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Is health insurance mandatory for a retirement visa extension in Thailand?

Thailand retirement visa health insurance Thailand NON-O visa retirement in Thailand visa extension healthcare options for expats affordable health insurance in Thailand

Jun 4, 2024

6 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi 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

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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.

Alan ******

If you're stuck contact an agent like Thaivisa.

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Bob ******

Speak to Pannada from

. No medical insurance is required but it is advisable to nevertheless get some as uninsured medical costs can be excessive.

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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.

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Rachel *******

Speak with

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

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Mark *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks, I'll do that, much appreciated

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Mark *********

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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.

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Mark *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Although I would feel better with some health insurance, are local insurers expensive?

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Ian ********

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

*****************************

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Mark *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks very much for this link, really helpful

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Mark *********

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Mark *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks anyway, hopefully I can some kind of figure as a guide

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Michael *******

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 year

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Michael *******

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Jan ******************

I’m sorry I don’t have any overview of insurances. Just do short time travel insurance myself. Hope someone can advise you further.

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Jan ******************

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.

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Mark *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yes, that would be better. Do you have any kind of ballpark figure for basic health insurance?

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Mark *********

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Mark *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ok, thanks, I'd read it all wrong

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Mark *********

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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.

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Mark *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Oh, OK, I've obviously misunderstood what I read. Thanks

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Mark *********

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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

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The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

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