Answered5 years ago
Why is COVID insurance required for vaccinated travelers entering Thailand but not for renewing a retirement visa?
Why is it that covid insurance is required to enter Thailand if you are vaccinated, It is very expensive if you are over 76 , and you don't need it to renew a AO retirement visa if you are already in Thailand ??? Seems odd to me !
Answer summary
The requirement for COVID insurance when entering Thailand, even for vaccinated travelers, has raised questions among expats. Although it may seem odd that vaccinated individuals must have this insurance while renewing an OA retirement visa doesn't require it, the regulations differ based on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for entry and local immigration offices for residency. Concerns about the costs associated with potential COVID hospitalizations have been shared, emphasizing that vaccinated individuals can still contract the virus and may incur significant medical expenses. The conversation also touches on the financial burden of insurance for older travelers and the perception of insurance as a necessary cost.
25 repliesnewest first
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Richard *******
$$$____$_
Jon *****
yet another excuse to dip their hand in ther ur pocket.
Jamie ******
Only an idiot would travel to Thailand without insurance.
There you are, I said it.
There you are, I said it.
Robert **********
@Jamie *****
everyone dampens their trousers saying that but the cost and benefits for health insurance for older people in Thailand is little better than self insurance. What you will receive in benefits for serious illness is little more than a years premium Jamie ******
@Robert *********
So what you are saying is insurance companies have calculated the risk, and are not a charity.I'll say it again. If you are not adequately insured, stay in your own country and be a burden to them.
Robert **********
@Jamie *****
some of are can self insure though. This is more like a tax than insurance 
Paulie *********
Specific Covid cover is no longer required - only hospitalisation.
Channel **********
Just comply with the regulations or you will end up in deep water to say the least, the alternative is travel somewhere else....just saying
Nguyen *****************
How much is expensive?
Tyler *******
@Nguyen ****************
I bought my plan through Tune insurance -- a Thai company -- for a little over 12,000 THBTyler *******
It covers 3 months stay
Michael ********
Thought you needed insurance for OA visa ?
Dick **********
@Michael *******
Me too.
Peter *************
Then stay out if its so Odd to you
Stuart *********
Vaccinated people can still get covid. If you test positive here (in Phuket, and probably elsewhere too) you’re sent to hospital where you stay until you test negative. That can rack up huge bills. If you’re choosing a policy make sure it covers asymptomatic cases.
Julie ***********
And how would you provide the expensive funds to meet medical costs should you catch covid and need hospital treatment. Just because you've been vaccinated dosnt mean you won't get it.
Frédéric ******************
@William *******
Thai have social security health care.Julie ***********
William Steele wether Thais have medical insurance or not it is not the question here... Expats and tourists should have travel insurance for wherever they are in the world to help with medical costs with whatever illness or accident they have.
It shouldn't be upto that country to provide free treatment and give repatriation should it be required.
It's also a shame you have such a negative attitude to a virus that has and still is killing thousands upon thousands of people around the world.
The man needs insurance regardless of being an expat or not.
It shouldn't be upto that country to provide free treatment and give repatriation should it be required.
It's also a shame you have such a negative attitude to a virus that has and still is killing thousands upon thousands of people around the world.
The man needs insurance regardless of being an expat or not.
Julie ***********
@William *******
it isn't about you and what you do, it was someone else who asked the question!! So I don't really get your point nor do I care how long you have lived or visited Thailand, this is not a point scoring exercise. 🤷♀️
Erik ******************
@Julie **********
I hope it's because he's too busy with his family. However, he'll find whining about the mask requirements won't help him in Asia at all. Julie ***********
@Erik *****************
he's just arrived in Thailand!!! To be with his family!!It now seems Mr Steele dosnt want responses to his comments, I wonder why 🤔
Erik ******************
William Steele This isn't the West. Nobody here in this part of the world cares what you like or don't like about the Thai government's decisions. If you do arrive in Thailand, you'd better be prepared to wear a mask while out too. The locals and police won't have any patience for your arguments.
Deal with it or fly into a different country in a different part of the world.
Deal with it or fly into a different country in a different part of the world.
Jamie ******
@William *******
Thai people are not guests in Thailand. 👍
Benjamin ******
The requirements to enter Thailand are set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The requirements to stay in Thailand are set by the local immigration office.
Andy *******
Very odd but required
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