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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 Health Insurance Requirements Long-term Stay in Thailand Visa Options for Expats

Sep 8, 2025

2 days 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 inquires about visa options for themselves and their husband, intending to stay in Thailand for at least a year, potentially more. They meet the income requirement for a Non-O retirement visa but are concerned about health insurance for their husband, who is over 65. Comments suggest that obtaining Non-O visas for both may be best since it doesn't require health insurance; additionally, the LTR visa is recommended as an easier option. The DTV visa is mentioned but noted that it doesn't allow for bank account openings.

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Valerie *******

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

2 days ago

James ********

@Valerie ******

Yes

15 hours ago

Reply to

James ********

Dwight ********

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

2 days ago

James ********

@Dwight *******

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

15 hours ago

Reply to

James ********

Vin *********

Cannot open a bank account with DTV.

2 days ago

James ********

@Vin ********

correct ✅

15 hours ago

Reply to

James ********

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

2 days ago

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.

11 hours ago

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.

14 hours ago

Reply to

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.

2 days ago

Heather ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

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?

2 days ago

James ********

@Heather *******

@Tod ********

has your correct answer.

2 days ago

John **********

@Heather *******

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

2 days ago

James ********

@John *********

correct ✅

2 days ago

Reply to

James ********

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

2 days ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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