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What are the health insurance requirements for a retirement visa in Thailand, and what alternatives are available?

Retirement Visa Health Insurance NON-O Visa NON-OA Visa Health Insurance Options Expat Health Insurance

Sep 24, 2025

2 days ago

Eyal ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi

As I apply for a retirement visa I understand that the cost of the health insurance the Thai embassy want is very high. Something between 60000 Bhat to 80000 Bhat yearly.

Is that so? 

Do you have maybe other options? 

Thank for your advice 

Eyal

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Eyal inquired about the high costs of health insurance (60,000 to 80,000 Baht annually) required for the retirement visa in Thailand. The community responded with various insights, stating that the NON-O visa does not require insurance, while the NON-OA visa does. Suggestions for alternative, more affordable insurance plans, such as AXA and other international expat options, were also provided. Factors like age and pre-existing conditions were mentioned as influential on insurance costs.

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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Ashley **********

Yes, the embassy-approved health insurance for retirement visas in Thailand can be pricey. But there are other international expat plans that often work out to be more flexible and affordable.You can check them out at www. healthcovernow. com

a day ago

Tabby ***************

It depends on your age, the AXA policy for OA visa is around 7 to 12K for someone in early/mid 50’s depending on your choice of deductible, for someone in late 60’s between 20 and 40K. You can get a price online directly from AXA, here is the link, no need to go through a broker.

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2 days ago

Samuel *******

It depends on a few factors, age, BMI, pre-existing conditions, what level of annual cover you would like, best to speak to a broker who can assist navigating this. Tenzing are very knowledgeable and helpful, you can request quotes here:

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2 days ago

Jesper *******

Apply nonO (doesnt require insurance) fly to thailand and get local insurance

2 days ago

Dan *************

Have you looked at AXA insurance specifically for the OA or OX visa? Should be under 35K Baht per year

2 days ago

Ashley **********

Yes, the embassy-approved health insurance for retirement visas in Thailand can be pricey. But there are other international expat plans that often work out to be more flexible and affordable.

2 days ago

Ashley **********

A broker I used was really helpful with this. You can check them out at

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2 days ago

Reply to

Ashley **********

Brandon ************

Apply for the non-O visa. There is no insurance requirement.

It's the non-OA that requires insurance.

2 days ago

Eyal ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

what the main thank you difference between them?

2 days ago

Brandon ************

@Eyal *******

non-O is a 90 day single entry visa. You use it to enter Thailand and it gives you just enough time to open a Thai bank account and prepare yourself to apply for the 1-year extension.

Non-OA is a one year multiple entry visa. You get a 1-year stamp every time you enter Thailand until the visa expires. But you're required to go through a much more thorough visa application process including medical check and criminal history check. You'll also be required to have mandatory health insurance to enter Thailand and for the rest of your life in Thailand if you choose the extend based on this visa.

2 days ago

Dan *******

@Brandon ***********

hey When you say criminal check , what if not been in trouble with the police in 15 years, but had a few minor things before hand? Drink drive 👀

2 days ago

John ***********

@Dan ******

Drink drive unless recent will not get a mention and would not affect your ability to get a visa. Driving offences in general are not regarded as criminal offences.

2 days ago

Gerg **********

@Dan ******

They’re looking for felonies, not minor misdemeanors.

2 days ago

Brandon ************

@Dan ******

don't know what the embassy is looking for. But 99.9% of people want the non-O so it doesn't matter to most

2 days ago

Eyal ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********