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What are the health insurance requirements for an O-A visa holder entering Thailand?
Nov 13, 2019
6 years ago
Geoff *******
ORIGINAL POSTERFor what it's worth, I explained to the London Embassy that I am on an O-A visa which expires in Aug 20 but that I only use for 90 day visits, for which I buy travel insurance for each trip. It would be pointless for me to buy annual health insurance under such circumstances. They replied, 'you can use 90 days insurance until your O-A visa expired then apply for non-O'. Whether the IO at the airport takes this view remains to be seen.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the health insurance requirements for travelers holding an O-A visa for Thailand and their experiences with the London Embassy regarding the necessity of travel insurance versus annual health insurance. Some users suggest that travel insurance may suffice for 90-day visits while others express concerns that these insurance policies might not be accepted upon entry. There are also discussions around maintaining the O-A visa or switching to a Non-O visa based on personal circumstances.
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Robert *******
just to give an option. If you only like to visit Thailand for trips of maximum 90 days, you can apply for the Single Entry Non Immigrant O Visa based on being over 50 years which gives you 90 days of stay at entry. Or for the Tourist visa which gives 60 days and you can apply for a 30 day Extension of Stay. The only question what comes to mind is how many of these 90 day trips are you going to make in a year. Multiple entries with tourist via or multiple single entry Non Immigrant O visa could raise questions about the correct visa at immigration on entry
Geoff *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert ******
With hindsight, what you say makes sense. However, when I bought my O-A, there was no mention of health insurance being required. Previously, I used a Non O which involved a separate application every time I wanted to come to Thailand for 90 days. The O-A offered a means of only applying every two years, for an unlimited number of trips, which made sense at the time. What does not make sense is buying an annual health insurance for a 90 day trip, when travel insurance provides adequate medical coverage for 90 days. What the Embassy are suggesting is a way of getting by until my O-A expires and I can then apply for a Non O again.Reply to
Geoff *******
Reply
Ron *******
I still want to know how you get an O-A visa in London without Thai insurance if you cannot get the certificate signed? No matter what London say on the phone, I don't see them accepting travel insurance, mark the annotation on the visa and it being accepted on arrival in Thailand.
Ron *******
@Reiner ********
I was referring to the posters from the UK suggesting travel insurance.Reiner *********
Ron *******
London make no mention of even accepting anything other than a Thai insurance policy any longer. They have deleted the referral they once made to it.
Copy of evidence stating that applicants have insurance as stipulated by the Office of Insurance Commission and health insurance of Thailand which has insurance coverage for outpatient not less than 40,000 Baht and for inpatient not less than 400,000 Baht. Please check <
Financial evidence showing monthly income of not less than 65,000 THB (approx. £1,625) or having the current balance of 800,000 THB (approx. £20,000), e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings, for at least 1 month
If you wish to be accompanied by spouse, the marriage certificate will be attached. But your spouse will be granted Non-Immigrant “O” instead of “O-A”(Long Stay)
Copy of evidence stating that applicants have insurance as stipulated by the Office of Insurance Commission and health insurance of Thailand which has insurance coverage for outpatient not less than 40,000 Baht and for inpatient not less than 400,000 Baht. Please check <
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> for more information regarding the insurance requirement. It is recommended that applicants buy insurance policies from the companies listed in this website, and bring a copy of insurance certificate or policy with them when travelling to Thailand.Financial evidence showing monthly income of not less than 65,000 THB (approx. £1,625) or having the current balance of 800,000 THB (approx. £20,000), e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings, for at least 1 month
If you wish to be accompanied by spouse, the marriage certificate will be attached. But your spouse will be granted Non-Immigrant “O” instead of “O-A”(Long Stay)
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-Non-Immigrant-visas.html#7James ********
@Ron ******
agreed.Reply to
James ********
Reply
Reiner *********
I know a lot of " friends " living here ...without any ...and if it comes to an accident they ask FB for a donation ..... Crazy idea of a holiday or even for a year ...
Secure yourselves
Secure yourselves
Reiner *********
@Stuart ********
well....I use glasses ...but it is like it is...HE don't want to buy one because he don't stay more then 90 days.....so he should change his Visa to a simple Tourist Visa 60+ 30 and he don't need one....which point I missed ?Reply to
Reiner *********
Reply
Reiner *********
Of course you have to have an insurance which covers all in thailand ...I don't understand such crazy questions....because it does not matter ...if your visa is for one year ..show the requirements...or stay...in London....why so many people aske for a " lope whole " to fulfill ....A Thai should try to get a visa in the UK without an insurance .....NEVER ...
Bobby ********
Agree with
@James *******
. It seems it'll be a bumpy ride until it all settles down. I think you'll be ok until your visa expires and when you either apply for a new one, or an extension, then you'll have to get the health insurance. From all accounts travel insurance will not cut the ice which is a bummer, but that's life. I daresay you'll be able to take out twelve months health insurance, and then cancel when you leave and get a refund. Then kick it off again when you come back in. That might work. We'll see in the next few months. I got back in safely two days ago with no problems at all. My next trip out isn't until February and that's to get the twelve month stamp back in, so that'll be interestingGeoff *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bobby *******
The London Embassy seemed to say that travel insurance would be ok for 90 days. I specifically asked about that.Robert *******
i deleted my comment. I remember Toon Bodyslam, he will run again to collect money and pay hospital bills.
Bobby ********
@Robert ******
. I haven't got a clue what you're talking about. Have another read what I said.Reply to
Bobby ********
Reply
James ********
And I suggest you take a breather...lets see how this plays out in coming months.
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7James ********
You will need to deposit 800,000 Thai baht in a Thai bank to extend a Non O visa in Thailand.
If you do not you are at risk at a future arrival of being denied entry due to many entries and exits yearly.
Study your options carefully.
If you do not you are at risk at a future arrival of being denied entry due to many entries and exits yearly.
Study your options carefully.
Ron *******
Non-Immigrant Type O (Retirement (pensioner aged 50 or above with a state pension who wants to stay in Thailand for no longer than 90 days) - single entry only)
Financial evidence e.g. A copy of pension statement if the applicant is a pensioner, or a copy of 1-month bank statement showing your income from pension, or 3-month bank statement of at least £10,000
Confirmation of legal residence in the UK or Ireland
Financial evidence e.g. A copy of pension statement if the applicant is a pensioner, or a copy of 1-month bank statement showing your income from pension, or 3-month bank statement of at least £10,000
Confirmation of legal residence in the UK or Ireland
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-Non-Immigrant-visas.html#6James ********
@Geoff ******
and I don't believe you will be able to use Non O as visa to gain access to Thailand many times...Thai Immigration will question it...IMHOHow many times do you come to Thailand in a year? And for how long each time? I think you said three months at a time.
Ron *******
@James *******
no. The UK only issue single entry Non O visas now. You need to show bank accounts in the UK with a minimum of £10,000 sterling. If its 1 month or 3 months of accounts, it depends on what you use as financial evidence.James ********
Geoff Nolan but the Non O is ONLY for 3 months...
Lets confirm...
Does UK grant Non O for retirement for 90 days with extension to be done in Thailand and be subject to the financial requirements of money in Thai bank ??
Will they grant Non O for 12 months?
I think not...but...
Lets confirm...
@Tod ********
... @Ron ******
...Does UK grant Non O for retirement for 90 days with extension to be done in Thailand and be subject to the financial requirements of money in Thai bank ??
Will they grant Non O for 12 months?
I think not...but...
Geoff *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
My plan would be to return to UK and apply for a Non O, once my O-A can no longer be used.Reply to
Geoff *******
Reply
Stuart *********
It’s beginning to look like pre October 31st OA’s are being treated differently to those post 31st and new extensions linked to an original OA. This seems appropriate. Let’s hope the reports of being only stamped in for 30 days and being told to sort out getting insurance at BKK were just teething troubles. Fingers crossed 🤞
Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
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