What are my visa options for living in Thailand with health issues and no health insurance?

Dec 3, 2019
5 years ago
Gordon *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I think my plan for another O Non Immigrant multi entry is up the swanee with the new Health Insurance. Been doing it for many years but looks like no more. I'm 74 with Leukaemia so even although they have all refused me on age the Leukaemia was the last straw. Because of my health I spend the UK cold months in Thailand normally Sept-April with a break home for Xmas with the family in December at which time I also renewed my Visa. I then spend summer in the UK before returning again to Thailand in the Autumn. Any advice on what is the best visa or plan for me which would fit in with my needs. I had everything needed for the O-A except the Health.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
An expat facing challenges with health insurance requirements for an O-A visa due to age and leukemia seeks advice on suitable visa options for long-term stays in Thailand without insurance. Community suggestions include obtaining a Non-O single entry visa with pension proof, a multi-entry tourist visa, or an education visa, depending on personal circumstances and financial ability.
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James ********
Good Luck Gordon. We hope you obtain a visa to Thailand. Commenting Closed.
Rowan *********
Not a long term solution, but you could get an education visa to learn Thai for 8 months of the year, or ether a multiple entry tourist visa.... Anyway, very sorry to hear about your situation, sadly there are now many other people in a similar situation to you. best of luck
Patrick ********
Single entry for 60 days..
Wayne **********
I would suggest that with his health issues Gordon is not likely to be engaging in border runs. Your file at Immigration may also have been flagged as a cancer sufferer, so that also needs consideration. Not sure if they do that but would be surprised they did not. So the only real answer will be a tourist visa initially to get the income threshold of pension and deposits accumulated at THB800K, then have another go at a "O" visa next trip around, with multiple entries. Can a moderator advise if there is a time limit placed on "O" visa holders for time spent in-country and out-country?
Benjamin ******
To my knowledge, a person can get Non-O visas back-to-back-to-back as often as they qualify for it.
James ********
@Wayne *********
I doubt seriously your flagging comment by Thai Immigration. Where did you dream that up?

No reply needed.

Lets try to assist the OP, not frighten him with an unfounded claim.
Ron *******
That single entry Non O London will issue with no financials just by being over 65 and showing a UK state pension is a saving grace for some people. I don't know of anywhere else that will issue one on that basis.
Ron *******
If the 800,000 isn't available, then a single entry non O from the UK by showing a state pension will give 3 months. Then a SETV from somewhere in the region plus a 30 day extension then a border hop will more or less cover the period he wants from Sept until April.
Tod *********
Without you getting health insurance you're not going to get a new O-A visa from the consulate in your country and you wouldn't get a yearly extension from the O-A visa you have inside the country either.

I'd say see if you can get a 90 day single entry Non-O while you're back home then come here and get the yearly extension by showing 800K baht in the bank here. That won't require insurance..
Eze ********
If you're not able (or willing) to buy insurance then...

You could try getting a single entry Non O for each half of your trip. However, they currently require £10,000 in the bank for 3 months before the application.

The METV James suggested is another option. Each entry gives you 60 days after which you would need to do a visa run or extend for 30 days at immigration.

They require £5,000 in the bank for six months before the application. They also require a letter from your employer but I have heard (but not verified) that they will accept pension letters as well.

Finally you could get a 60 day tourist visa on each side of your trip and extend it at immigration for 30 days or do a visa run and come back visa exempt.

I'm not sure if there are any other options for you.
James ********
@Ron ******
any suggestions for this UK expat?
Carl ***********
Been to do TM.30 at immigration I asked about insurance then changed my mind just in case they said I had none!
Geoff *******
I do the exact same timings. The single entry O, from the London Embassy, worked for me with 90 day stints in Thailand. I tried to be smart and get a multi O-A to save on applications but the insurance requirement will put paid to that.
Carl ***********
It looks to me like the new Thai rules are going to effect many people here who have families wives etc etc, such a shame for people here
Gordon *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks James I think I might go for that one as I want to fly back for New Year with my friends
Gordon *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I'm reading up on your idea. I have always had to do 90 day visa runs which I actually enjoy doing. That one looks as if it will cover me until I normally leave around the end of April and at least get me in and a chance to chat to Immigration.
James ********
How about getting a Multientry Tourist Visa...will get you 6 up to 9 months in Thailand...with planning. No 800,00 Thai baht in a Thai bank required.
Ed ********
At the moment you only need the Health Insurance for the OA not for the O
James ********
@Ed *******
but he does not have the $$$ to get an Extension of Stay in Thailand
James ********
FYI...Pacific Cross issues Thai Health insurance to age 75. And will rider/exclude coverage benefits for preexisting conditions like you have. Look at their policy with high deductible of up to 300,000 Thai baht....it will reduce annual premium by about 50%.
Hettie *******
which health insurance wil cover you age 75 and older James?
James ********
Are you Married to a Thai?
Peter ****************
Or the 12 x 65k for the last 12 months on a Thai bank from abroad ?
Gordon *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
No to both the above questions
James ********
Do you have the 800,000 Thai baht needed to meet requirements...deposit into a Thai bank get a Retirement visa and extension in Thailand?
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