Ask question

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.

1,599

views

5

likes

47

all likes

15

replies

0

images

5

users

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.

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.

Marcel *******

Follow

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

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?

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

Martin *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Benjamin *****

Thanks

Like

Reply

Reply to

Martin *******

Reply

Frederick *********

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

Like

Reply

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

Like

Reply

Frederick *********

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

Like

Reply

Reply to

Frederick *********

Reply

Benjamin ******

@Frederick ********

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

Like

Reply

Reply to

Benjamin ******

Reply

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 .

Like

Reply

Benjamin ******

@Philip *********

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

Like

Reply

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 .

Like

Reply

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...

Like

Reply

Philip **********

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

Like

Reply

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.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Tod *********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

Can I apply for a Non-O Retirement Visa in Thailand, and what are the financial and health insurance requirements?

11 comments

a year ago

Can I switch from a Non-OA retirement visa to a Non-O retirement visa after leaving Thailand?

17 comments

a year ago

What is the best retirement visa option for an expat living in South Africa, Non O or Non OA, and what are the requirements for police clearance and medical insurance?

17 comments

2 years ago

Can I apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa in Australia and later get a one-year extension in Thailand?

12 comments

2 years ago

Is extending my Australian travel insurance policy a good option for applying for the O-A retirement visa in Thailand?

9 comments

3 years ago

Should my husband and I apply for a Non-O A visa, or a Non-O visa, given our circumstances as expats in Thailand?

10 comments

3 years ago

Should I choose a Non-O or Non-OA visa for retirement in Thailand?

19 comments

3 years ago

What are my options for extending my NON-OA visa and health insurance while in Thailand?

6 comments

3 years ago

What visa options do I have after my Non-O-A visa expires in Thailand?

18 comments

3 years ago

Can I apply for a Non-Imm O visa for retirement in Thailand instead of an O-A?

28 comments

3 years ago

What type of visa should I apply for if I want to stay in Thailand for 6 months without buying a year of health insurance?

15 comments

3 years ago

What are the differences between Non O-A and Non O visas for expat parents visiting Thailand?

16 comments

4 years ago

What is the best visa option for a 53-year-old moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand?

8 comments

5 years ago

What Options Do I Have to Extend My Stay on a Non-O Retirement Visa in Thailand?

5 comments

5 years ago

What Should I Do If My Health Insurance Is Not Accepted for Non-Immigrant O-A Renewal?

26 comments

5 years ago

What Is the Difference Between Non-O and Non-O-A Visas in Thailand?

11 comments

5 years ago

What are the requirements for extending a Non O-A visa in Thailand without health insurance?

7 comments

5 years ago

Can I Change My OA Visa to Non-O Without Health Coverage in Thailand?

3 comments

5 years ago

What are my options for extending or changing my OA visa in Thailand?

14 comments

5 years ago

What are the health insurance requirements for an O-A visa holder entering Thailand?

22 comments

5 years ago

Can I Change My O-A Visa to a Non-Immigrant O Visa Outside Thailand?

5 comments

5 years ago

What Are the Insurance Requirements for Switching a Non O-A Visa to a Non O Visa Based on Marriage in Thailand?

11 comments

5 years ago

Do I need health insurance for my extension after starting on an O-A visa in Thailand?

15 comments

5 years ago

What are my options and requirements for switching to a non-O visa in Thailand, especially regarding extensions and health insurance?

28 comments

5 years ago

What are the current requirements for Non-Immigrant O and O-A visas in Thailand regarding medical insurance?

15 comments

5 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.