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What are the new health insurance requirements for O-A visas in Thailand?

O-A VisaHealth Insurance RequirementsVisa ExtensionsThai ImmigrationExpatRetirement VisaNon-O VisaVisas for Expats in ThailandInsurance Compliance
Oct 9, 2019
5 years ago
James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Fellow Members.

PLEASE USE THIS POST FOR ALL QUESTIONS AND YOUR POSTINGS ABOUT NEW HEALTH INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR O-A Visas.

IF you have an O visa with annual Extension of Stay...for retirement... it DOES NOT AFFECT YOU.

IF you have an O-A with which you entered Thailand on for retirement...

and want to Extend it INSIDE THAILAND for an added year in Thailand...YOU NEED TO MEET the NEW REQUIREMENTS

You can return to your home country and make a new O-A visa application every two years...and must meet the health insurance requirement by either providing proof of health insurance using the an approved form OR by purchasing a plan approved by Thailand.

Or you can begin the retirement process over again by obtaining an O Visa ...converting it to an annual Extension of Stay by meeting the financial requirements for it inside Thailand.

And as there are 70+ Thai Immigration offices ...

PLEASE Ask your local office for their requirements.

Thank you.

Thai Immigration has posted the NEW HEALTH INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS for the O-A Visa.

The O-A Visa is ONLY available in your HOME COUNTRY.....NOT available in Thailand.

This does NOT APPLY to those on Age 50+ Extension of Stay for retirement.

Nor does it apply to those who obtain a Non O Visa as step to conversion from an entry visa or status you may have.

[members only]

A National Press Conference will ve held at 2:00pm Wednesday October 9 to introduce the new requirement.

At this time we are seeking and awaiting further information on this NEW health insurance requirement.

Therefore...we are CLOSING COMMENT until further details are known.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

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UPDATE..Thursday October 10th

Though not yet seen on Thai Embassy Websites in home countries, I have found this NEW FORM...I share it with you for whatever its worth....

We are watching foreign Thai Embassy websites ...yet no changes seen.

But if you do have health insurance which covers you in Thailand as well as home country it appears it will meet the requirement.

A form for this health insurance certificate of coverage does appear on the Thai website which does now sell the O-X health insurance...with O-A now added.

See the new Overseas Health Insurance Certificate here....

[members only]

Click on O -A health insurance...

And click on DOWNLOAD OVERSEAS HEALTH INSURANCE CERTIFICATE.

Again...We will watch for added developments and will post as known.

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The top section is in Thai...

Scroll down to read English.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
This post discusses the new health insurance requirements for O-A visas in Thailand, effective October 31, 2019. It clarifies that those on an O-A visa needing to extend their stay in Thailand must show proof of health insurance. The post specifies exemptions, such as for holders of O visas with annual extensions for retirement, who are not affected by these requirements. It details application procedures, insurance compliance, and the necessity of consulting local immigration offices for exact requirements.
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.
James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
And we are done for tonight. Good night Thailand.

Commenting closed until Friday morning.
5 years ago
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Ron *******
The more I look at this, the more I think I'm understanding that foreign sourced international health insurance is only acceptable to get a new O-A and for entering Thailand on it for the first permission to 'stay of up to' a maximum of 12 months. I don't believe it's of any use to get further entry's or extensions.
5 years ago
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Gregor **********
not very clear at this moment. We don't know
5 years ago
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Gregor **********
Bernd Moonfruit this is not about a heatlh insurance for vistors to Germany, but for health insurance for applicants to a Non-Imm-O/A in their home country, forvan extended stay in Thailand. In case your German insurance company was willing to sign the "foreign insurance certificate", and the Embassy or Consulate will accept it, you re fine. At this very moment, most insurances refuse to sign the "certificate", because it is out of their jurisdiction. As people keep explaining their experiences, it is at this very moment not clear if your querry for an extension without having a THAI insurance has any chance. We are awaiting more telltale experiences from people who are affected by the change
5 years ago
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Bernd ***********
@Gregor *********
 i got the certificate signed by Hanse Merkur Versicherumg. Check it out , its also quite simple to adjust your insurance to your actual needed length ( during a visit to Germany ! )
5 years ago
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Ron *******
@Stuart ********
 i guess they took notice of the Internet talk of good ideas to get the insurance and the visa, then cancel the insurance during the cooling off period. That's put that idea to bed.
5 years ago
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Stuart *********
Here is a screen shot from the Aetna website explaining the process. It’s the same as I was told by Pacific Cross.
5 years ago
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Ron *******
@James *******
 yes. I was going to suggest that.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
 I should preface my comment by saying I have no intention to ever seeking an extension of an O-A inside Thailand. If its still available in my home country then I will seek it each two years. Of course pending the actions to be seen upon entries.
5 years ago
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Ron *******
@James *******
 it appears that at least is what Jomtien are saying. They are dismissing any attempt to use a non Thai insurance.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
 and I will be one departing beloved Thailand if only Thai insurance issued policies is acceptable.
5 years ago
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Ron *******
@James *******
@Stuart ********
 has already answered what I suspected with the advice from Pacific cross....the downloaded certificate. They were one of the company's involved with setting this up so would believe what they are telling clients.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
 its far too soon.
5 years ago
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Ron *******
@T**
 ok....so what will they check at immigration to prove you still hold insurance? 🤔😂
5 years ago
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Stuart *********
@Ron ******
 trying to get this info out there. I spoke with Pacific Cross and was told that the insurance certificate is required to be shown at immigration when entering if your new OA visa does not have the annotation from the embassy after 31st October. and also that Immigration will have access to a shared database of those insured via an approved Thai company. Your permitted to stay stamp is no longer for 1 year but until the expiry of your insurance.
5 years ago
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Gregor **********
thedownside is, if you enter with a Non-Imm-O/A, insured for 365 days by a foreign insurance, then let's say after 5 months you exit Thailand for a trip, and when you re-enter, you won't get the 365 days stamped, again. Because you can only get stamped in for the period you are insured. And still we don't know if immigration at a border might refuse entry because they cannot stamp you back with 365 days anew, because you are not insured for the full time. It is a complete mess . . . . .
5 years ago
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Gregor **********
. . and foreign insurance only for the first year of a freshly issued Non-Imm-O/A. I have received one report from a german that his home country insurance refused to sign the "certificate" . . I highly doubt any insurance will
5 years ago
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Tod *********
@Ron ******
 and (as many people pointed out to me
@Gregor *********
 included :P ) that certificate seems to ONLY be for when you apply for an O-A visa in your country to give to your consulate NOT when you come in to show proof of insurance.
5 years ago
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Ron *******
@T**
 the real big issue is actually getting that download certificate signed. I've yet to see a report of an Insurance company that will sign it.
5 years ago
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Tod *********
I think you're right although I am of the mind that the foreign insurance will work for ALL the entries you wanna make on a valid O-A visa (as long as the insurance is good for a year when you show up to stamp in).

I guess time will tell. :/
5 years ago
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Reply to
Tod *********
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Tod *********
Okay heads up ... We are now getting reports from a couple people who went to their immigration office to get new yearly extensions based on originally having an O-A visa and they were told they DID need insurance and one was told it can ONLY be via a thai insurance provider.

Let's not start rampant speculating on what that means and instead take it for what it is.
5 years ago
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Pedro **********
Instead of getting an O-A, can a over 50yr, who is not married to a thai, not having thai children, not doing volunteer work, etc.. qualify for a 1 year non-O ? I was told by the local thai consulate that they will only issue Non-O if you are married to a Thai national.
5 years ago
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Joe ***********
@Pedro *********
 - They have been in Malaysia and Laos
5 years ago
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Pedro **********
@Joe **********
 Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the Thai consulate where I am at will not issue a Non Imm -O (90 days), unless married, children, volunteer work etc..
5 years ago
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Joe ***********
Pedro Gunmetal - The Non Imm O Visa Multi-Entry One Year Visa for being age 50 or over - with no financial requirements - used to be issued worldwide prior to early 2016. After that is was no longer issued except for reasons unknown it was still being issued in the UK until very recently. No longer however.

You can still get a Non Imm O Single Entry 90 days - usually however it is now issued as a prelude to using it to file a One year Extension of Stay based on being age 50 or over "retired". If you do not follow through and get the Extension of Stay you will not likely be able to get another one back to back.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
yes, you can but not every Thai Consulate is offering this visa. You may ask at your local Immigration Office if they are allowed to convert a Visa Exempt Entry or the Tourist Visa into the Non Immigrant O visa based on being over 50 years of age.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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Adrian ******
I see many conflicting theory’s from many people & groups & moderators & agents. The only way we will know anything is after 31st & even then I guess it will differ case to case & entry point & of course on the interpretation of IO so people wait out it is a bummer but it’s still to be defined in practice. Personally I think it’s unfair to pic 1 type of visa when in reality any can have accidents or become sick but I see it rolling out to more in future
5 years ago
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Philip *********
So many comments . I have OA issued LA US . Mar 2019 . Valid until March 7 2020 . Are you saying that if I leave Thailand now return

Dec I ( with no proof ins ) I will only be stamped in until March expire date ! Not for 12 months !!
5 years ago
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Philip *********
@Ron ******
 well if all else fails will try for 30 day exempt . Clear out condo and get out of here !
5 years ago
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Ron *******
@Philip ********
 until it becomes clear after the 31st October, it isn't clear if you would be stamped in at all without the required Insurance
5 years ago
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Ron *******
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Tod *********
Thanx go to
@Peter *******
 for posting the signage that's in the Chiang Mai immigration office about the mandatory insurance and the fact that spouses and children who are piggy-backing on an O-A holder's visa or extension also need to be insured.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
And why is this document attached as participating company:
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5 years ago
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Robert *******
@Peter *******
 Tell us where you keep on reading these stories? Nowhere in the police order or anywhere else is mentioned that people NEED or are even pushed or forced to buy an insurance from a Thai company.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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Tod *********
@Robert ******
 It does appear that after the O-A runs down and you get an extension that you DO have to use a thai insurance carrier to meet the requirements.

I guess we'll find out AFTER the order takes effect and see how people on O-A extensions (or visas in their second entry) are affected by it.
5 years ago
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Ron *******
It's not only Embassys you need to convince. If you have an International insurance and no form filled in, your not coming through immigration.
5 years ago
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Daniel *******
Al Olsen- responding to your post elsewhere, In America, that form is pretty much useless. There are generally no limits on coverage, no beginning and end dates, and yeah- good luck getting a “director’s” signature. We’ll just have to hope that embassies will be wise enough to accept other evidence (which I’m pretty sure they will). Blue Cross has something called a ‘Certificate of Credible Coverage” but it doesn’t list maximums because there are none.
5 years ago
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Micheal *******
Are Elite Visa holders also subject to the new health insurance scam?
5 years ago
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Joe ***********
PE Visa that acts like a fancy tourist visa with privileges. 😁
5 years ago
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Ron *******
Dana Reese actually it's a 'PE' visa 😉
5 years ago
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Micheal *******
Robert Lagas It seems you would rather be condescending than answer my question. Perhaps you can let someone else respond who is of a more helpful and calm demeanour?
5 years ago
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Ron *******
@Robert ******
 you need to get on the Thai visa forum and give it to that daft old goat, UJ sitting in his darkened room 🤔😂😂
5 years ago
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Robert *******
As it is multiple times mentioned shouting seems to be the only way to get enough attention by people claiming they have read all but did not read the part about which visa is talked about
5 years ago
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Micheal *******
And my question was valid - there is no mention in any of these letters of what is being done with Elite visa holders. I assume from your response that an Elite Visa is not in the O-A category?
5 years ago
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Robert *******
Micheal Woods Than in which part of the police order section 2.22 you get the indication about the Thai Elite Visa or the Non Immigrant O visa based on being married to a Thai National?
5 years ago
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Micheal *******
@Robert ******
 So no need to shout.
5 years ago
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Micheal *******
@Robert ******
 I read every letter. Every single one.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
You obvious did not read any letter of all these announcements. but okay THIS IS ONLY FOR PEOPLE APPLYING FOR OR USING THE NON IMMIGRANT O-A VISA.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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Andrew ********
I contacted the New Zealand Thai Embassy. They stated that as of the 31st the Insurance will be required for the OA Visa. They also stated (In true immigration style) that they will update this information on the website and advise all the staff ON THE 31st.

So for anyone who has also contacted the staff at their own embassy, I would try again and ask to speak to someone higher up the food chain. It seems (In NZ anyway) that the staff don't always know
5 years ago
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Tod *********
ATTENTION MEMBERS (who are on yearly extensions based on being over 50/retirement)

There seems to be a lot of confusion and people asking do I or don't I need to have insurance come Oct 31st.

Here is a simple way for you to figure out IF you are going to need health insurance after Oct 31

Seeing as you cannot get an O-A visa inside thailand or from a thai consulate in a nearby country (unless you legally held residence IN that country) ask yourself;

"Did you get an O-A visa from a thai consulate in your country?" It would have required a police background check, a medical certificate and cost close to $200USD..

IF yes, you WILL need insurance

IF no you won't need insurance

Now if by some chance you can't remember IF you got an O-A visa from a thai consulate in your country when you first started the whole 'chain of extensions' at the immigration office and IF you don't have the original passport to look for the visa, just look at the first page of your current passport. The page that they transferred the stamps from your previous passport to this one. It will clearly state what visa type started the whole process.

Like this;
5 years ago
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Daniel *******
@Tod ********
 So if that’s the case, then presumably if you intend to get new visas rather than an extension, you could just keep your home country insurance, also assuming the policy gives you foreign coverage.
5 years ago
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Joaquin ***********
@Tod ********
 yes I think you are right, I meant for the extension of stay the attachment to the order says that the Thai insurance cover must be bought only to the companies in that web. In my opinion this is the difference related to insurance coverage between the first request for a visa and the request for the extension of stay.
5 years ago
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Marty *********
@Tod ********
 I spoke to my Pacific Cross agent today. He assured me that my current Maxima Plus plan qualifies with Thai Immigration. That would mean you can purchase a more sensible plan not directly off the website.
5 years ago
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Tod *********
@Joaquin **********
 unless I'm mistaken for the first year you can get the insurance in the country that you get the O-A visa from.
5 years ago
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Joaquin ***********
Thanks for clarification, and if I´m not wrong, you WILL need not only Thai health insurance,but also that insurance must be bought online to a company included in the list of the web longstay.tgia.org
5 years ago
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Reply to
Joaquin ***********
Reply
James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sid Humby posted:

Just a quick question. I am on an O-A Visa which I obtained in Canada.

The Visa says Valid until Jan. 17, 2020. I arrived in Thailand on Feb. 11, 2019 and admitted until date is Feb. 10 ,2020.

I am thinking that I should exit and re enter before Jan. 17, 2020 is that correct , because that is actual Visa expiry date.

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5 years ago
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Sid *******
@Tod ********
 Thank you Tod.
5 years ago
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Tod *********
@Sid ******
 you are correct (y) To get the most time out of that visa you should exit/re-enter on or just before the 17th of Jan 2020. That would get you a new arrival stamp that lets you stay until Jan 2021.

Keep in mind AFTER the 17th of Jan should you want to exit/re-enter the country you would need to buy a re-entry permit.
5 years ago
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Reply to
Tod *********
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Mal ********
I entered Thailand in 2013 on a O-A for Retirement.

Since then I have converted to a visa extension based on marriage to a Thai national. I'm not sure but I assume it is still a O-A visa but with a different reason/rational.

Will a marriage based O-A visa extension require insurance? I only see reference to a retirement O-A.

If a marriage based O-A will require insurance what are the steps to change to a marriage base O visa when my current visa expires?

Thank you in advance ...
5 years ago
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Joe ***********
Much of this debate about whether a Non Imm O-A Visa can be extended one year based on Marriage or not is complicated and confused by the typical culprit. That is - the culprit is the near total lack of Consistency from one Imm. Office to another Imm. Office on rules, orders and policies. There are neatly up to 75 possible interpretations of any police order or policy on any given day. So it seems to me that it is very possible that one Imm. Office decides to extend an O-A for Marriage. Why Not? There are dozens of different interpretations of various police orders happening every day.
5 years ago
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Mal ********
Yes, I confirmed this before posting. The original visa copied over from my previous passport specifies NON-OA.

I did notice that the first entry stamp is annotated NON-OA. All subsequent entry stamps after I my visa was extended are annotated NON-RE. This includes entry stamps after I extended based on marriage.

I agree. I'll have to talk to the immigration office.

Could my visa have been changed from an O-A to O without me knowing it? ... either when extending for retirement or when changing Reason to marriage ... If my type of visa changed would it be clearly annotated?
5 years ago
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Tod *********
@Mal *******
 look on the first page of your current passport. It will have a notation where them moved stamps from your previous passport and it will say without any ambiguity IF the current extensions were based off an O or an O-A visa back when the 'chain of extensions' started ..
5 years ago
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Ron *******
I perhaps see this being a problem when entering Thailand at some stage after the 31st October when they see the notation of the original O-A visa.
5 years ago
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Tod *********
@Mal *******
 they should have NEVER let you change your reason from retirement off a Non-O-A to marriage because and O-A is a visa class that can only be extended for one single reason which is the same reason you can get the visa for, by being over 50.

I have no idea why an immigration office would have let you change reasons from retirement to marriage for your yearly extensions when you originally held an O-A visa. :/

I have seen people who were getting retirement extensions off an O-A and who wanted to switch reasons to one based on marriage be told to leave the country and get a new Non-O visa so they could get extensions by marriage.

You need to check with your immigration office (the place that let you switch from an extension based on retirement to one based on marriage from an original O-A visa :(
5 years ago
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Mal ********
My original 2013 VISA was an O-A.

I have gotten yearly unbroken extensions since then.

In 2016 my 'Reason for neccesity' changed from RETIREMENT to MARRIAGE to a Thai National (aka Thai Family).
5 years ago
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Tod *********
@Mal *******
 IF your original VISA (the one that started the 'chain of yearly extensions" based on being over 50) was an O-A and you have gotten yearly unbroken extensions since then you WILL need to have insurance when you apply for your next yearly extension.
5 years ago
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Mal ********
My original 2013 visa is clearly stamped NON-OA.

The subsequent two extensions of stay are clearly stamped RETIREMENT but does not designate a visa type. I should note that the dates were truly one year extensions from my 2013 entry date.

The following year (2016) I changed to the "Reason of neceesity" to Marriage. The extension is not stamped RETIREMENT or MARRIAGE, nor does it designate a type of visa. The dates changed to the date that a submitted my application (approximately 5 weeks before my previous visa and extensions dates)

The last two extensions also do not designate RETIREMENT or MARRIAGE nor do they designate a type of visa. The dates have been true extensions for the 2016 reset.

Still not sure what type of visa I have but can ask at my next visit to immigration.

Per the information you provided I learned the proper term is 'Reason of necessity'; and the recent insurance change does not apply to me since my visa's 'Reason of necessity' is Marriage to a Thai national.

Thank you ...
5 years ago
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Ron *******
Yes i see what he's saying but I think he's confused on what he actually entered the country with and then did the extension to one of marriage. I think he had an 'O' and not an O-A. Maybe at one time it was possible. We need
@T**
 to confirm exactly what is or isn't possible.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
That is why I say it is possible as he already has his Extension of Stay based on marriage and the requirements for that are mentioned in the same police order under point 2.18 and only point 2.22 is going to change
5 years ago
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Ron *******
I think this is why this makes no reference to marriage extensions as it isn't possible.
5 years ago
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Ron *******
Basically, the way I understood his reply was if the extension was originally from an O-A, you would have to leave and obtain an 'O' in order to get a marriage extension. You couldn't go from O-A to retirement to marriage. Or go from O-A to marriage.
5 years ago
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Ron *******
Somebody was asking earlier if the insurance would effect them. They then said they was married and
@T**
 replied that if they was married they couldn't of got the extension from an original O-A entry as you can only get an extension from an O-A for retirement.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
Directly from Non Immigrant O-A visa into Extension of Stay based on marriage was posted before, but changing from Extension of Stay based on being over 50 years of age into an Extension of Stay based on being married to a Thai National is what more people have done to get lower financial requirements and as far as I understand the question is this the same situaion
5 years ago
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Ron *******
I'm pretty sure
@T**
 posted earlier about this. They don't allow it
5 years ago
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Ron *******
@Robert ******
 yes. So going from an O-A to extension for marriage isn't possible
5 years ago
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Robert *******
@Ron ******
 Extension of Stay based on being married to a Thai National has as first requirement: applicant must have a Non Immigrant visa.
5 years ago
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Ron *******
@Mal *******
 I don't believe you can move to a marriage extension from an O-A visa. Only retirement
5 years ago
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Robert *******
If the reason for Extension is married to a Thai National clause 2.18, it has not much to do with the reason retirement as mentioned in clause 2.22
5 years ago
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Reply to
Robert *******
Reply
James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
David N. Viscuso posted this:

I hope a curiosity question about a VISA is allowed. If someone arrived like 5-10 years ago and applied and received either a NON-O VISA here or a NON-OA VISA back home And in that time received a new passport because the previous one expired. How will immigration know what type of visa we originally received? To my understanding the database information thing has only been in affect for a couple of years.

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5 years ago
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Robert **********
You make it so easy to understand, Thank you James
5 years ago
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David ***************
Thank you all for your directions. I found my original visa from 2010 and it states "Non-O". So I assume, as
@James *******
 said, I don't need to join in this Medical Insurance lark.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David **************
 you are most welcome😉
5 years ago
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David ***************
@James *******
 Thank you so much.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David **************
 yep...you're OK...😉
5 years ago
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Reply to
James ********
Reply
James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
David Bankes-Milner posted:

TRYING VERY HARD TO EARN 2019 "IDIOT OF THE YEAR" AWARD!

This enquiry is prompted by the new Medical Insurance requirement. I am 69 years old and live in Thailand.

How do I know whether I have an "O", "O-A" or "O-X" Non-Immigration Visa? I have been happily renewing at CW what I simply thought was called a Retirement Visa every year since 2010.

I attach the stamps from my passport together with a screen capture from a visa descriptive page from the UK Thai Embassy.

Thanking you in advance.

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5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Daniel Wolfe has posted this:

Quoting from my American health insurance brochure (Blue Cross, Section 5(i) Services, Drugs, and Supplies Provided Overseas): “If you travel or live outside the Unites States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, you are still entitled to the benefits described in this brochure.” Those benefits include unlimited ‘in’ and ‘out’ patient services, once co-pays and deductibles are satisfied. Would anyone like to venture a guess as to whether or not this will satisfy our friends at immigration under the new regulations?

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5 years ago
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Micheal *******
@James *******
 Apparently there is a list of “approved” insurers in Thailand. This is all a dogs breakfast at present.
5 years ago
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Reply to
Micheal *******
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Micha *********
I am struggling to fully understand the dogmatic which underlies non-o, non-oa and non-ox visa category: if non-oa and non-ox are NOT SUB-categories of non-o but separate own categories of visa, then one could apply for a non-o visa based on retirement and by this, maybe, "escape" the insurance requirement which sounds odd to me. Also if non-oa and non-ox are NOT SUB-categories of non-o, then you would have with non-o and non-oa two (partly overlapping) visa categories for the same purpose (retirement). This sounds also odd to me. Maybe I misunderstand something here? Perhaps someone could explain this to me?
5 years ago
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Perry ********
@Micheal ******
 If that happens you really will see a mass exodus from Thailand
5 years ago
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Micheal *******
@Micha ********
 It does seem logical that the health insurance requirement would also be extended to those with an “O” category visa based on retirement. But I am not going to accuse Immigration of being logical.
5 years ago
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Joe ***********
Notice the new requirement that those people age 50 or over who are on a one year Extension of Stay based on an original O Visa in the past... Are now required to not allow their banked money to fall below 400,000 Baht. Now compare that to a Non Imm O-A Visa holder (age 50 or older) who does not have to keep 400,000 Baht in the bank... But has to have Health Insurance covering a 400,000 Baht hospital bill. Now see the reason for the matching 400,000 figure?
5 years ago
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Peter ********
If the stated goal is to have 50+ long stay visitors in Thailand covered by health insurance, then it makes no sense at all to limit this specifically and only to O A visas obtained outside the kingdom and extensions of those O As, then ignore all others over 50 on other types of visas/ NON O, and in doing so, create a clear loophole for those over 50 to skirt the stated goal. BUT as far as this police order is concerned, the above is complete speculation.
5 years ago
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Tod *********
@Micha ********
 It comes down to this

The reasons for these visas are based on being over 50;

Non-O visa* /extension <- No insurance needed

Non-O-A visa / extension <- Insurance needed

Non-O-X visa /extension <- insurance needed

*(a Non-O visa can be gotten for other reasons than being over 50, the O-A and the O-X cannot)
5 years ago
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Micha *********
@Robert ******
@James *******
 ok. Thanks for trying to help me with my struggles. 😂😂😂😂
5 years ago
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Robert *******
That is what i wrote, but people keep on calling it a retirement visa and get confused that is not a retirement visa and just a letter used for Other categories. Give it a name, get used to it and enjoy your stay inside Thailand. If you call it after your first girlfriend, be happy, but show a picture of the passport with the visa if you have a question,
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Micha Michael pardon me...but as my Thai friend often says to me "you think too much".

Stop struggling. Stop trying to figure out Thais, underlying dogma and scripts found in stones.

Accept the fact that you need an O Visa for retirement and Extensions of Stay if you wish NOT to have the required health insurance. Its as simple as that. Good Day😉
5 years ago
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David *******
@Robert ******
 as far as I know you don't have to be retired to obtain a non o a either ? So can understand the confusion :-)
5 years ago
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Robert *******
please send this question to the head of Immigration. The visa's have letters, some have additional letters like the -I for investment, the -A for 1 year of entrance or the -X for 5 years of entrance. The names are there, get used to it or do as most foreigners do, give them names, choice a name that works for you.
5 years ago
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Micha *********
@Robert ******
 thank you for your comment. And I understand what you are saying: there are various cases (retirement is just one of them) for which a non-o visa might be issued. But it does not really answer my question. Why would there be more than 1 visa category (non-o vs non-oa/x) for one and the same purpose (retirement)...?...and even more confusing...why would there be different requirements applicable for the same purpose (retirement)...non-o (no insurance needed) vs non-oa/x (insurances needed). So, if non-oa is no sub-category of non-o, then at least one would expect that very soon another order will be issued also requring retirees under non-o to have an insurance.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
The O stands for Others like other categories, like married to a Thai National, being a volunteer, depending on children, husband and some more options. The Non Immigrant O visa is not exclusive for people being over 50 years of age. You even do NOT have to be retired to get this visa.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Marcus Lorenz posted this:

Lots of unclear, unofficial, personal experiences here. So I hope we can clarify that altogether.

Fact is, the new rules only kick in on 31st Oct, not now. And the immigration publication clearly states that only O-A visas are affected, not extensions of any kind.

Certainly every liitle overlord makes their own rules, so perhaps we could collect them and warn people what to expect from what particular immigration office.

Time will tell in November.

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I replied :

Marcus ....those who have entered Thailand using an O-A Visa and wish to obtain an Extension of Stay must meet the health insurance requirement.

Those who were OR on a Non O for retirement are NOT required to have health insurance when they seek an Extension of Stay.
5 years ago
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Garry *********
Yesterday

(
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/2019) I renewed my Non Immigrant O-A visa based on Retirement at Chaengwattana then applied for a multiple entry stamp. No discussion at any time was mentioned re needing or having Thai Health Insurance.

I received my original retirement visa in 2013.
5 years ago
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Ron *******
Another thing to upload on E visa. The scanners will be even busier 😂
5 years ago
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Robert *******
For those who care, the information is out and discussed on every forum about Thailand. For those who do not care, they will face it at some day.
5 years ago
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Ron *******
@Robert ******
 no at this time those other extensions don't require it.
5 years ago
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Ron *******
I believe the problem will arise on previous O-A visa extensions will come at the next renewal. Even if the O-A visa was first extended years back.

That is what is coming out of Chaing Mai, Jomtien etc at least.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
I have a little more trust in Immigration, sure mistakes will hapen, but I do not believe that every application for Extension of Stay next month needs a heath insurance.
5 years ago
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Ron *******
Imo, the bigger concern is reports surfacing, naming officials that is pointing to all extensions being pulled into this Insurance by the end of the month.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
yes, i just read it as you apply for a new extension of stay, a new Non Immigrant O-A visa or use this visa for a new entry. For those who already have their year permission to stay nothing should change according point 2 on this police order.
5 years ago
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Ron *******
@Rob***
 that now seems debatable if the extension is tied to a previous O-A.
@T**
 also seems to think so as the new police order is tied in to sections of previous orders of extensions.
5 years ago
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Ron *******
@Garry ********
 nobody knows or can say either way.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
No, because you already have an Extension of Stay. Every time you come back using a re-entry permit you will get the same permitted up to date as you have stamped now in your passport.
5 years ago
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Garry *********
@Robert ******
 So does this mean if I leave then return I may be asked for insurance?
5 years ago
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Robert *******
As the rule becomes active on 31 Oct, this is the way it should be.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Bob D'Andrea posted...

Just need some clarification I have had 7 yearly extensions went home this year a got an O-A visa as immigration wouldn't accept the way I brought my money in every 4 months so I will stamp back in next April will I need insurance in Thailand?? TIA

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5 years ago
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Chris ******
Hello - I got my OA multi-entry visa in August of this year and entered on 13th of September. My first 90 day report is in December ... anyone know if I will be asked to produce health insurance insurance at the same time?
5 years ago
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Chris ******
@Tod ********
 Thanks Tod
5 years ago
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Reply to
Chris ******
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Peter ***********
Hello all I got my OA multi entry visa in August I’m only staying for at most 28 days at a time then 3 weeks in the uk working,only wanted it for multi entry how does the insurance part affect me I have insurance from the uk for multi trips up to 32 days,getting out of hand now,squeezing every last penny out of us,,
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ******
 OK...so you are not on an O-A Visa. But what you say appears correct to me.
5 years ago
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David *******
@James *******
 mine is a rolling annual policy as I wor in different countries, so not OA anyway :-) just saying what policies there are
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
 indeed. And that's always a possibility.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ******
 and most likely the in patient and outpatient benefits are far greater than those required. But I believe would need to be an annual policy corresponding with or exceeding dates of your O-A policy.
5 years ago
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Ron *******
@James *******
 sounds a plan....unless of course they move as France have and second and subsequent applications of an O-A visa need the 800k in a Thai bank account. Then it becomes pointless.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
 thank you for your concerns. I am confident of my meeting requirements.

BTW...as a retiree of a major insurance company I am fortunate to have worldwide health insurance coverage. Each year one can prepare the form and carry with you. At end of second year return to home country and repeat with new O-A.

Also there are many expats which obtain a new O-A each year, as Tod has related many times.

Each of us will need to be prepared to address the new health insurance requirement in our own unique ways. No one shoe fits all
5 years ago
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David *******
@Robert ******
 I have annual travel insurance for all countries and it covers wife also
5 years ago
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Ron *******
@James *******
 they will NOT accept travel insurance ffs!

Whats more, what are you going to do the second year? International policys are not acceptable. It then needs to be a Thai company health policy
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
 not true.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ron look at the form...

If you already have a good insurance, just visit that company and ask them to fill in this document. One paper extra in your lugage, does not cost that much as overweight.
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5 years ago
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Ron *******
@James *******
 you will do. Very soon
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I for one don't need it.
5 years ago
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Ron *******
@James *******
 then when you need it, and you absolutely will very shortly, buy it.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
 if it meets the minimum covers it should be acceptable. Its a health insurance policy. Using the one page form for Certificate of International Coverage.

If you already have a good insurance, just visit that company and ask them to fill in this document. One paper extra in your luggage, does not cost that much as overweight.
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5 years ago
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Ron *******
@James *******
 it isn't health cover. Its travel insurance
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
 one year policies guaranteed renewable for up to two or three years are in the marketplace.
5 years ago
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Ron *******
@James *******
 i never said they never had better cover. If you want to take it up with immigration if a travel insurance is acceptable, then go ahead. You absolutely won't win as it isnt a health cover insurance.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
 not true. Though now retired... Having been for 28+ years as an Insurance professional I know of many policies which are far superior to those offered on the Thai website and at significantly less cost.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
And most travel insurance policies are restricted on the days being abroad, with this visa you can stay one year. What is the rule of maximum days abroad from your insurance. Way to many insurance companies with even more small print at the bottom of every page in their policy. Take care
5 years ago
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Ron *******
@James *******
 that maybe so but that type of insurance isn't suitable for the requirements. It needs to be a 12 month annual Health cover of 400k inpatient and 40k outpatient. Travel insurance is for emergency cover.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
 but most travel insurance policies I have seen and issued provide greater coverages than minimum requirements of the O-A
5 years ago
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Ron *******
Your insurance covering you for 32 days, is absolutely not health insurance but travel insurance. 2 totally different things.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
If you already have a good insurance, just visit that company and ask them to fill in this document. One paper extra in your lugage, does not cost that much as overweight.
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5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter **********
 you are not alone.
5 years ago
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Peter ***********
@James *******
 cheers James got to admit if I never had house family here depending on me I would be outta here,,
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Peter Griffiths As your O-A Visa is already issued..you should be fine. The effective date for new O-A requirement is Oct31, 2019. We will continue to monitor the situation.
5 years ago
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James ********
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Micha *********
I am getting confused: is the health insurance only needed for the initial o-a visa needed or also when holding an o-a visa already and doing annual extensions in thailand!? maybe i misunderstood but i believe first it was said that only for the initial visa the insurance is needed and now it changed to both?
5 years ago
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Joe ***********
In the future with Non Imm O-A Visas requiring health insurance... And in the future - upon finishing the 2 years of stay... an O-A Visa holder might be require to still maintain health insurance coverage upon applying for an One Year Extension of Stay. In that case one scenario would seem possible - that an Expat (former O-A Visa holder) could just go to a Thai Consulate in a Thailand neighbor country (or region) and get a Non Imm O 90 days, then enter Thailand with the Single Entry Non O and apply for an Extension of Stay at the 30-45 day mark (assuming the Expat has the required financial credentials)... Immigration I/Os might wrinkle their nose but may well approve it.
5 years ago
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Joe ***********
Non Imm O-A Visas CAN be Extended at Immigration for One Year. It works like this. An Expat has an O-A Visa obtained in his/her home country. The 2nd Year Permission to Stay is acquired by exiting and reentering Thailand near the First Year Expiry Date. Some few Expats holding O-A Visas do not want to do a Border Run / Bounce or don't realize it is available. So they just go to their local Immigration Office and apply for an One Year Extension of Stay. I know this happens because I have read many accounts of this happening successfully. Or in the other hand the O-A holder obtains the 2nd year of permission to stay with a Border Bounce. Then towards the end of the 2nd year they go to the Local Immigration Office and apply for a One year Extension of Stay. I know this happens because I have read many accounts that it happens routinely. Whoever says this can't be done is just flat out wrong.
5 years ago
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Mark ************
James Miller Personally I think that ALL persons retired in Thailand will have to get health insurance. They seem to be calling the retirement visa an O- A visa irrespective of where or how you got the visa.They say
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retirement visa's were issued last year. Assuming it costs each person
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baht per annum for health insurance, we are talking 2.4 billion thai baht That is a lot of money. It is all about the money.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Mark Hanesworth thank you for your explanation. Although I personally doubt its complete correctness.

But in coming months I am sure we all will learn more about the O-A.
5 years ago
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Mark ************
James Miller You cannot extend the O-A visa in Thailand, They don't even have the O-A visa sticker. Here you can only get the Extension of stay based on retirement stamp in your passport. You can extend the O-A visa for another year by leaving Thailand before expiry, and then re-entering Thailand. This can be done once before you need to either apply for a new one in your home country, or apply for the extension of stay based on retirement here in Thailand.
5 years ago
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Adam *********
As the new rule does state "all foreigners apply for a one-year permit to stay on an O-A visa" does lend interpretation to require it for Retirees applying for a one-year extension.
5 years ago
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Micha *********
@James *******
 got it. thanks.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Micha ********
 only IF you now have an O-A or entered Thailand years ago with an O-A does it affect anyone.
5 years ago
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Micha *********
@James *******
 Only if someone does an extension (after
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) for the first time or also if I am going to do my regular annual extension...I think for the third time or so sometime soon?
5 years ago
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Micha *********
@Tod ********
 IC. Thank you. At least I know now that I am not alone with my confusion. Feeling better already. 😂😅
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Micha ********
 it appears to be needed IF you entered Thailand on O-A then seek to Extend it inside Thailand
5 years ago
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Tod *********
Everyone is getting confused about it and I think we're gonna hafta wait and see just how they decide to enforce it
5 years ago
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Tod *********
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Ron *******
Any chance you can make an easy link at the top of the page somehow for this discussion page? It can then easily be found to post updates save the mods keep moving them and save me hunting for this page 😁
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
 I will ask...
5 years ago
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James ********
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ron Angel posted this update on Canada O-A changes due to health insurance requirements:

FYI

Royal Thai consulate Vancouver now updated requiring Health Insurance for O-A Visa applications

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5 years ago
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Billy ************
Chiang Mai immigration have confirmed that any person who has previously held and OA visa and then extended it inside Thailand WILL NEED health insurance for the renewal. This means if you arrived 3 years a go on an OA visa and since then have been getting extensions in Chiang Mai, you will need to show health insurance at your next extension. For those that do not qualify for insurance or can’t obtain it, your option is to leave and then reapply for a NON 0 visa and then get a 1 year extension based on Retirement. Health insurance is not currently required for the Non 0 Retirement extensions.
5 years ago
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Mark ************
Nonsense. They cannot extend an O-A visa in Thailand. It's a proper external visa only acquired outside of Thailand. It can be extended once by exiting and re-entering Thailand before expiry. Then you need to apply for a new one in your home country, or apply for the extension of stay based on retirement in Thailand by opening Thai Bank account and doing all the required application paperwork. This I was told by Phuket Immigration.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Billy ***********
 or at end of second year return to home country and repeat O-A.
5 years ago
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Micha *********
...makes you wonder why they implement this new rule for o-a only then...why not retirees in general...either under o or o-a??????
5 years ago
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Billy ************
However you still need funds in Thai bank for extension of OA once in Thailand.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Micha ********
 only that one has to meet financial requirements inside Thailand vs leaving money in home country.
5 years ago
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Micha *********
Interesting point! Why would then not just every retiree who is unable or unwilling to take out an insurance switch from o-a to o!? Problem solved. What is the disadvantage of having an o visa vs an o-a visa?
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Billy ***********
 and that is wise solution. In many immigration offices NO need to leave country...can do conversion inside Thailand.
5 years ago
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James ********
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Michael ********
Hi everyone.

I’m in Thailand on an OAME I got from London a couple of months ago.

Will i be able to leave and re enter without proof off medical cover/insurance ???
5 years ago
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Robert *******
@Mark ***********
 How do you know, well try to walk into an Immigration Office and ask if they do sell the 1 year Multiple Entry Non Immigrant O-A visa. That is the way, to start to learnt things. I did ask some more questions and Immigration told me a lot of other things also.
5 years ago
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Mark ************
@Robert ******
 How do you know that? I am just quoting the figure supplied by Thai Immigration. That was the total quoted by Thai Immigration, or you know better?
5 years ago
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Robert *******
@Mark ***********
 You can take out your calculation as the Non Immigrant O-A visa can NOT be issued inside Thailand and is NO part of the 80.000.
5 years ago
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Mark ************
@Robert ******
 The O-A retirement visa which you receive in your home country can definitely be automatically extended by another year by simply leaving Thailand, just before the visa expires and re-entering Thailand. They will stamp your passport at the airport for one more year. giving you 2 years on that O-A visa. That I am 100 % certain of. You may be correct that everyone with a retirement visa will need health insurance. BIG money involved there.
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retirement visa's issued last year in Thailand. If we assume that it costs each person
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baht per annum for health insurance, we are talking 2.4 billion Thai Baht involved here.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
@Mark ***********
 The visa is valid for 1 year whatever you do it is and stays one year. If you USE this visa on entry you get 1 year of Admitted to Stay. As the new rules are written and as I read it without conspiracy thinking or what if and when thinking, just read as it is written, everybody who is inside Thailand with an stamp of max 1 year of stay can stay and nothing change, Every body who apply for a NEW visa, or apply for a NEW Extension of Stay at Immigration, or everybody who enter Thailand using this Non Immigrant O-A visa after 31 Oct 2019 need health insurance. Who is going to check that: The person who checks all your documents where you apply for a new vis o the person who checks all the documents when you apply for the Extension of Stay or the person to whom you gave your passport to apply for a new 1 year Admitted to Stay on entry inside Thailand.
5 years ago
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Michael ********
@Mark ***********
Thanks..... will have to see what happens with the extension.

But my question was about the visa I’m on now given to me in London a few months ago.

I I leave the Thailand say in December for a couple of weeks will I be able to get back in without medical insurance on the visa I have now. ???
5 years ago
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Mark ************
@Robert ******
 I guess they refer to the one year extension of the O-A Visa,as it can be valid for a max of 2 years. That is done by leaving Thailand before the O-A visa expires and upon re-entering Thailand they give you another 1 year extension of the O-A visa. If you choose NOT to extend the O-A visa and rather open a Thai bank account, and meet the requirements for the Extension based on retirement, and redo the application at an embassy in Thailand, you will not need health insurance. Question is where will this O-A visa health Insurance be controlled? Probably at the offshore Thai Embassy's and the airports in Thailand when you re-enter for your second year extension of the O-A visa. It cannot be extended at an immigration office in Thailand. Here you only get the Extension of stay based on retirement. I know, as i was at Phuket immigration for an O-A visa extension and they told me to leave the country and re-enter to extend it. They cannot extend it in Thailand. So I decided to open a bank account and submit all the required paperwork to Phuket immigration. They subsequently issued me with the extension of stay based on retirement. the point is that they cannot extend an O-A visa in Thailand other than by you leaving and re-entering Thailand. Then it will automatically extend for a max of 1 more year.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
 we all will soon find out in coming months. We don't believe so...but TIT.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
The new police order only refers to when you apply for a new non immigrant o-a visa or when you apply for a new extension of stay after having the non immigrant o-a visa.
5 years ago
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Reply to
Robert *******
Reply
Martin *********
I got my yearly extension last week , and am leaving thailand for 2 weeks on 10th Nov ... because I obtained extension prior to the 31st , can I assume when I return on the 22nd , I won’t be challenged or refused entry for not having health insurance.. as it only applies for those applying from the 31st ? .. ( effectively I have just under a year to sort it ? )
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Al Olsen just posted:

I bought a non imm o-a multi entry visa a couple of months ago from the LA Thai Consulate and will be flying out from the US on October 30 and arrive in Thailand on October 31. As you may expect, with only three weeks until we depart, I have been watching the news on the new medical insurance requirements with great concern. I decided to ask the Consulate where I had purchased the visa about what to expect when we arrived in Bangkok. Here is their response:

“If your visa hasn't expired then you do not have to worry. This only affect if you apply [for] the Non-OA Visa after Oct. 31.”

I think I will print out a copy of this email and have it with me when we arrive in Bangkok.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you Al for your update. Safe travels 😉
5 years ago
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James ********
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Ed ********
Tod & Robert.

UPDATE: I rang the Thai Consulate this morning in Sydney.

True or not i don’t know but the woman i spoke to assured me even after i quoted the new law documents.

Health Insurance is NOT required (in sydney at least) for Nin Immigrant O A visa based in retirement.

It is however required for Non Immigrant O X visa.

So there you have it.

Not sure if i feel relieved or mire confused now.

She stated i only need to show the Thai consulate supplied medical form completed by my doctor.

NOTE:

Heres another hoop to jump through, if you do require the Health Insurance most of the companies require a full medical to provide insurance for over 65.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ed *******
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5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ed Alchin it is...I just reread it.

Download the Overseas Insurance Certificate

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5 years ago
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Ed ********
@James *******
 pretty sure its got to be one on the website
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alf **********
 yep.
5 years ago
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Alf ***********
"An alien who has been granted a non-immigrant O-A visa AND been permitted to stay before this order comes in effect...."
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Glenn ********
 there are more companies than in the UK. I am exploring now...
5 years ago
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Glenn *********
@James *******
 Mandatory Health Insurance for OA visa deffo on the UK Embassy site. Can't see any UK company ever filling in the required insurance certificate details either..😣
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Alf Espetveit I have....and we will soon find out as time ahead passes. In fact I will try it out when I return next to Thailand after Christmas in USA. But just in case...I will carry with me the one page completed Proof of Insurance Certificate which is on the Thai website
5 years ago
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Alf ***********
@James *******
, read ALL of the police order.

Ok, I know it's a translation, so who knows 🤔
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alf **********
 doubtful. If O-A visa is issued...no problem on initial entry into Thailand.
5 years ago
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Alf ***********
If the Embassy in Sydney is not updated, it will be your problem when you try to enter Thailand
5 years ago
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James ********
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@Ed *******
 thank you for your update on Australia - Sydney.
5 years ago
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James ********
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James ********
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Joe Walsh posted:

So I'm seeing that folks will need to have health insurance when entering Thailand after October 31 2019 on an OA retirement visa. Are people entering on an O marriage visa exempt from this?
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes. The new rule ONLY APPLIES TO THOSE WITH AN O-A Visa.
5 years ago
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James ********
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
And as for today, from what we have read from the Royal Thai Police Order...this NEW HEALTH INSURANCE REQUIREMENT applies ONLY for O-A Visas issued by your home country.

Thank you All for your comments.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
You know journalist, they write the way they like. Above is the new Police Order and I have more trust in Police Orders from the Immigration Office in Thailand than a Reuters Journalist.
5 years ago
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James ********
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@Robert ******
 Absolutely.
5 years ago
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Joe ***********
The article quoting a Thai official does not mention it is limited to holders of non imm O-A Visas. But Rather it says All Non Immigrant Visas.... Is this Thai Government Official Confused? I don't know... But describing the affected group as All non immigrant is not the same as saying all non O-A visa holders
5 years ago
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Jozef *********
The major issue here is that it *does* apply to OA visa extensions, well so it seems in CM.
5 years ago
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Jozef *********
This appeared on one of my FB groups:
5 years ago
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James ********
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@Hettie ******
 yes
5 years ago
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Hettie *******
Is the following true? The main difference between a multiple entry o and a is with an o you have to leave the country every 90 days but with an a you report to immigration every 90 days. Also with the a if you do a visa run on the last valid day you get stamped another 365 days without having to deal with an immigration office in getting an o extension.
5 years ago
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Hettie *******
which options are the most favourable......OA visa obtained in home country... or non immigrant O visa convert from a tourist visa to retirement visa in thailand? Forgive me my stupidity....
5 years ago
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Robert *******
@Hettie ******
 The best option is to apply and make your way to Thailand with the Non Immigrant O-A Visa, as this visa is 1 year valid and give you 1 year of stay on each entry. You can stay for almost 2 years to find a good place and get all the information before you decide to move all your belongings and savings into Thailand.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hettie Roche it really depends if you want to keep your money in home country banks or deposit 800,000 Thai baht in a Thai bank.

In home country it appears a COMBO of income plus banked money can be used to meet financial requirements. However few Thai immigration offices are allowing the COMBO method. For some that's important.
5 years ago
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Hettie *******
James Miller thanks. I have a question if you dont mind. I have read many conflicting reports and comments. Staying in another country (US) at this time ...planning on retiring in thailand....age middle 60's. Is it better to obtain OA visa in home country or enter thailand with tourist visa and then apply for retirement? (O visa)
5 years ago
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James ********
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@Hettie ******
 Starting Oct. 31, foreigners over 50 entering the country with an O-A visa must show that they have valid health insurance covering their period of stay, deputy public health minister Sathit Pitutecha said.
5 years ago
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Hettie *******
*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
*******
/10/health-insurance-will-be-mandatory-for-retiree-visa-holders/?fbclid=IwAR13x_YCOd8EILs1q63g2IwR8D6cnbry_GHBBOFCUqs-jD-o-yCHyeWc3-U
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
And as for today, from what we have read from the Royal Thai Police Order...this new health insurance requirement applies ONLY for O-A Visas issued by your home country.

Thank you All for your comments.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joe **********
*****************************************


Link...Download Overseas Insurance Certificate...

To be used by those who already have health insurance which meets the O-A requirements.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
And for those who like to learn more about the insurance or how to get a Download Overseas Insurance Certificate, use this link and take the option Non – Immigrant Visa "O-A"
***********************************************************************************************
5 years ago
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James ********
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@Joe **********
 I really don't care what the news article says. The police order says O-A.

And the Thai insurance link says O-A and O-X.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
Page 8
5 years ago
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Joe ***********
@James *******
 - the referenced article says Non Immigrant
5 years ago
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David *******
@Robert ******
 yes just saw it on these sites
****************************************************************
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joe **********
 Joe please no further discussion. Thank you. Believe what you want. Its for O-A and O-X. Period!
5 years ago
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Robert *******
@David ******
 For the Non Immigrant O-X the health insurance was already an requirement since the implementation of this visa type
5 years ago
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Joe ***********
Where does this linked article say that?
5 years ago
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James ********
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@David ******
 it is for O-A and O-X.
5 years ago
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David *******
@James *******
 although not mentions I would expect it to be required for Non O-X also ?
5 years ago
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James ********
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@Joe **********
 please read the 11 pages of the police order. Its for O-A. Not those on Extension of Stay.
5 years ago
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James ********
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Robert *******
@Joe **********
 can you please help us to keep the discussion in one place? I asked nice, than I closed the topic to see you just opened up a new one to make your point. Read the Police order above, much better information.
5 years ago
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Robert *******
@Joe **********
 I guess you mean the change as mentioned in this topic Joe D Greene As of today's announcement - any and all Expats in Thailand age 50 and over - residing in Thailand on a Non Immigrant Visa / Extension will have to purchase health care insurance. That means ALL Expats age 50 or older on any Non Immigrant Visa or Extension of Stay
5 years ago
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Robert *******
I moved your comment here
@Ed *******
 please keep up updated in this post. Thanks Im callung the consul in sydney tomorrow to find out what happens if the visa is issued before this comes into play.

I’ll report back after that call
5 years ago
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Ed ********
@Robert ******
 sure no problem
5 years ago
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Ed ********
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Robert *******
I moved it to this topic for questions about this new requirement:
@Adrian *****
 I have a non o-a 2nd year expires beginning of feb so will apply fo extension in January will that require insurance as on o-a but changing & I know no crystal balls just after opinions
5 years ago
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Robert *******
No, you did read this correct.
5 years ago
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Alf ***********
@Robert ******
, according to the police order it does effect extensions for those arriving on an O-A.

Or am I wrong?
5 years ago
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Robert *******
@Alf **********
 What do you like to show or ask us other than the part of a Police order you managed to share?
5 years ago
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Alf ***********
Really?
5 years ago
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Ivan ************
No insurance needed yet for an extension, entries on an O-A only.
5 years ago
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Ivan ************
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Gary ***************
I got my OA last week from London and fly this Saturday..obviously I have travel insurance but will I need to fill out any other forms ?
5 years ago
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Robert *******
Order is effective as of October 31, 2019. Nothing should change before that date
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Gary **************
 not known as of this moment. Doubtful though.
5 years ago
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James ********
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Robert *******
@Steve ****
, as we have one post, I deleted your link. But feel free to discuss on this post
5 years ago
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Robert *******
In stead that many of you post a link to the same website, I think it is better to keep one open for discussions about this new requirement for the Non Immigrant O-A visa. And please, as I already noticed, keep it VISA advised, The conditions, payments, language, does it cover my broken toe nails, is the girl at the desk nice enough and advertisement of different Insurance companies will be deleted. a Health Insurance is a personal issue, nobody, unless your private doctor, knows your conditions to apply for the best insurance in your case.
5 years ago
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James ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
 thank you...good idea to consolidate the discussion.
5 years ago
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James ********
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