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Is medical insurance required for the Non-Immigrant O (Retirement Extension) visa in Thailand?

Dec 8, 2025
2 days ago
Mike ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m currently working toward the annual renewable Non-Immigrant O (Retirement Extension). I’m already in Thailand, have opened a bank account in my name, deposited the 800,000 THB to begin the seasoning period, and am now dealing with the usual red tape regarding proof of residence.

My question is: What exactly is required for medical insurance?

Is insurance required for this visa type, or is it only mandatory for the Non-Immigrant O-A (Long Stay) visa?

I’m getting conflicting information from online sources, so I’d really appreciate clarification from anyone who has gone through the process.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The Non-Immigrant O (Retirement Extension) visa does not require health insurance. This requirement is only mandatory for the Non-Immigrant O-A (Long Stay) visa. Several comments clarified that if you entered Thailand on a Non-O visa for retirement, health insurance is not necessary for your one-year extension. However, having health insurance is advised for emergencies while living in Thailand.
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.
Galen *******
If you ask many people, you'll get many different answers. That's why it's generally better if you only ask our group. You've already received the correct answer to your question. You don't need health insurance for the Non O Retirement Visa. But apart from the visa, it's very important to have health insurance in Thailand, at least for emergencies.
Trav **********
Not required.
Ian **********
Go to Immigration then and ask
Riccardo *******
@Ian *********
this group exists to provide answers whenever possible and the question had a very simple answer for many people in the group. Your answer is from a person who doesn't know but wants to write something.
Ian **********
yes agreed "A simple answer" and that is "Go and talk to Immigration" to get the RIGHT answer
Ellie *******
If your initial visa was Non-O for being over 50/retirement for 90 days, there is no insurance requirement for you to apply for a 1-year extension based on retirement.

On the other hand, if you entered Thailand on Non-OA and continue to stay from that visa, you must meet the mandatory insurance requirement to be able to apply for a 1-year extension based on retirement.

Sometimes people mix Non-O visa based on retirement and Non-OA by same “retirement visa” words, and it leads confusion.
Ant ***********
Not required for Non-O
Jay *******
Insurance is NOT required for the non O
Paul ***********
@Jay ******
does this include Non-O family visit visa? I have mine and travelling in January
Jay *******
@Paul **********
Tod is the expert, he has your answer already
Tod *********
@Paul **********
a Non-O visa (no matter what the reason it was issued for) does not require medical insurance to get an extension inside the country
James ********
There's NO health insurance required for the Non O Visa as a retiree.

You are confusing the OA visa for retirement - obtained in your home country, which does require a US $100,000 health insurance policy.
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