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What are the best visa options for retirees over 50 planning to stay in Thailand for an extended period?

Non-O Retirement Visa DTV Visa Visa Options for Expats Health Insurance Requirements Bank Account Opening in Thailand LTR Visa Thai Immigration Rules

Sep 8, 2025

2 months ago

Heather ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi! 

My husband and I were planning to spend at least a year in Thailand, hopefully more- could be > 5 years if it works out that way. 

We are both over 50 and can meet the income requirement for the Non-O retirement visa. I should hopefully have no issues getting health insurance as I am about a decade younger (under 60) with no health issues, but my husband is > 65 (no major issues either except a touch overweight and mild HTN which I can see can lead to a possible denial).

We can certainly keep money aside to self insure. I see expats all the time saying they self insure, but this does not appear to be an option for any Visa except the Elite or the DTV. .

Should I get a non-O retirement and hubby the DTV or is there a better option IF insurance is prohibitive? Would like to be able to open a bank account, and that's iffy right now on DTV.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking advice on visa options for themselves and their husband, considering they plan to stay in Thailand for at least a year, potentially longer. They meet income requirements for the Non-O retirement visa, but their husband's health may complicate insurance procurement. The discussion highlights that the Non-O visa doesn't require health insurance for retirees, allowing them to open a Thai bank account. Alternatives like the DTV visa and METV tourist visa are mentioned, with the latter providing a simpler entry option for uncertain long-term plans. The LTR visa is also suggested as an easier criteria alternative.

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Valerie *******

Do you still get 60 days on entry with a UK passport?

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James ********

@Valerie ******

Yes

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James ********

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Dwight ********

Look at the LTR visa criteria. So much easier than the retirement extension of stay.

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James ********

@Dwight *******

IF they meet the requirements for the LTR Visa...a great option.

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James ********

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Vin *********

Cannot open a bank account with DTV.

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James ********

correct ✅

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James ********

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Russell ********

Its the OA visa that needs health insurance. A Non O ( ' retirement') needs banked funds or a guaranteed monthly income into a Thai bank

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James ********

@Russell *******

the banked funds to obtain the Non O Visa as a retiree in your home country does not require having it in a Thai bank account. Your home country bank accounts can qualify for the initial Non O Visa.

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James ********

@Russell *******

banked funds to obtain the one year extension of stay as retired. The monthly option is ONLY available in the second year. Be sure to carefully meet the requirements for both the first extension and second one too.

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James ********

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James ********

Suggest each of you obtain the Non O Visa for retirement from the Thai Embassy or Consulate where you live in the USA.

There is no health insurance required to get the Non O Visa as a retiree.

Then when you arrive into Thailand, with the Non O Visa, a Thai bank account can be opened. Fund it according to the requirements for the one year extension of stay as retired.

IF you are not sure that you really want to stay long term in Thailand, suggest you get a METV multiple entry tourist visa, which with planning can get you up to 9 months stay in Thailand.

Or both of you obtain the DTV visa with a soft power activity. There is several which may be suited for your interests. The DTV visa will not get you a Thai bank account. So it's important to keep active in any bank accounts you have in the USA.

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Heather ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

so the one year o Visa does not require it? The e-Visa site still lists it as required under one year, just not on the 90 day. Is it different because we'd get the 90 day, get the bank account and then get the one year extension?

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James ********

@Heather *******

has your correct answer.

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John **********

@Heather *******

Yes, the 90 day Non-O has no insurance requirement

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James ********

@John *********

correct ✅

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James ********

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Tod *********

@Heather *******

there is no mandatory health insurance requirement for a year extension from Non-Immigrant Type O visa. That insurance is only required on Type OA and the LTR visas

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Tod *********

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