannada from
@Pdc *********
. No medical insurance is required but it is advisable to nevertheless get some as uninsured medical costs can be excessive.Brad *******
I even had a Health Insurance agent tell me to self insure for the small stuff.
If you are relatively healthy for your age do that and the type O visa maybe. But for the unexpected future big hospital bills like a heart problem maybe have something to cover for the biggest bills.
There are many approaches and ultimately it depends on your comfort level, bank book balance for emergencies
and your health.
If you are relatively healthy for your age do that and the type O visa maybe. But for the unexpected future big hospital bills like a heart problem maybe have something to cover for the biggest bills.
There are many approaches and ultimately it depends on your comfort level, bank book balance for emergencies
and your health.
Rachel *******
Speak with
Totally free consultation
@Peter ******
fully qualified financial advisor dealing with health insurance in Thailand. Has access to 100's of providers rather than just one or two so can find you the best prices and cover.Totally free consultation
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Rachel ******
Thanks, I'll do that, much appreciatedReply to
Mark *********
Reply
Jan ******************
As stated for a long term retirement stay in Thailand it’s recommended to apply for a regular 90 days Non O visa at home before you leave and do extension of stays in Thailand. Then there’s no mandatory health insurance requirement.
******************************************************
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTERAlthough I would feel better with some health insurance, are local insurers expensive?
Ian ********
@Mark ********
Have a look on Checkdi (Was Mr Prakan)for all your Thailand insurance requirements You can compare policies and prices in it from the leading providers
*****************************
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ian *******
Thanks very much for this link, really helpfulReply to
Mark *********
Reply
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTERthanks anyway, hopefully I can some kind of figure as a guide
Michael *******
@Mark ********
I pay currently B45k a year, which is in patient only, and with an excess…..I just want it for major problems.I use Pacific Prime and they are user friendly, touch wood haven’t needed to claim, so I don’t yet know how responsive they are but they came well recommended.Enjoy a 20% no claims discount every yearReply to
Michael *******
Reply
Jan ******************
@Mark ********
I’m sorry I don’t have any overview of insurances. Just do short time travel insurance myself. Hope someone can advise you further.Jan ******************
@Mark ********
Health insurance is recommended anyway, but then you can control and decide everything yourself and apply for an insurance who suits you personally and not just a Thai insurance approved by the Thai immigration.Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTERYes, that would be better. Do you have any kind of ballpark figure for basic health insurance?
Reply to
Mark *********
Reply
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTEROk, thanks, I'd read it all wrong
Reply to
Mark *********
Reply
Brandon ************
Insurance is not required for a retirement extension unless you entered Thailand with a non-OA visa that required insurance.
If you entered Thailand with a non-O or converted to a non-O in Thailand, there is no requirement for insurance.
If you entered Thailand with a non-O or converted to a non-O in Thailand, there is no requirement for insurance.
Mark *********
ORIGINAL POSTEROh, OK, I've obviously misunderstood what I read. Thanks
Reply to
Mark *********
Reply
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