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.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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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 *******
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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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
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.
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Use one or don’t. Perhaps your lawyer can get you a deal for you if you don’t but possibly not.
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. 🤷♂️
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?
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.
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.
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.
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?