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

Nov 14, 2019

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm on my second year OA visa which expires next July.  I'm a Canadian currently covered by the Canada's national health care system, but which I have no idea whether it's acceptable  by the Thai authority.

I'm looking for advise to the following 3 options: (1) to seek an extension of my current OA, or (2) to reapply for another OA when I return to Canada in a few months, or (3) to apply for an O visa before I leave Thailand. Thank you all in advance.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A Canadian expat on a second-year OA visa is seeking advice on their options as the visa expires next July. They inquire whether to extend their current OA visa, reapply for a new OA visa when returning to Canada, or apply for an O visa before leaving Thailand. Community responses emphasize that the Canadian healthcare system does not cover expats in Thailand, and suggest that an extension of the current OA visa may require proof of insurance from approved Thai carriers or consideration of a Non-O visa for retirement without insurance requirements.

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.
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James ********

And we wish

@Henry ******

Good Luck in sorting out his visa and health insurance.

You have helpful replies...Thanks All 😉

Commenting closed.

5 years ago

Tod *********

your choices are

1 - Get an extension on your current O-A by showing proof of having insurance from one of the 12 approved thai insurance carriers

2 - Get a new O-A visa in Canada by using proof of insurance there

3 - you can't apply for an O visa before you leave thailand :/ You can't get one in country on the entry stamp you're currently on.

You COULD go back to canada, get a 90 day Non-O visa, then just apply for a yearly extension when you come here. That would exempt you from insurance.

I apologize for not reading the comments :( :O

5 years ago

Henry *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks George. We're covered as long as we remain as permanent residents of Canada which means having to spend a min of 5 months in a calendar year.

5 years ago

George ******************

You better check out to make sure you are covered, even in Csnada. If you our out of the country six or seven months of the year, most provinces don't cover you.

5 years ago

James ********

*Your Canadian healthcare does not cover you in Thailand, as I understand it.

*Watch and wait in coming weeks and months for added reports of what's happening with O-A.

* Your plan to get Non O for retirement is feasible...if needed.

5 years ago

James ********

Henry Zacks we will too 😂😂 but no you cannot deposit added $$ in a Thai bank account to meet the requirement.

Unless you seek a so called retirement visa...which requires 800,000 Thbaht.

5 years ago

Henry *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

thanks James... I think it is good for Canadians of any province cuz once you obtain your health care card from any province, you're free to seek health care from anywhere in Canada.... now if only I can figure out this visa thing, I'd be a very happy camper. 😆. Rules are constantly changing so I'll continue with monitoring these topics. I've also heard that you can provide an additional 450,000 baht in your Thai bank to avoid the mandatory insurance coverage... and who knows what new rules or modifications will be in a few months. 😊

5 years ago

James ********

@Henry ******

its good for Canadians of your Province 😉

5 years ago

Henry *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I would exercise that option only if I need emergency medical care. In my case, as long as I spend 5 months or more in Canada, I'm covered. However, if I have spent several years continuously outside of Canada and require medical treatment, then I would have to fly to the province of New Brunswick and established residency to receive immediate medicare. This was established by the NB legislature to encourage expats to return home from their exodus due to lack of employment.

5 years ago

James ********

Henry Zacks thank you...but can that exemption be used multiple times if you come and go to Thailand. It would appear not.

5 years ago

Henry *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

5 years ago

Henry *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you

@James *******

.

Here's an excerpt your Canadian friends maybe interested in following up

5 years ago

James ********

@Henry ******

good luck. I have Canadian friends who say otherwise. Just a cautionary mention. Take care 😉

5 years ago

Henry *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks

@James *******

. With our Canadian health plan, we're required to pay for our health services upfront while we're abroad and then apply for reimbursement, but that may not be acceptable to the Thai government. I'll continue to monitor your blog for developments. Thanks again.

5 years ago

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Henry *******

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