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What is the best visa for retirees in Thailand who are self-insuring for health due to age and pre-existing conditions?
Retirement VisaNon O VisaLTR VisaHealth Insurance RequirementsVisa Options for ExpatsFinancial Requirements for VisaThailand ImmigrationSelf-Insurance for HealthExpat Life in Thailand
Aug 4, 2025
9 months ago
Tom ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERWhat is the best Visa for a Retiree who is self insuring for health because of age and pre existing conditions?
Cheers,
Tom Gallagher
Cheers,
Tom Gallagher
TLDR : Answer Summary
Retirees considering moving to Thailand may find that the Non O visa is a suitable option, as it does not require health insurance but necessitates a financial commitment of 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account. Alternatively, the LTR visa can be advantageous for those who qualify, providing a longer stay with fewer restrictions and tax benefits. While the LTR visa requires proof of health insurance or a bank deposit of at least $100,000, it does not mandate annual renewals and allows for easier management of finances. Discussions among expats reveal a variety of opinions on the best visa options, with points raised about the financial implications of medical emergencies without insurance.
LONG TERM RESIDENT (LTR) VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic LTR Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Long Term Resident (LTR) Visa.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Long Term Resident (LTR) 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.
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Nigel *******
I am in the same position as you, I am doing the none o retirement visa, using the banked 800,000 as my emergency medical fund. If you leave the 800,000 in a separate deposit account, you can get 1.5% interest, so the fund is not totally wasted. The cost of insurance with pre existing conditions is horrendous, and gets worse as you get older.
Walrus *******
@Nigel ******
I was told not allowed in an investment fund.Nigel *******
@Walrus ******
deposit account, that allows withdrawal. Not invested.Reply to
Nigel *******
Reply
Daniel ******
LTR Visa. 10 years if you qualify!
Max *************
Listen to people suggesting the 90 days Non-O based on retirement.
Todd *********
The best visa is always LTR if you qualify
Max *************
@Todd ********
The LTR is never "the best" for a retiree in Thailand. Period!Dave *********
@Max ************
. LTR is the best. Annual reporting only takes a total of 5 min (in and out in 5min) and only requires a 1 page form and your current passport. No need to report if u leave and return as it resets to 1 year every time u reenter. LTR visa holders are tax exempt for any money brought into Thailand.
No need to deposit and keep money in a Thai account. U can keep it all in your own country.
No need for annual renewals. It’s renewed at end of 5yrs.
Comes w automatic Multi Entry for 10 years.
Todd *********
@Dave ********
and tax free… Max had probably never heard of itReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Todd *********
@Max ************
lol. Wrong. It’s always the best. And second best isn’t closeReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Tom ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
we have the investment but are just short on the Income; I also thought that you needed Health Insurance?Rob **********
@Tom **********
yes the LTR visa requires health insurance coverage worth 50,000USD and must have at least 10 months validity when you apply.Todd *********
@Rob *********
it requires health insurance OR $100k deposit somewhere. No need for health insurance if you don’t want toRob **********
@Todd ********
yes, correct but the 100k USD must have been in your account for not less than 12 months before you apply for the LTR visa.Jo **********
@Rob *********
or 100,000 usd in you accountRob **********
@Jo *********
yes and it must have been in your account for no less than 12 months before you applyJo **********
@Rob *********
that’s what I did but they did not care that it was there for 12 months. I just printed out my balanceTodd *********
@Jo *********
same. They didn’t seem concerned. Easy processReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Todd *********
@Tom **********
you can either show proof of health insurance OR show $100k in a bank account.Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Rob **********
The Non O visa based on retirement, this doesn’t require health insurance, but you must meet the financial requirements.
Tony **********
Non-o based on being over 50.
Stuart *********
Non O visa does not require insurance but does require 800k in a Thai bank (for most nationalities).
DTV soft power option (a glorified tourist visa) would give you a 5 year visa and you’d get 180 days per entry
DTV soft power option (a glorified tourist visa) would give you a 5 year visa and you’d get 180 days per entry
Reply to
Stuart *********
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