Answereda year ago
What is the best visa for retirees in Thailand who are self-insuring for health due to age and pre-existing conditions?
What 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
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.
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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.
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 itTodd *********
@Max ************
lol. Wrong. It’s always the best. And second best isn’t close
Tom ***********
OP@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 *********
@Jo *********
same. They didn’t seem concerned. Easy process
Jo **********
@Rob *********
that’s what I did but they did not care that it was there for 12 months. I just printed out my balanceRob **********
@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.Rob **********
@Jo *********
yes and it must have been in your account for no less than 12 months before you applyTodd *********
@Rob *********
it requires health insurance OR $100k deposit somewhere. No need for health insurance if you don’t want toJo **********
@Rob *********
or 100,000 usd in you accountTodd *********
@Tom **********
you can either show proof of health insurance OR show $100k in a bank account.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
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