Why is CIGNA not on the list of approved medical insurance companies for O-A visa renewal in Thailand?

Mar 12, 2024
9 months ago
Charles **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Received this e-mail from the lawyer handling the renewal of my O-A visa. Anyone know why CIGNA is NOT on the list of medical insurance companies approved by Thailand immigration and what I can do about this matter please?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The concern regarding CIGNA's absence from the list of approved medical insurance companies for O-A visa renewals in Thailand stems from its previous approval as a local entity which has now ceased operations. Consequently, only CIGNA Global, which is not recognized by Thai immigration, remains. The community discussion suggests alternatives to the O-A visa route to avoid complications. Some members propose switching to a tourist visa and then applying for an O visa, while others share experiences about the difficulties surrounding the insurance requirements. Additionally, it was mentioned that immigration may accept CIGNA under special circumstances, including additional fees. Overall, the conversation reflects frustration with the current system and hints at perceived inconsistencies in insurance approvals.
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Kev *********
It's not listed with TGIA Thai Group Insurers Association.
David *********
Looks like open bribery, coercion, or other illegal activities are being promoted!
Klaus ***********
Pay.
David *********
Because Cigna is not a Thai company?
Thomas **********
Extra fee :)
Gaby *******
*****
THB I did it in november
Robert ******
Had a similar problem a couple of years ago. Easiest and cheapest way to fix was to have a weekend away in Penang allow visa to lapse then go down the Non O route. I still have medical insurance but better and cheaper than the 'approved' providers.
Dan ******
The Insurance Companies chosen by the health department (then Minister Anutin) as acceptable for this scheme obviously had to meet certain conditions similar to what is now being offered directly by the IO.
Kev *********
A requirement now for OA is 400,000 ipd 40,000 opd and 3 million Cobvid cover
Kev *********
Whats the procedure to change from OA to O?
Marty *********
@Kev ********
After the first year of the OA visa you must leave Thailand without a reentry permit. Then reenter Thailand as a tourist and apply for a nonimmigrant O visa. Or you can get an O visa at a Thai consulate outside of Thailand.
Rok ********
@Marty ********
what about if you have the multy entry permit … how do you exit without?
Marty *********
@Rok *******
I think if you have a multiple entry permit then you have to wait until it expires. It should be coordinated with your permission to stay or extension of stay stamp.
Kev *********
@Marty ********
Thanks Marty. Ive actually been on an OA visa 10years
Steffi ***********
You would need a TGIA insurance ! But it’s interesting to read, that immigration accepts CIGNA by paying extra money 😎 TIT - This is Thailand
Peter *******
Laughable really when Cigna Global is far better than Axa
Jeffrey **********
@Peter ******
You seem to be missing the point. It's only there to benefit a few select Thai insurance companies. not the policy holder
Peter *******
@Jeffrey *********
you missed the point, i said "laughable"
Marshall ********
Call the insurance company
Liam ********
How much extra does one need to pay for Cigna to be recognized?
Kenny ******************
Immigration prefers that you use the O visa route, as more than the official fee of 1900 Baht gets into the coffers. Applying for the OA from an embassy/consulate in your home country, I believe that fee goes into the costs of running the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs- its consulates and embassy abroad. Nothing goes to Thai immigraition.
Marty *********
@Kenny *****************
If you have the right insurance then Immigration will process your extension off stay of an OA just like an O visa. Makes no difference to them.
Steve *******
Steve *******
Pointless having the O A insurance, most things are excluded if getting older and the excess makes it almost impossible to claim. It is a total scam
Bob *******
@Steve ******
totally agree
Glen *********
Why are you renewing OA, come in on tourist visa and get O with no insurance requirements and no hassle - still have the insurance but dont need to prove it
Steve *******
@Glen ********
it would be illegal in other countries
Glen *********
@Steve ******
it is not illegal to cone in on tourist visa/exemption and apply non-o inside Thailand with no insurance req.
Steve *******
@Glen ********
True but that is irrelevant
Jan ******************
@Steve ******
But you mean it’s relevant what’s illegal in other countries?
Steve *******
@Jan *****************
no the OP is asking about a Thailand OA visa
Jan ******************
@Steve ******
Yes and if you want to cancel a O-A visa just leave without a re-entry permit on your extension of stay and re-enter on a tourist visa or visa exemption and apply for regular Non O visa and forget about insurance. The requirement regarding age and income is the same. Or just apply for a 90 days Non O from home.
Reluctant *******
@Jan *****************
The Thai insurance is 5000% overpriced compared to a PLATINUM expat health insurance policy from CIGNA or BUPA or whoever. Skip the O-A
Steve *******
@Jan *****************
yep, that is my plan now the insurance for OA is a scam
Jan ******************
@Steve ******
Can I ask what it cost approximately?
Steve *******
@Jan *****************
impossible to say as it depends on your circumstances, but lowest excess is 300,000baht for any claim
Damo ***********
@Steve ******
exactly.. silly question you asked
@Jan *****************
.

Start a new thread maybe and not hi-jack others?
Jan ******************
@Damo **********
Was just wondering why people want to go from a O-A to a O visa. And I know it’s because of an expensive insurance with bad coverage.
Glen *********
Cigna Thailand (local Cigna company) was approved previously but they ceased operating a year ago, now there is only Cigna Global which is not approved.
Stuart *********
This is the list of approved OA extension companies.
*************************************


Use one or don’t. Perhaps your lawyer can get you a deal for you if you don’t but possibly not.
Peter ****************
@Stuart ********
I remember there is a document which, if the insurance company signs it,(which they almost never do) you also can use. In y'r link that document is also mentioned to download. Maybe Cigna signs it. 🤷‍♂️
David ****
@Stuart ********
Just an inquiry. An OA visa is only issued in a foreign Thai embassy. Would it not be converted to an O visa within Thailand when a renewal is due and therefore would waive the insurance requirement?
Marty *********
@David ***
No. You can’t convert an OA to an O inside Thailand. You have to leave Thailand to kill the OA and the enter and start the process to get an O and subsequent extensions of stay.
David ****
@Marty ********
Ok that certainly makes sense overall. So what is this person asking with regards to extending an OA visa? Maybe I misunderstood his question.
Stuart *********
@David ***
If you want a year extension of stay off a Non OA visa you must have mandatory medical insurance taken out with one of the listed companies. A year extension off a Non O does not require insurance.
David ****
@Stuart ********
Thanks for the response. I was unaware that an OA visa could be extended at immigration in Thailand. (I’ve heard of people leaving and returning just before the expiration date to gain another year) Would it also require 800k in a Thai bank account and medical certificate which was required here in DC.
Stuart *********
@David ***
Not the medical certificate. Missed that comment.
David ****
@Stuart ********
I believe medical insurance is important whether mandatory or not. I don’t see any advantage to a non-O other than perhaps it’s simpler to extend an existing visa. Is it also just 1900 baht to extend?
Stuart *********
@David ***
all extensions are 1,900 baht.
David ****
@Stuart ********
Thanks for the information. You’re always a wealth of knowledge.
Melissa *********
@David ***
agreed!!
Stuart *********
@David ***
Yes exact same requirements, but the additional need for the insurance. That can get difficult and expensive approaching or over 70.
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