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Answered2 months ago

What medical insurance options are recommended for applying for a Thailand O-A visa?

Brenda ********
asked Aug 13, 2026
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Hi

We are from South Africa and planning to apply for an O-A visa. They require proof of medical insurance when you apply. Which medical insurance do you use and what is the cost?

Thx
Answer summary
The inquiry concerns the necessity of proof of medical insurance for a South African applicant planning to apply for an O-A visa in Thailand. Responses suggest various avenues, including using existing medical coverage from South Africa or opting for a specialized insurance provider compliant with Thai regulations. Recommendations include reaching out to local expat insurance brokers for assistance, reviewing specific insurance policies acceptable for visa applications, and understanding the difference between travel insurance and comprehensive medical coverage. It's also noted that some expats choose to self-insure due to the nature of coverage policies.
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Debra ********************
Debra ********************
We came on an O visa, no medical required
Mikael ********
Mikael ********
If do you need a certified insurance for your visa, you can visit and compare for free the best insurers registered in thailand on
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Compare and get a free quote for your health insurance.
Paul ********************
Paul ********************
Can you not use your existing medical aid in SA and just extend for use in Thailand, thats what my mother did for an extended visit some years back ❓
John **********
John **********
@Paul *******************
not if you want to meet the requirements of the Non-OA visa
Paul ********************
Paul ********************
Paul ********************
Paul ********************
@John *********
and on that topic you are confusing travel insurance with a proper medical insurance policy by which you extend the territory of were it's applicable (for a fee of course)

In South Africa, a full medical insurance policy is called medical aid as a generic term..

Case in point I have used a UK based medical aid/Insurance policy in Thailand for the last 25 years

It covers me world wide, excluding US, and premiums are paid annually for coverage upto GBP 1.0 million pa

Never been an issue with treatment in Thailand..👍
John **********
John **********
@Paul *******************
he was asking about medical aid, once your in Thailand longer than 90 days medical aid won't cover you and one needs 12 months of cover
Ron *****
Ron *****
Pacific Cross was my first until…

Health Insurance policy usability depends on the verdict of the underwriter investigation of your medical history. The exclusion list of non-coverage for many will shock them, especially when the premium is so high and only half of you is covered! The insurance companies don’t want to lose money. Many older expats go the ‘self-insured’ path when they see what their true coverage is and cancel it.

Get Non-O Visa in order to be self insured. You can get it in Thailand by first getting 90-day tourist visa. Also plan to deposit 800k baht in Thai bank (see Kbank)
Colin **********
Colin **********
Thai General Insurance Association (TGIA). Their website longstay.tgia.org provides an approved list of member insurance companies that offer health insurance plans compliant with the O-A visa health insurance requirements
Wannikea *********
Wannikea *********
Are you sure you want an OA as opposed to an O? The only benefit is to delay bringing the 800k into Thailand in year two or year three.
Samuel *******
Samuel *******
Have a chat with Tenzing, a very helpful and knowledgeable expat broker who can help:
******************************************************************
John **********
John **********
You should use one of the approved providers, it's highly unlikely an insurance provider in your own country will complete the required Foreign Insurance Certificate

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