Answered2 years ago
What is a cost-effective health plan for expats on a Non-O Visa in Thailand?
What’s the go-to low cost high deductible approved Health Plan for somebody on US Medicare, but just needs Thai Plan to satisfy Non-0 Visa requirement?
Answer summary
An expat in Thailand on a Non-O visa is seeking a low-cost, high-deductible health plan to fulfill visa requirements. It's clarified that the Non-O visa does not require health insurance, unlike the Non-OA visa. Suggestions for health insurance options include Pacific Cross, AXA Thailand, and IMG, with recommendations for low-cost policies around $280 USD for AXA. Additionally, the conversation touches on Medicare's limitations abroad and personal experiences with health insurance and expenses in Thailand.
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Tabby ***************
For a low cost high deductible policy for OA visa I can recommend AXA.
******************************************
Kevin ******
I did the AXA global (including Thailand) insurance for around $280 usd
Kenneth *******
I have been in Thailand for thirty years with no insurance and never asked about insurance. I do keep the B.800,000.00 and more in the bank.
Daniel **********
@Kenneth ******
unfortunately that is not enough nowadays.Ling *****
@Daniel *********
66k a month not enough? It's plenty if you are smart. Thai people manage on a salary of 12k a month.Ling *****
@Daniel *********
his choice. The 800k refers to retirees having that amount in their bank account as per retirement extension requirements. He might be a millionaire for all we know. Many of my compatriots self fund their health care. One currently has cancer and goes to a Thai government hospital and he pays the government rate for non insured patients. It really isn't that bad. I personally would just buy health insurance to cover myself.Daniel **********
@Ling ****
I have no idea what you are talking about. Kenneth Kelly is not interested in buying insurance.Ling *****
@Daniel *********
Daniel Nebenzal so what? You can get really good medical insurance from between 50k thb to 100k thb per year. That is not expensive and you will have plenty of your 800k a year left. You said 800k is not enough, that is not true.Daniel **********
@Ling ****
what are you talking about? I,m talking about Healthcare and medical insurance.Kenneth *******
They put a note in my passport two years ago saying I can spend money from the 800K. I have to leave 400K in the account it said. I do not need to use that money so the 800K is still there.
Kenneth *******
Yes, it does not take a lot to live here. If you want to spend a lot you sure can. I spend B30K per month and live very well. I could spend less if I was not lazy and paid a live-in very nice 60-year-old woman who needed help. She takes care of me. and is a good friend.
Kenneth *******
What do you mean nowadays? I have had 26 extensions with no problems. Soon I go to get another year's stamp.
Kenneth *******
I do not go to private hospitals because the cost is much more. Government hospitals are excellent and better than hospitals in the USA.
Kenneth *******
@Daniel *********
That is true. Have you noticed that every government hospital has a sign stating they will provide the medical first and deal with the payment later? Just what that means I am not sure. I have spent time in government hospitals and the 8 days for Dhingy Fever cost 22K Baht.Daniel **********
@Kenneth ******
I mean 800K is not enough for some surgical procedures and lengthy hospital stays.
Brian *********
I used IMG for my OA
Mark ********
AXA Thailand.
Cheryl ***************************
@Tipanan *******
are you able to advice?
Jim ************
Bob **********
There is no insurance for a non-o visa but there is for an OA visa
Robert *****
Mark. Plus if you’re out of the USA for more than 6 months you lose your part D supplement. Best keep quiet.
Beverly **********
@Robert ****
I am keeping my Medicare AND living abroad...cuz if an American is spending a minute in the US of A, and gets into an accident or gets sick, they are SCREWED, going bankrupt on even one hospital stay without it. Nobody knows UNLESS you are foolish enough to tell them. Keep a US mailbox always and you are fine.Daniel **********
@Beverly *********
you can live abroad and you always have a right to your Medicare insurance when you visit the USA. No need for a USA address.Robert *****
Paul *******
@Robert ****
thanks for mentioning that out of the USA for 6 month part. I.m just headed back to the USA to sign up for a Medicare plan. Can you confirm what part D of Medicare covers? Is that the prescription drug part?
Robert *****
@Paul ******
Yes. Sign up and have your kids pick it upPaul *******
@Robert ****
gottcha, thanks. Since I dont have children, I.ll think about passing on the part D, or just get a lower cost higher deductable part D. There are different costs( plans) that you can chose for part D, arent there?
Marty *********
You can’t use Medicare overseas unless you are referring to a Medicare supplement policy. Standard Medicare - no.
Pacific Cross has a range of policies with several deductibles. You can get an estimated on their website.
Pacific Cross has a range of policies with several deductibles. You can get an estimated on their website.
Neal *******
@Marty ********
Are you saying that a Medicare supplement could be used in Thailand? Also, might it acceptable insurance for O-A?Marty *********
@Neal ******
I’ve heard others say that they have some type of Medicare supplemental insurance that they can use overseas. I don’t know the details myself. I only have Medicare Part A and I can’t use this outside the US.I used to have an OA visa but I got it in 2017 before there was an insurance requirement. I don’t know what insurance is acceptable when getting an OA in your home country but I highly doubt Medicare or any supplement would qualify. I have Thai insurance, Pacific Cross. They want you to have insurance you can use in Thailand. Eventually you have to get 1 year extensions of your OA and then you will need Thai insurance to do that. To use non-Thai insurance for the 1 year extensions you have to get your insurance company to sign a document that says their policy conforms to the Thai requirements. Mostly I hear that insurance companies will not sign the form.
I would not count on Medicare helping you with regards to meeting any immigration requirements or paying for any medical treatment in Thailand. If you want health insurance in Thailand you need to pay for it yourself or self insure.
Neal *******
@Marty ********
Thanks 🙏
Ken ***********
Non O does not have a Healthcare requirement, Non OA does.
Brandon ************
The non-O visa does not have an insurance requirement. Only the non-OA has an insurance requirement.
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