thailand
Ask question

What visa should I get if I want to live 6 months in Thailand and 6 months in the US, considering health insurance and recent changes?

Non-Immigrant O VisaVisa ExtensionThailand ImmigrationImmigration during CovidHealth Insurance ThailandTravel Restrictions Thailand
Oct 26, 2020
4 years ago
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
This is our house in Udon Thani. I have been living in Thailand for 15 years now and have always had a Non-Immigrant O multiple entry visa based on marriage to a Thai national. Since things have changed since Covid-19, I am looking at a new strategy. I am thinking about living in Thailand six months out of the year and the US the other six months. Do I need to get a different visa, or is there one I can use for 6 months and pay the health insurance for that time instead of a one year policy?
3,602
views
25
likes
113
all likes
46
replies
1
images
15
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
An expat in Thailand for 15 years on a Non-Immigrant O multiple entry visa based on marriage is exploring living in Thailand for six months and the US for six months. The discussion covers visa types, potential changes to health insurance requirements, and the impact of Covid-19 on travel and visa applications. Comments reveal differing opinions on the feasibility of leaving Thailand during the pandemic and suggest staying longer in Thailand may be advisable.
Edward ******
Get Re_Entry Visa come back before visa expire simple. No need to change type of visa
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Edward *****
, so I would have to pay for one year of health insurance.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Edward ******
@Rick ******
 did they ask you health insurance when you renewed one year Visa last time. Check with Bangkok life n health insurance it's not expensive, cause if you go out of country and re_enter you might need health insurance. Check the IMM office near you.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Edward *****
, my last Non-Immigrant O visa expired in May and there was no health insurance requirement at that time.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Edward ******
@Rick ******
 did you renewed your extension of stay for another year? Parent/family visa no need health insurance I think. May be it's changed now you can confirm with IMM.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Edward *****
, I am currently in the US and will obtain a new visa just before going back. If health insurance is not required on a Non-Immigrant O visa based on marriage, it is only the quarantine length and cost that bothers me along with all the extra paperwork. I keep seeing that the Thai government is thinking about decreasing the quarantine period, so hopefully they will do that soon. Just waiting for things to calm down and hopefully there will be a vaccine soon.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Edward ******
@Rick ******
 we all are praying for right vaccine sooner. I thought you were in Thailand and want to go to STATS. Your visa was expired in May last year so you have to restart. Have to get NON-O from THE SATATS and apply for extension of stay for one year in Thailand. 400K in Thai bank, family pics in house,marriage certificates and other Documents I think you know already. Quarantine period is reduced to 10 days. Stay safe n blessed!
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Edward *****
, thanks. I have always had a Non-Immigrant O multiple entry visa based on marriage to a Thai national and have always obtained it from the Thai Consulate in Los Angeles. I started to go through the extension process but found it cumbersome along with the 400,000 baht requirement. I only needed to show 750 US dollars in a US bank and the process was easy at the Consulate. I was not aware that the quarantine was reduced to 10 days. I hope that the Thai government reduces it more, or eliminates it once they see how it negatively impacts the tourist trade.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Edward ******
@Rick ******
 yes we all suffer.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Edward *****
, sorry that it has to be this way. 😔
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Edward ******
@Rick ******
 🙏🙏🙏
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Edward ******
Reply
Billy *******
The US sucks with a capital WHO.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Gareth ********
I've been using Non Imm O multi entry based on marriage for the last 9 years, up to this year it has never been an issue. I have recently converted that to a one year extension of stay. When I have to leave I will buy a multi entry re-entry permit from immigration before leaving. I already have medical insurance which covers Covid-19, so all I will need to do is apply for a CoE, a flight and an ASQ. I do not envisage any major problems just a financial loss.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Gareth ********
David Broadfoot yes I could have, but at the end of that 60 day I’d still have to leave. Getting back in as I’m sure you are aware isn’t straightforward. For me a 12 month extension and not having to leave made more sense.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reiner *********
@Gareth *******
 just to get it Wright... You are here on a visa o. Marriage... And extended. Here every year.... Why you change it.... Then as non o on a yearly extention you don't have to have an insurance.. But better. Because cheap....
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Gareth ********
@Reiner ********
 I changed because on a Non Imm O you can stay 90 days then one extension of 30(?) days. You then have to leave the country. With a one year extension of stay, I can remain for 12 months and just do 90 day reporting.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reiner *********
@Gareth *******
 well NO... Just go to your nearest immigration office and ask them. How to change to a one year extention... Or just Google it before
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Gareth ********
What are you talking about? I have already changed it.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Gareth ********
Reply
Don *********
Sounds like a good plan but there is a small flaw in it. Once you leave Thailand, you're not coming back easily until this whole covid situation is over. Something to think about.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Don ********
, thanks. My plan is not even to try to come back until winter of 2021. Hopefully by then things will be a little easier for us who are married to a Thai national. Also, having a vaccine available should make things a little easier, but time will tell.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Don *********
@Rick ******
 it's pretty messed up because I have relatives I want to visit but can't since if I leave I don't know if I'll ever be able to come back in the near future.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Don ********
, I think waiting for a bit is the best thing right now.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Rick *******
Reply
Lee ********
I believe there will be lots of upcoming opportunities. Things are changing by necessity in Thailand. There is a new group of insurance options approved by the government
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reiner *********
@Lee *******
 well you look to much in the christal bowl.....

Especially with you infected people... It will be first not the insurance it will be that you have to much infekted that your country is a very high risk country... If it will be secure..ike Thailand. Ay be
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Reiner ********
, tourists and retirees not married to a Thai national are the ones who have to worry. So far, if you are married to a Thai national, or have a Thai child, the government is allowing you to come into the country. I have both and do not see the Thai government preventing that unless you are Covid-19 positive, which opens a whole new can of worms. 😏
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reiner *********
@Rick ******
.. Well wrong as well check the list... Moreike people with a propper visa B an work permit....

And again without a propper visa they can not enter... You could try If you have all legal papers... Just go to the royal Thai embassy near you.... But what.. Are you are legally married in Thailand.. With a child and propper papers that its your.. Or NOT... As I guess not....
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Reiner ********
, I am legally married in Thailand and have all paperwork showing that I am on my son's birth certificate.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reiner *********
@Rick ******
 so very easy to come. Back... Great that you have all.... I know 200 without nothing..
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Reiner *********
Reply
Michael **************
I have same plan but waiting on vaccine. They are saying end of January all senior in USA will have vaccine available to them
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reiner *********
@Michael *************
 well for sure NOT Americans.. If you have NOT fall into the Wright existing already..... Second.. NO because America is a high Risk country... But more problematic clown as President
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Michael **************
@Reiner ********
That clown has done more for USA than any other has. He has my vote for sure.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reiner *********
@Michael *************
 well up to you.. What you mean exactly.. Destroy the reputation of America.. Take Bribes...ly to the American 100 Times or more... Only pay his supportes by tax money.. And corrupt the office... Pay hunderts of millions from tax payers to his own company not even have the right to do.... Well I not understand what you fucker will tell that he is a serious man... Besides a businnes Looser.... I think you not understand his way to support only his business... But up to you.... Hope he will kick out in 2 weeks and then will go in jail abusing the us constitution what is obvious
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Michael **************
@Reiner ********
Well we can go back and fourth all day but in the end everyone has their own opinion

Mine is Trump for another 4 years.

Get those assholes out off office
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reiner *********
@Michael *************
 ups... May be I did not understand your sarcasm then.. But 4 more years will Kill the US.. Just with a clock.... The Chinese sell all ther American funds in one day..... It will be soon... Many don't understand the Chinese... But its close.. And after that day... As the government will be bancrupt... They just wait one day to buy all back... Make 300 % and 500 trillion us dollar just in one day.... Funny...
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Reiner *********
Reply
Daniel ************
@Michael *************
 Agree, I to am waiting for the vaccine and then will apply for the "Non-O." Good Luck!! ;-)
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Daniel ************
Reply
Alan *********
Because of Covid ! Make more sence just to stay put in Thailand until Covid goes away.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alan ********
, there is a good chance that it will never go away, but it might be controlled like the yearly flu with a vaccine. Only time will tell.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Rick *******
Reply
Pascal ********
Never change what is working good, change visa and you may not come back as your wish
4 years ago
Like
Reply
David **********
Well covid would seem to be making your new plan basically impossible wouldn't it?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
A Non O gives you 90 days in country. You can either extend that for a year if you meet the financial requirements or extend for a further 60 days for visiting Thai family. If you are over 50 you could apply for a Non OA visa which would give you a years stamp on entry.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Why would you not be able to get back in if you are married to a Thai?
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Wilmont ******
@Rick ******
 I have been doing what you suggest before this COVID-19 mess, but now I’m staying put until this mess is over with and things get back to normal. And like several have posted maybe your chances of getting back in will be zero or you’ll have to jump through hoops. My advice is just stay put and wait it out.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Rick *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wilmont *****
, that is exactly what I am doing and hoping things improve.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Rick *******
Reply
Stuart *********
Either visa allows entry to Thailand currently as long as go gain the Certificate of entry from your local embassy/consulate and get the Covid test and quarantine and insurance.
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
Carlo ******************
Following
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *******
@Carlo *****************
4 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are the best health insurance options for someone staying in both Thailand and the USA?
8 comments
5 months ago
What is the best visa option for a couple over 50 planning to stay in Thailand for six months each year for two years?
42 comments
5 months ago
What is the best visa option for staying in Thailand for 6 months each year without exceeding tax implications?
19 comments
7 months ago
What are the options for a US citizen to stay in Thailand for 6 months after a Non-O marriage visa cancellation?
18 comments
8 months ago
What are the best visa options for expats over 50 planning to split their time between Thailand, the US, and the UK?
3 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options and health insurance solutions for retirees living in Thailand?
30 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options for living part-time in Thailand while bouncing between the USA, EU, and Mexico?
31 comments
2 years ago
What is the best long-term visa option for a US expat married to a Thai national?
7 comments
2 years ago
What are the best visa options and insurance requirements for a 5-month stay in Thailand for a retired expat married to a Thai citizen?
8 comments
2 years ago
What visa options do I have to live in Thailand for 6 months and return to Australia for 6 months?
39 comments
2 years ago
What are the options for staying in Thailand for 5 or 6 months at a time as a retiree married to a Thai national?
23 comments
2 years ago
What visa should I apply for to stay in Thailand for 6 months with my wife?
25 comments
3 years ago
What are my options for extending my NON-O visa based on marriage in Thailand, and how does health insurance affect my situation?
4 comments
3 years ago
What type of visa should I apply for if I want to stay in Thailand for 6 months without buying a year of health insurance?
15 comments
3 years ago
What is the best visa option for a retired person married to a Thai national who wants to spend 6 months in Thailand?
16 comments
4 years ago
What is the best visa option for spending 6 to 9 months a year in Thailand?
8 comments
4 years ago
What visa options allow you to stay in Thailand for 5-6 months a year if married to a Thai citizen?
12 comments
4 years ago
What types of visas are available for spending extended periods in Thailand as a 59-year-old expat with a Thai common law partner?
12 comments
5 years ago
What are the best alternative visa options for long-term stays in Thailand after retiring from a MEOA retirement visa?
17 comments
5 years ago
What is the best visa option for an American expat wanting to stay in Chiang Mai for most of 2020?
44 comments
5 years ago
What Visa Options Are Available for Expats Only Visiting Thailand for Two Months a Year?
18 comments
5 years ago
What is the best visa option for staying 6 months in Thailand and 6 months in my home country?
25 comments
6 years ago
What visa options are available for a foreigner married to a Thai citizen living abroad who frequently visits Thailand?
31 comments
6 years ago
Is it better to get a 6-month tourist visa or a retirement visa if I plan to split my time between Thailand and the USA?
29 comments
7 years ago
What are the best visa options for staying in Thailand while managing health issues and building a house?
44 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.