ask
Search
Ask
Answered2 years ago

What are my options for obtaining a visa for my elderly mother coming to Thailand when health insurance may be problematic?

David ********
asked Nov 18, 2024
10.4k
views
50
replies
1
likes
I am trying to come to Thailand from the USA in January with my Thai wife, my 20 year old daughter, and my American mother.

My mother is 82 years old and I am hearing it may be impossible to get health insurance for her. Is there a way around the requirement she have health insurance for the retirement visa.

Could we do a living with Thai family visa? Would that receive the requirement? Is there a good around through an agent?

Thanks for your help as I am concerned we may have to abandon the whole thing.
Answer summary
The user is seeking advice on obtaining a Thai visa for their elderly mother while facing challenges with health insurance requirements. Comments reveal that the Non-O visa does not require health insurance, unlike the OA visa. Suggestions include exploring the possibility of a Non-O retirement visa, or potentially obtaining the visa while in Thailand. Recommendations for health insurance options were also discussed, including reaching out to specific brokers and using Medicare Advantage plans for emergencies.
50 repliesnewest first
20

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Terary **********
Terary **********
My buddy is 70+ and has some other health concerns besides. He gets around the insurance requirement by getting his retirement visa inside Thailand.

I didn't read all of the responses but if nobody mentioned it, getting the retirement visa in country is also an option.
Colin *********
Colin *********
On Saturday, I watched the regular TNT live video on YouTube by Tim Newton. He had a Thai Insurance Broker on the video this week, answering questions asked by Expats, mostly about Health Insurance. Tim has apparently had health insurance through this guy, Max, for about 13 years and has a lot of trust in him. In this video, Max comes across as a very nice and genuine guy, who knows his stuff.

Video link:
************************************************************


Website for Max's business:
******************************


Max's email:
**********************
Linda ***********
Linda ***********
Yes, re above, health insurance not required for retirement non-0 visa. But if mother stay & want insurance, I am over 80, lived in samui 20 years and have very good broker in Bangkok for 8 years & all our communications are online. He can offer in-hospital health insurance, month to month for your mother. My insurance paid for 2 hospital stays in past 5 years & he helped so much to ensure payment. If want DM me your email & will have him send you quote.
David ********
David ********
OP
@Linda **********
sending, thanks
Cato *******************
Cato *******************
@Linda **********
A very helpful post! 🥰
Linda ***********
Linda ***********
Ploy ************
Ploy ************
Hi, i'm running service for AIA company. The biggest market share company in Thailand.

Eligible Visas for Insurance Application:

✅ Retirement visa, Elite visa, LTR visa with proof of income sources.

✅ Non B Visa (Multiple entry) with work permit, proof of business or investments in Thailand.

✅ Destination to Thailand visa with..

1) Proof of investments or assets in Thailand.

2) Work certification from the company you work for.

⚠️⚠️ For expatriates who are US citizens, you must consent to complete the Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (W-9) form. This requirement is in compliance with international law, which mandates all financial institutions worldwide to report financial information of US citizens to the United States.⚠️⚠️

📍If you are a US citizen and do not agree to provide this information, it is advisable not to contact us, to avoid any inconvenience for both parties.

For further queries or financial advices, please contact me directly at

📞Whatsapp : +66642694450
**********
*****
*****
0

📲Line :
*******************************
John ********
John ********
Get a Medicare Advantage plan, be sure it includes worldwide emergency care - on a reimbursement basis.
Michael *********
Michael *********
@John *******
Medicare does not cover anything unless you are in the US.
John ********
John ********
Linda ***********
Linda ***********
@John *******
I believe Medicare Advantage only covers limited emergency hospital & must return to USA. So when living here & family here long term, coverage is very limited. But if here short term and have home & care in USA, it is a good suggestion.
David ********
David ********
OP
@John *******
thank you, we will look into it
Robert *****
Robert *****
@David *******
Medicare will revoke part D if she’s out of the country more than 6 months. However I’ve found my heart meds are cheaper over the counter in Thailand. Check that out.
Laurie ******
Laurie ******
I wouldn't bring your mother out here, I think it would be too much of a challenge for her
James *********
James *********
@Laurie *****
too much for you?
Jacqui *****************
Jacqui *****************
@Laurie *****
I'm so happy my mother moved with us to Thailand. She lived a happy life with us here for 15 years before passing away in August in her bed at home with me by her side. No challenge at all!
Cato *******************
Cato *******************
@Jacqui ****************
The perfect passing being with her family...I will suggest this to our son as I am passing.... ... a bowl of hot red curry with an abundance of chillies... a bottle of Sangsom whisky by my side with an ice and a slice.. surrounded by good books.... and of course air con.... bliss ! Edited.... and having the monks blessing my departed carcass with the final burning instead of the gross women in red hats and white suits accompanying a 20 grand coffin to the furnace....
David **********
David **********
@Jacqui ****************
I'm sorry for your loss, but I'm happy to hear she had a happy life! It's all about quality, and that's one of the biggest reasons we left and started slow traveling over 3 years ago.
David **********
David **********
@Laurie *****
that's a backwards way of thinking. We left the US over 3 years ago with my father in law and now at the young age of 87, he's still doing great!
Laurie ******
Laurie ******
@David *********
Backwards, That's your opinion
David **********
David **********
@Laurie *****
and your narrow minded initial comment is merely your opinion. Don't discourage someone else from doing something just because you don't think it's a good idea. Instead of asking "why?", change it to "why not?" and you will find the whole narrative changes
David ********
David ********
OP
@Laurie *****
she wants to leave the USA before the change of President. She will be staying with us so won't need to do anything on her own.
Markie ******
Markie ******
@David *******
i do not blame your mother.
Ernesto ********
Ernesto ********
@David *******
hahaha. She should go then. We did it without her.
Bobby *******
Bobby *******
@David *******
I would be glad to buy her a one way bus ticket to Mexico if she doesn’t like Trump
Bobby *******
Bobby *******
@David *******
nothing hateful. Send me your PayPal info and I’ll buy one way bus tickets to Mexico for your entire family.
David ********
David ********
OP
@Bobby ******
no need to be hateful...this is a major reason we are leaving the states. Just way too much of it.
Colin *********
Colin *********
@Bobby ******
In sure that Trump wouldn't like you. He prefers people who will physically be on the rioting front line, not people who make unnecessary and unsolicited comments like this keyboard warrior mentality.
Cato *******************
Cato *******************
@Bobby ******
Thats very generous of you .... first class of course!
Laurie ******
Laurie ******
@David *******
what about, heat,food, Culture , being independence .
David **********
David **********
@Cato ******************
beautiful words! Our plan has been working marvelously. However, now our "slow travel" is slowing down even more. We always stay in the same place now for as close to 90 days as we can. We've seen so many wonderful places over the last 3 years and now we're "settling" between Koh Samui and Da Nang, Vietnam.
Cato *******************
Cato *******************
@Laurie *****
I do believe there is something called air con.... which is what 90 per cent of the people in the hot climates of oz have... the food will be healthier and fresher.... culturally she could be living next to Arabs/ Mexicans/ Indians in the states.... so Thailand would be no different... the people in Thailand were so sweet with my aging father and inclusive.... non of this " he is a burden around our necks" ... how many aged homes do you see in Thailand? just because one is mature in age it does not mean they have to stop living fgs... all I see is a beautiful family wanting their beloved Mum to live with them in a beautiful affordable country... see the goodness in that !! edited to add.... I see copious amounts of poms wanting to leave the UK for "a better life" distressed at leaving their loved ones behind huddled next to a parrafin heater because they cant afford electricity... unable to meet the Australian criteria of aging parents migrating to Oz...
@David *********
your whole outlook is healthy and inclusive well done to you and your wife and lets hope your plans can be put to fruition!
Arild **********
Arild **********
@Laurie *****
I think these are some of the reasons she wants to leave and stay in Thailand. USA will be changed with your new president, just look at all the people he wants to bring in to the government.
David **********
David **********
@Cato ******************
great input. Sadly the merely "existing" mentality of western culture often leads to elderly people being put in a home and then basically ignored. My 87 year old father in law LOVES Thailand (and all the other countries we visited over the last 3 years) and the wonderful Thai people LOVE 'Papa' too 😊
Jacqui *****************
Jacqui *****************
@Laurie *****
it never worried my mother.
David **********
David **********
@David *******
we got our initial travel health insurance through Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. You can get up to a 1 year policy with them. Unfortunately, if you "live" in Thailand and aren't really traveling, finding insurance for someone that age is nearly impossible. That being said, self insured is fine as healthcare in Southeast Asia is quite reasonable.
Cato *******************
Cato *******************
@David *******
I think its a wonderful country for your mother to live in ... My American father lived in Thailand until he passed at 94.... He obtained his pension from the US without any problem and he obtained health insurance without any issues.... he loved his life in Thailand... he pottered about... a much more exciting life than in the western world probably stuck in a retirement village . Sorry I cannot answer your visa questions. But the very best of luck mate.
David ********
David ********
OP
@Laurie *****
she lives with us now and did stay in Bangkok with us 20 years ago. I don't think her lifestyle will change much. (She tends to stay in the house and read most of the time.) But thanks for your concern.
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
It's only the non-OA visa that requires health insurance. That's not the visa that most people want or use. Most people use the non-O visa which does not require health insurance. When you're in the e-visa system this is the option that you would choose.
David ********
David ********
OP
@Brandon ***********
thank you very much!
Brandon ************
Brandon ************
@David *******
Make sure you understand the differences between the various retirement visas though. As if your mother will be in Thailand for longer than 90 days, getting the extension based on the non-O visa requires 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account. Whereas the Non-OA will give her up to 2 years in Thailand without needing any money in a Thai bank account. But the insurance is mandatory at that point.

It's basically insurance for emergencies, or showing money in the bank for emergencies, so that the Thai authorities are satisfied you will not become their problem.,
Dca *****
Dca *****
@David *******
if your wife is technologically inclined and has a current Thai ID card, then could try to see if her Thai documents are online and obtain copies via the ThaiD app (all free and relatively easy to use)!

>
************************************************************
**********
*****
*****
*****
/
Sasi ************
Sasi ************
@David *******
There’s time until your moving date to get her Thai passport renewed. NA and LA, CA are just distance away, take her there and get it done. Or used her US passport to go to Thailand and get it done once over there. The fees are pretty much the same.

My two children were in the similar situation; been here since a young age and visiting when they were older. I’m familiar with the situation.
David ********
David ********
OP
@Sasi ***********
I think we will wait until in Thailand to get the document ourselves. Thank you for the clarification.
Sasi ************
Sasi ************
@Dca ****
The new law; requires the POA to be stamped by consulate or embassy if the person is overseas. That’s my อำเภอ telling me and asked for when I tried to get my daughter’s household registered.

Don’t ask don’t tell policy is best.
Dca *****
Dca *****
@David *******
Also, you or or wife (preferably your Thai wife) can fill out a Power of Attorney (POA) and have anyone pick up a Thai or English copy of your Thai Marriage Certificate at a District (เขต/อำเภอ) Office as well if not in Thailand....
David ********
David ********
OP
@Dca ****
thank you. We were married in Bangkok in 2003.
Dca *****
Dca *****
@David *******
Can easily get both a Thai and English copy of your Thai Marriage Certificate at the District Office (เขต/อำเภอ) where you were married or at any District Office actually
David ********
David ********
OP
@Brandon ***********
yes, the money in the bank is not a problem. We are selling the house in Nevada which will give plenty of money for various accounts. Plus she has her social security and retirement income from an old employer.

My wife and I lost our (pink) original marriage certificate from Thailand although we have other documentation. Is this going to be an issue for me getting a married to a Thai visa? And my daughter's Thai passport? My daughter was born in Thailand and we have a Thai passport from when she was a baby but we left fornthe USA when she was 2 years old. She is 19 now.
Bobby *******
Bobby *******
Non O for retirement doesn’t require health insurance only the OA visa

Activity

20 joined
David ********
David ********
David ********
David ********
David ********
David ********
20
people
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
...members60% approval
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
What are the steps and tips for applying for a DTV visa through Muay Thai in Thailand?
1.7k505mo
What is the correct process for transitioning from a DTV visa to a Non-O immigrant visa in Thailand?
736566mo
What are the best health insurance options for expats in Thailand?
10.2k801308mo
Does the money for a Thai retirement visa need to be in a Thai bank account or is a UK bank acceptable?
3.3k22371y
Has Thailand scrapped the Non-O visa for retirees?
569191y
What are the requirements and process for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand while on a 30-day visa?
6.9k67451y
What health insurance do I need for a Non-O visa in Thailand?
3.5k28311y
How does US Medicare Advantage coverage work for medical expenses incurred in Thailand?
5.8k45572y
What are the requirements for applying for a Non-O visa in Thailand based on retirement, particularly regarding bank funds?
2.5k20182y
What is the correct process for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand as a New Zealand citizen?
1.3k982y
Do married British couples need 800,000 THB each in a Thai bank for retirement visas?
5.1k45403y
Do you need insurance before entering Thailand on a Non-O visa based on family?
553133y
What are the requirements for extending OA and Non-O visas for a second year in Thailand?
2.4k19204y
Can I obtain a Non-Immigrant O visa in Thailand by showing monthly deposits instead of a lump sum?
2.1k16164y
What are the requirements for obtaining an OA visa for Thailand, and is a criminal record check necessary?
3.7k31304y
Is it easier to apply for a retirement visa in the UK or Thailand?
7.9k66824y
Is health insurance a mandatory requirement for US citizens applying for a Non-O visa to Thailand?
818434y
What are the cheapest health insurance options for an O-A visa in Thailand?
3.8k35204y
What are my options for obtaining a 90-day Thai visa and health insurance as a 72-year-old expat?
1.3k5205y
Does a retirement visa in Thailand allow for multiple entries and if so, how many?
4.3k34395y
What are the insurance requirements for a Non-O visa regarding COVID coverage?
94885y
Is health insurance mandatory for renewing a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand, and what are the renewal and financial requirements?
1.3k5195y
What is the purpose of the new 300 baht fee for entering Thailand and do I need health insurance to enter?
10.9k103865y
Do I need health insurance to re-enter Thailand with a non-O-A retirement extension?
2k15176y
What does the latter part of point 3 about Thai retirement visa financial requirements mean?
2.1k9366y

Resources

Need help with your retirement visa?