Hit a big snag when doing E-visa..I'm 70 years old.
Been passed good to travel
By Doctors... this is where problems start.
Because I've had Major operations no insurance company wants to know me.
They all push me to Insurance Brokers who want a arm and leg... I'm applying for non immigrant OA..
It's asking for insurance policies..any way around insurance.. have funds to cover my self..plus the money you need for Bank.
Am I looking at wrong visa
Is there a better option.
Have home but can't live in it.
PS.. in Thai Girlfriend name
Thanks..
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The forum discusses challenges faced by an expat over 70 years old in obtaining a Non-OA visa for Thailand due to high insurance costs associated with pre-existing conditions. Several community members advise that the Non-O visa does not require health insurance, unlike the Non-OA visa. Recommendations include applying for the Non-O visa, which necessitates an 800,000 baht deposit in a Thai bank but is more straightforward without the need for insurance. There are mentions of alternative options like the Elite visa that may be more beneficial. The conversation underscores the need for clarity on specific requirements and potential pitfalls when applying for these visas.
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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Was to do OA Visa extensions because of the insurance.
That is why I decided to go the Non O.
Sorry.
I changed from OA to Non late last year 2024.
I had to go to Cambodia without a re entry permit.
And return to Thailand on a 60 days.
Immigration Officer at Kap Cheong and Surin were fantastic in the help they gave me.
Reply to
Les ***********
Reply
Yorick ******
AA Insurance Brokers can help you find the cheapest visa insurance on the market! Visit one of our offices or reach out to us at
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and of the insurance specialists will get back to you!
Martyn *******
I do not have a retirement visa but am 73, try a company called mr Prakan. Alternatively there is a website in Thailand for health insurance, canât remember the name but will look it up for you. Btw if you apply when in Thailand the insurance requirement in unnecessary I am led to believe.
Rok ********
The only way around is non-o which does not require insurance. Even with no pre-existing conditions the Non-OA was so complicated i opted for non-o instead (even insurance agent advised me so).
yes, let them know you want the multiple entry permit as well. You will be given the price for the 90 day Non O + the one year extension + multi entry permitđ
once you get your "1-year Extension of the Stay Permit based on Retirement" inked, you can buy a multiple re-entry permit for this one-year stay permit. for 3800 THB
WR Life have specifically designed policies for people over 60.
Gregory ********
Non O visaâno insurance needed
Can get insuranceâjust will have exclusionsâthey dont check that
Homeâin Thai nameâwhy say cannot live inâyou can get a usufruct for 30 yearsâthat means you dont own ,but have the use of the property for next 30 years
Ken ********
Not sure if this still applies but at one time a little while back the banks and insurance companies made you buy a one year ins policy (5000bht) when you opened a new account not sure if it still applies?
but you need to have a contract with before you turn 70 years old, only then it remains renewable every year until you are 99 years old. However the premium will be higher and higher, the older you get!
Donât worry too much! I learned it the hard way when private hospital Bangkok hospital took me to Police station with 3 insurance policies n one of them with direct billing agreement. For newcomers they only want the sheiks etc. In that league who do not need insurance. Government hospitals r inexpensive n lots of private specialists clinics charging around 1,000 baht per visit. If you cannot purchase insurance just start learning government hospital system n have a Thai to come with you at the beginning n you will be fine.
Stuart ***********
You are applying for the wrong visa in your circumstances. Choose the non O (not OA) on the Thai Embassy website, then you do not need health insurance or criminal checks. Good luck.
Paul ***************
Apply for Non O visa , 90 days, open bank account , than get the year extension .
Anna *********
Try non O visa
John ********
Travel to Thailand and apply for the Non O when you arrive, but you need to deposit 800,000 thb in a Thai bank but no health insurance.
to apply for the non O inside Thailand you need 800,000 in a Thai bank and it's virtually impossible to open an account on a tourist visa. The method you are suggesting used to be possible, but the banks have cracked down on this now, so it's virtually impossible. Much easier to get the non O before coming to Thailand.
in that case open a bank account with your OA then on renewal just change to a NON-O in person at the immigration office. You will only need to hold the life insurance for the 1st year
you cannot change from the O/A to an O extension inside Thailand, and the required insurance for an O/A visa is not a life insurance, but a health insurance. At age 70 with pre-existing conditions impossible to get
non O is not a tourist visa. It is an immigrant visa. The 'O' stands for 'other', so it used for a few purposes, but it covers things like retirement and marriage. It is the best choice for you. Most people retiring to Thailand use this visa type.
non O the one that says for no longer than 90 days. You enter with that visa then open a bank account, deposit 800k baht and then apply for one year extensions of stay ad infinitum.