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What is the cheapest health insurance for over 50s applying for a retirement visa in Thailand?
Health InsuranceRetirement VisaThailandVisa RequirementsExpat LifeTravel InsuranceHealth CoverageInsurance Companies
Mar 24, 2025
a year ago
Anthony ******
ORIGINAL POSTERQuestion re cheapest health Insurance for over 50s retirement visa applicants.. As a lucky australian with free healthcare in my country, i want the cheapest policy i can get, that will at least cover me for an accident or emergency before i get home. Which insurance companies do people know offering a cheaper pay as you go policy to get through the first few months requiements and fulfils the visa requirements ( i am 61 tomorrow in great health)
TLDR : Answer Summary
This post discusses the search for affordable health insurance tailored for Australians over 50 looking to apply for a retirement visa in Thailand. The camaraderie in the comments highlights several recommendations and experiences with various health insurance providers, such as Budget Direct and AXA, emphasizing the importance of choosing a policy that meets visa requirements while balancing cost and coverage. The conversation also touches on the possibility of using travel insurance as an alternative and deliberates on whether insurance is necessary for specific types of retirement visas.
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.
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I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
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Roger **********
Congratulations Anthony. Health is everything. Hope you find a good policy.
Wyn **********
WrLife.
Jody ********
Ian *********
Is it actually a reauirement for the retirement visa?
Todd *********
@Ian ********
yes, but depends on which kind of retirement visaIan *********
@Todd ********
can you expamd on thatl 🙏 I thought there was only 1 kind of retirement visa!Todd *********
@Ian ********
there are several. The best, by a wide margin is the Long Term residency visa for ‘wealthy pensioners’. Exceptional value and tax free status. But need to demonstrate $80k USD passive income. Insurance OR $100k in the bank is required. O-X retirement visa for 5-10 years also excellent but require funds in Thailand. Check if you qualify.
Non-immigrant O-A can be applied from within Thailand and doesn’t require insurance.
non-immigrant O can be applied for from home country. And required proof of insurance.
Lots of knowledgeable people here to help out with more specifics as needed
Ian *********
I am beeing told by someone else with knoledge that "The OA visa needs criminal record check, health certificate, mandatory insurance. Non-O requires none of those.".. (and he is talking about when applying in home country) - .this is the opposite to what you are saying! Confused now!
T
T
Reply to
Ian *********
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Stephen ********
AXA is where I went. They know exactly what you need.
Mark ********
I went to Bangkok hospital, saw 2 doctors within 30 minutes , one for my eyes one for stomach, place was spotless, £40 , would have cost me more for prescriptions in the uk , even though are is supposedly free ?
Anton *******
@Mark *******
Equals 55… But your original comment doesn’t state your age then or now… 😀Anton *******
@Mark *******
They are free today and have been for at least two decades…Mark ********
@Anton ******
63-8 years = ?Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
Anton *******
@Mark *******
Prescriptions are free for 60’s and over in The UK…Mark ********
@Anton ******
that was about 8 years agoReply to
Mark ********
Reply
David *******
My Wife 60F and I 57M went through Budget Direct, their premiums were fine, and covered us for that evacuation worry. Hope your search is successful.
Nick *******
I’ve done a lot of research on differing companies. The one that always showed up offering the cheapest premiums is the one that has terrible reviews for not paying out. So, cheapest isn’t the best solution as is usually true for everything.
Eric ********
@Nick ******
it’s not so hard to find a policy the looks good on paper. It’s also not hard to find sad stories about companies failing to pay up 🥺Reply to
Eric ********
Reply
Ashley **********
Hello There Anthony Pike, If you're looking for the cheapest health insurance to meet Thailand’s over-50 retirement visa requirements, the CEO of HealthCoverNow can help you find a budget-friendly policy that covers accidents and emergencies without unnecessary extras.
Check out
Check out
**********************
for expert recommendations on cost-effective plans that meet visa rules. Hope this helps, and happy early birthday!Dennis ***********
@Ashley *********
BD-*****
/1941-Non smoking- minimum alcohol 3-4 beers weekly.In good health.Looking for Health Ins for Dec- Jan-Feb - March- each year- Thailand- Canadian CitizenAshley **********
@Dennis **********
From my understanding, the plans that HCN carry are annual 12 month policies. So you might need to enrol and hold it all year, a=otherwise you're at the mercy of Underwriting every year or the crappy travel policies on the market . If you just need Accident and Emergency then 90% of travel plans will suffice, but if you need proper comprehensive medical insurance you have limitations due to your age and travel plansReply to
Ashley **********
Reply
Anthony ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ashley *********
thanks .. contacting them.. i am in excellent health and just want the visa tick, highest excess, lowest monthly premiumLeatrice *****************
@Ashley *********
does your plan cover pre-existing conditions ? I know some plans that say they do always says there are some type of exclusions but you never know what they are, so I would always be uncomfortable about that. This is really my only concern.Leatrice *****************
@Ashley *********
I'm in pretty good health but my spouse has a military injury that they take care of in the USA... However, with all of the dismantling of the VA right now, and health coverage is being taken away here, I'm not comfortable depending on just them or FMP with so many healthcare coverages been under threat here right now.. We wanted a backup that we can rely on if things change and they no longer cover veterans outside of USA.. as you know things are a mess right now and you can't depend on anything which is what's worrying me. Under normal circumstances I wouldn't be concerned... Thanks for your help and I will check with them.Leatrice *****************
And his spinal cord stimulator has to be changed every 10 years, but he has no problems otherwise.
Reply to
Leatrice *****************
Reply
Ashley **********
@Leatrice ****************
my understanding when I spoke to my broker was that some conditions will be covered if they are well-controlled ...like high cholesterol for example. Cancer of course, is another matter, but if you've been in remission for a number of years I would still speak to the team at Health Cover Now to get some professional advice. they work with specialist insurers all around the worldReply to
Ashley **********
Reply
Greg *********
A “cheap” policy that fulfills the visa requirements is going to have very high limits where you’ll be paying a lot before it kicks in. I had that my first year, but I switched to a more comprehensive plan that covered more, but of course cost more. Choose your poison.
Billy *******
Hi
I've tried asking Rachel before for a list of these 100's of providers...
I'm curious Peter, out of these 100's of providers, how many are actually any good, surely many of them aren't even worth a pinch of salt. Or do you believe the 100's of providers you have access to are all respectable and reliable options?
Out of those providers, who are the most reliable health insurance providers for expats living in Thailand? I struggle to even find a handful with decent reviews.
For example, who are the top 3 in your opinion? Not talking about cheap plans that don't pay out when you need it most, but insurers that actually pay directly to the hospital when the bill is over ฿1mill ? Cheers, looking forward to your response.
@Peter ******
, I'm always seeing comments on many different groups from @Rachel ******
(I'm guessing your wife) recommending you as a financial advisor. Rachel usually states that you have access to 100's of health insurance providers.I've tried asking Rachel before for a list of these 100's of providers...
I'm curious Peter, out of these 100's of providers, how many are actually any good, surely many of them aren't even worth a pinch of salt. Or do you believe the 100's of providers you have access to are all respectable and reliable options?
Out of those providers, who are the most reliable health insurance providers for expats living in Thailand? I struggle to even find a handful with decent reviews.
For example, who are the top 3 in your opinion? Not talking about cheap plans that don't pay out when you need it most, but insurers that actually pay directly to the hospital when the bill is over ฿1mill ? Cheers, looking forward to your response.
Billy *******
Thank
@Peter ******
, just as I suspected.Reply to
Billy *******
Reply
Alan ******
Thats the only problem coming to Thailand from Australia especially on retirement visa AU has free Hosp -medical.😎😎😎
Rachel *******
Speak with
Has access to all providers,so can compare all and find you the best cover and prices rather than comparing just one or two.
Totally free consultation
@Peter ******
fully qualified financial advisor dealing with health insurance in Thailand.Has access to all providers,so can compare all and find you the best cover and prices rather than comparing just one or two.
Totally free consultation
Billy *******
Hi
I've tried asking Rachel before for a list of these 100's of providers...
I'm curious Peter, out of these 100's of providers, how many are actually any good, surely many of them aren't even worth a pinch of salt. Or do you believe the 100's of providers you have access to are all respectable and reliable options?
Out of those providers, who are the most reliable health insurance providers for expats living in Thailand? I struggle to even find a handful with decent reviews.
For example, who are the top 3 in your opinion? Not talking about cheap plans that don't pay out when you need it most, but insurers that actually pay directly to the hospital when the bill is over ฿1mill ? Cheers, looking forward to your response.
@Peter ******
, I'm always seeing comments on many different groups from @Rachel ******
(I'm guessing your wife) recommending you as a financial advisor. Rachel usually states that you have access to 100's of health insurance providers.I've tried asking Rachel before for a list of these 100's of providers...
I'm curious Peter, out of these 100's of providers, how many are actually any good, surely many of them aren't even worth a pinch of salt. Or do you believe the 100's of providers you have access to are all respectable and reliable options?
Out of those providers, who are the most reliable health insurance providers for expats living in Thailand? I struggle to even find a handful with decent reviews.
For example, who are the top 3 in your opinion? Not talking about cheap plans that don't pay out when you need it most, but insurers that actually pay directly to the hospital when the bill is over ฿1mill ? Cheers, looking forward to your response.
Reply to
Billy *******
Reply
Todd *********
cheap insurance is always the best answer
Bobby ********
Talk to
@Arawan ******
insurance broker here in Thailand. She can give you a cover to suit your own situation. She has helped many expats over the yearsMax ***********
I agree. No medical insurance for me. I'm 75. If the need arises, I'll fly home for treatment.
Nick ************
@Max **********
you could find yourself unable or not allowed to fly. Then what?Max ***********
@Nick ***********
lot of negativity here. Get on with life. You have no control over what will happen.Nick ************
@Max **********
nothing negative about wanting to feel secure where an accident of some kind is so much more likely than in home country. I can get on with life knowing I will be well looked after should the worst happen.Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
Martin *********
@Max **********
so what happened if you have a heart attack or strokeGeorge *******
@Martin ********
You could always take a daily anticoagulant to minimise your risk of stroke. Heart attacks can happen to anyone of any age, if you go around worrying about that then better to live out your life in your own country where and if you get free health care.Reply to
George *******
Reply
Scott ******
@Max **********
u might drop dead by then before you reach planeMax ***********
@Scott *****
such is life. I'll enjoy it whilst I'm alive. Noone knows when their going to die and paying shit load for insurance is a waste of time. I have a life insurance policy that sets up my Thai wife. What more is needed.Steve ****************
@Max **********
well, health insurance enables you to plan for living and postpone the plan you made for passing away, I'm sure your wife would be broken hearted.Reply to
Steve ****************
Reply
Mark ********
@Max **********
great idea if you are having heart attack, stroke, and I understand if you are out of Australia for a certain period of time then you do not qualify for Medicare.Alan ******
@Mark *******
I'm surprised Medicare covers Thailand.Anthony ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alan *****
medicare works in australia.. you have to get on the plane and get home to australia for care. as long as you remain an australian resident, you may be able to retain medicare cover in australia, you may even keep a health care card as a aged pensioner. all you need is a doctors letter saying you are ok to fly and get on the plane with all the meds to get to ozAlan ******
Thanks Anthony. Been associated with Thai since 1989 so know all that, but thanks all the same.👍👍👍
Mark ********
@Alan *****
what did I say that made you think that?Alan ******
Should have gone to Max Mansfield, sorry Mark.
Reply to
Alan ******
Reply
Jeffrey **********
@Max **********
How does that work for a heart attack or stroke for other major illness or accident?Vijay *****
@Max **********
...Travel insuranceMax ***********
@Vijay ****
Had for over 30 years and my first claim was last year. Claim for missed flight from Newcastle to Melbourne to catch Scoot flight to Singapore. 4 hour delay. Claim denied. What the fuck is insurance for if not for that.Steve ****************
@Max **********
he means travelers health insurance!Reply to
Steve ****************
Reply
Alan ******
@Vijay ****
Not so try getting travel insurance at 80.Steve ****************
@Alan *****
it's only good for a few months after you landReply to
Steve ****************
Reply
Steve ****************
@Max **********
i see a lot of men thinking like this, I would be concerned as when we areold and ill we may not complete the flight
George *******
@Steve ***************
Just die in a country your happy in then 😂😂😂. Seriously though, it's a fact that with old age comes health problems, it's part of the demise of the human body. If your in very reasonable health, take care of it with regular exercise that you can achieve as long as you can. If you drive or ride a motorcycle as I do get the best cover insurance you can buy so that in the event your injured you get good medical care. I'm 76 got a few aches and pains periodically but cardiovascular system in very good condition, so I don't worry about unforeseen issues.Jessie ******
Steve ****************
@Jessie *****
it requires finding the right agentReply to
Steve ****************
Reply
Anthony ******
ORIGINAL POSTERthat is the risk....
Andrew *******
@Steve ***************
it happens ....Alan ******
@Steve ***************
Exactly what I thought .Reply to
Alan ******
Reply
Eric ********
Are you required to have local health insurance? If so, you will be given a list you must choose from, pick a low price and take the maximum deductible to minimise the cost. If not, you may be better off with travel insurance and flying home (gotta pain? Take a plane ..) You can be sure there are no policies in Thailand that will look after you near as well as the Australian option.
Rusty *********
@Eric *******
Thai medical, leaps and bounds ahead of the Australian equivalent.Hospitals miles ahead.
Professional services no comparison.
Dental absolutely brilliant .
Waiting time doesn't even happen in Thailand.
And shitloads cheaper...
Billy *******
@Eric *******
sounds like a good plan flying home if sick or injured but would it really work.For instance here's a few things off the top of my head;
-If you're too sick or injured you may not even be able/allowed to fly.
-If it's a serious type of injury or health concern and you're able to fly home, you may find you're just joining a long list of other people also awaiting the same procedure. In Aus you could be waiting many years for even a basic procedure.
-If not a serious medical issue, the cost of flights back home and return again may be more than just paying out of pocket for the procedure here in Thailand, where there is pretty much zero wait times for serious or non serious health issues.
Sylvia ********
@Billy ******
correct so many unfortunately don't have a choice to fly home once we are olderEric ********
@Billy ******
all valid points..Reply to
Eric ********
Reply
Adrian **********
@Eric *******
You must being joking Australian medical system is rooted unless your one of Albo immigrants we Aussies pay Medicare levy have compulsory health insurance or yr taxed more co payment for dr appointment if you can get oneEric ********
@Adrian *********
your opinion of the Oz health system is barely relevant and highly biased. Do you have a shred of evidence to support recommending Thai health insurance over Australian ? Well then spit it out .. go on .. or just STFU. 🙏🏻Adrian **********
@Eric *******
Oh wow yr aggressive must be a fucking leftardReply to
Adrian **********
Reply
Ian **********
@Adrian *********
you sound either very bitter or have a weird sense of humour. On every metric, the Australian health system is among the very best in the world.Adrian **********
@Ian *********
Not bitter just stating facts about our medical systemIan **********
@Adrian *********
what "facts"?Reply to
Ian **********
Reply
Mark *********
Cheapest - surely the quality of cover is central to such an important decision
David *********
Follow
John **********
If you get the Non-O visa based on being over 50 there are no insurance requirements
Reply to
John **********
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