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Is it better to apply for a Non-O-A visa in Switzerland or in Thailand, and how does health insurance affect visa extension?

Non-O-A Visa Visa Application Process Health Insurance for Thai Visa Visa Extension in Thailand Long Stay Visa Expat Life in Thailand

Apr 9, 2021

4 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I intend to move to Thailand around August and stay for long term. I'm over 50, so a Non-O-A visa might be the best choice in my case. I have two questions regarding the visa:

1) Is it better to get the Non-O-A visa in my home country (Switzerland) before coming to Thailand or to come to Thailand with 45 days visa exemption and apply for the Non-O-A visa once in Thailand?

2) I have an international health insurance with world wide coverage and would like to keep it. They meet all criteria and will also provide the necessary certificates for the visa application. However, I read the following text on the Thai embassy web site: "when applicants use insurance companies which are not listed by Thai General Insurance Association, after a year the applicants cannot extend his/her stay in Thailand and must travel back to home country or residence country to apply for a new visa." What is your experience regarding health insurance in connection with a Non-O-A visa? Is it possible to get an extension in Thailand with an insurance that is not listed?

Thanks for your help.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user plans to move to Thailand and is considering a Non-O-A visa. They seek advice on whether to apply for this visa in Switzerland before arrival or to enter Thailand on a 45-day visa exemption and apply locally. Additionally, they inquire about the implications of using international health insurance on visa extension eligibility.

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Marcel *******

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Tod *********

1 - you can only get a Non-O-A (Long Stay) visa in your country before you come here. There is no come here on a tourist or visa exempt entry and apply for a Non-O-A inside the country.

What you're talking about is comin' in visa exempt or on a tourist visa and applying for an in country Non-O visa <- (note there is no A after the O). To do that you'd meet the proof of funds inside the country BUT you do not need any insurance

2- You can use your current health insurance to meet the proof of coverage in your country to get the visa from a thai consulate,

AND

you can show it to get stamped in to the country for a year when you come here.

BUT

If you're going to apply for a yearly extension inside the country when that entry stamp is running out you NEED to be insured by one of the 15 approved thai carriers that issue O-A insurance or you won't get your extension.

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Martin *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you, very helpful. It might be the better option to come to Thailand on visa exemption and then apply for a Non-O visa within Thailand then. In this case I have to open a bank account while still on visa exemption, right? Is it possible without problems to open a bank account on visa exemption? Anny recommendation what bank is best?

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Benjamin ******

>Is it possible without problems to open a bank account on visa exemption?

Yes it is.

>Anny recommendation what bank is best?

This isn't a Banking advice group, and you're probably best asking this question on a local Facebook group where you live.

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Martin *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Benjamin *****

Thanks

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Martin *******

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Frederick *********

Tod are you saying you need insurance to get an extension for a non O based on retirement.

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Tod *********

@Frederick ********

nope I said that IF he gets an O-A visa before he comes when he goes to get a year extension from it he'll need insurance from one of the 15 approved thai carriers

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Frederick *********

apologies Tod I miss understood your meaning, thanks for clarifying.

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Frederick *********

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Benjamin ******

@Frederick ********

no, Tod didn't say that at all, at least from what I read

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Benjamin ******

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Philip **********

....does that follow for a non O visa based on marriage Tod . I obtained the required insurance last year when I was in the uk .no problems coming in . I just intended to renew it in July this year . I m not sure if it’s on this list or not . I know I do nt need it for visa renewal but just thought I’d think about what’s best . My visa is not up for renewal till October .

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Benjamin ******

@Philip *********

Non-O visa based on marriage *DOES NOT* have any insurance requirements.

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Philip **********

@Benjamin *****

... appreciate reply. I understand that but I was just wondering if I decide to return to the Uk for a short family visit in 6 months or so ( situation dependant) then Insurance will come back into play . I’ll be renewing my insurance irrespective of visa requirements . Thanks again though for reply .

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Ellie *******

@Philip *********

you seem to be talking about the requirement to enter Thailand, not visa matter? If so, keep watching the news. Nobody knows how they do a half year later for sure...

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Philip **********

... it’s both really but I know what you mean . Keep safe .

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Tod *********

@Philip *********

, let's keep what you need to get IN to thailand right now (insurance and documentwise) separate from what is required to get an extension of stay inside the country.

Extending a Non-O visa based on marriage to a thai does NOT require insurance. Where as getting into the country on a Non-O visa/extension DOES require covid insurance.

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Tod *********

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