Ask question

This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What are the health insurance requirements for a retirement visa in Thailand, and how can I open a Thai bank account from my home country?

Retirement Visa Thailand Non-O Visa Non-OA Visa Health Insurance Thailand Thai Bank Account Expat in Thailand Visa Requirements

Sep 9, 2025

4 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Im uk based applying for retirement visa. AXA quoted  £2600-3800 for global health insurance with £250k - £1M in patient cover . No excess not pre existing health single mid 50s. Seems high for visa requirements . Any advice. Also if you apply from home country how do you open Thai bank account?

2,167

views

4

likes

50

all likes

20

replies

0

images

13

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The user, based in the UK, is applying for a retirement visa in Thailand and has received high insurance quotes for global health insurance. They seek advice on insurance costs and how to open a Thai bank account from their home country. Comments reveal that the Non-O visa does not have mandatory insurance requirements, unlike the Non-OA visa, which often necessitates specific insurance coverage. Many suggest opting for local insurance in Thailand rather than international plans due to lower costs and better suitability. Additionally, it is possible to open a Thai bank account after arriving in Thailand.

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.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Pelle Eriksson

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Retirement Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Steve *******

Just go for insurance in Thailand, not worldwide.

Maybe speak to an Agent.

I’m using AA Insurance and their quotes are a lot cheaper, and i’m 66.

Like

Reply

Tony ******

Look at khon ken Den YouTube channel. Latest video he’s in hospital & tells about his insurance. Hope it helps (hope it’s ok for me to mention it admin 😎🙏🙏)

Like

Reply

George *******

I came over here and ended up having 90 day tourist visa. got all the retirement Visa and everything sorted while I was here including the bank account.

It's entirely up to you but it seems £300 per month is quite a lot of money. Personally if you're healthy I would put the £300 a month into a separate bank account and self-insure you can always use the 800,000 deposit in your bank account for any big bills as long as it is is replenished by end of renewal.

Like

Reply

Molly *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

you cant open bank account on tourist visa?

Like

Reply

Dave *******

just get agent easy

Like

Reply

Eric **********

NO !!!!

Like

Reply

Reply to

Eric **********

Reply

Grant *********

Ive looked to at insurance thru cigna. quoted &4200-4800 AUD. I still cant work out how much cover I need even thru a broker and thai insurance. Any help appreciated

Like

Reply

Jesper *******

Get a nonO instead of nonOA travel to thailand and get local insurance

Like

Reply

Peter *******

What do you need global coverage for? Your planning on living in Thailand.

Like

Reply

Om ********************

Man do not come to thailand now they eat your money very fast

Like

Reply

Ling *****

@Om *******************

best place on earth.

Like

Reply

Om ********************

40 millions thai people has no money no income no job no future

Like

Reply

Reply to

Om ********************

Reply

Pertti *************

@Om *******************

here is very affordable live👍

Like

Reply

Reply to

Pertti *************

Reply

Michael ********

If OA then look for the list of Thai approved providers, unless you need global coverage. Big difference in cost with global coverage when you take countries like the US out of the quote

Like

Reply

Paul ********

I have my non o from application in the uk and you don’t need insurance

Like

Reply

Molly *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

you only have one entry on an non of?

Like

Reply

Greg ***********

you enter on a Non-O, visa fee is 60 GBP, you get 90 days stay permit stamped, then transfer 800,000 THB onto your freshly opened Thai bank account and apply for the "1-year extended stay permit" after the money has sat in your account for 2 months. For this 1-year stay permit you buy a multi re-entry permit for 3800 Baht and you can exit and re-enter for unlimited times. NO mandatory health insurance required, NO police record required, No doctor health check required . . . . AND, don't forget, after the 2 years you can max out of a Non-O/A visa, you need to buy a private Thai health insurance, because Thai Immigration will not accept a foreign insurance any more

Like

Reply

Tim **********

@Greg **********

spot on

Like

Reply

Reply to

Tim **********

Reply

Paul ********

you apply for it when you get here and get a multi entry

Like

Reply

Reply to

Paul ********

Reply

Stuart *********

There are no mandatory insurance requirements for a Non O visa based on being over 50.

Perhaps you are applying for a Non OA visa which does have that requirement as well as health check and police check.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Stuart *********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What insurance options are recommended for retirees in Thailand on a Non-O Visa?

8 comments

2 months ago

What are some affordable health insurance options in Thailand for retirees?

29 comments

3 months ago

What are my options for health insurance with a Non-OA visa in Thailand considering my medical conditions?

3 comments

5 months ago

What are the options for obtaining long-term visas to Thailand with a pre-existing condition and insurance challenges?

22 comments

9 months ago

What are the visa options for U.K. citizens retiring in Thailand while maintaining funds in the U.K.?

8 comments

10 months ago

What is the best plan for opening a Thai bank account and transitioning to a retirement visa upon my return to Thailand?

33 comments

a year ago

What health insurance options should I consider to extend my visa in Thailand?

9 comments

a year ago

Is it better to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand or from the UK, and how should I manage my funds?

19 comments

a year ago

What steps should I take to obtain a retirement visa and open a bank account in Thailand upon arrival?

21 comments

a year ago

What are the requirements and best strategies for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand?

47 comments

2 years ago

What are the best visa options and health insurance solutions for retirees living in Thailand?

30 comments

2 years ago

What is the cheapest insurance provider for a Non Imm O-A long stay visa in Thailand?

92 comments

2 years ago

What challenges should I expect when applying for a Non-O visa for retirement in Thailand from the UK?

41 comments

2 years ago

What are the best visa options for a 67-year-old UK expat considering health insurance challenges in Thailand?

72 comments

2 years ago

What are the requirements and options for obtaining a retirement visa (OA) in Thailand from Australia or upon arrival?

24 comments

3 years ago

What is the best Thai Visa and health insurance for an expat retiring in Thailand with diabetes type 2?

13 comments

3 years ago

What are the requirements and recommendations for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand for expats over 50?

25 comments

3 years ago

Should I apply for a retirement (Non-O) visa in the UK or Thailand, and what are the necessary requirements?

42 comments

3 years ago

What health insurance options are suitable for a 67-year-old moving to Thailand on a retirement visa?

17 comments

3 years ago

What are the best health insurance options for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand?

26 comments

3 years ago

Can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand after arriving with a tourist visa?

10 comments

3 years ago

Is it easier to apply for a retirement visa in the UK or Thailand?

66 comments

3 years ago

Is it better to apply for a 3-month Non-O retirement visa from the UK or Thailand?

63 comments

4 years ago

What are the requirements for obtaining a Non-OA visa and how can I get insurance in Thailand?

26 comments

4 years ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?

7 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?

9 comments

a month ago

What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?

21 comments

a month ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?

16 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?

8 comments

a month ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.