Will health insurance still be required for the elite visa in Thailand in 2021?

November 2, 2020
4 years ago
Alan **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
With a elite visa you have to have insurance to enter Thailand,at the moment,but do we have to have the insurance next year ,with a 20 year visa
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The current requirement for the elite visa entering Thailand includes health insurance, but there is uncertainty about whether this will be mandatory for the entirety of the visa duration for the 20-year term. Some comments suggest that health insurance has become essential for entry due to recent regulations, possibly stemming from the pandemic. Participants highlight the likelihood of insurance becoming a long-term requirement for various visa categories, particularly for retired expats and those with health concerns. Additionally, clarity on specific visa types like the O and OA visa indicates varying insurance obligations, necessitating further clarification from officials.
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Jonathan ******
I'm from the US. Does anybody have a list or link of Insurance companies that are cost-effective and work to meet the requirements to enter Thailand on a Long term tourist or an OA Visa?
Thomas ******
The O-A visa requires an insurance. An O non imm visa doesn’t have to have an insurance. But, you can only get the O Visa if you are in Thailand.
Bobby ********
@Thomas *****
. And good luck getting into Thailand without insurance! Now impossible. The fuzzy days are gone!
Bobby ********
For people who are wondering why the Thai government have become so pedantic about insurance, this old article sheds light on the matter. I expect ALL retired expats to eventually have to be covered by health insurance. As it is at times difficult for those 75+ to get insurance for the first time, I always advise those under 75 to get insurance NOW as the companies will renew up to 99. With no insurance, older expats may find they will no longer be able to extend their visas and be forced to sell up and leave.

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2/destitute-foreigners-and-thailand-hospitals
Gary ****
@Bobby *******
"Some who wanted to build families in Phuket married Thai women who later took off with their money.

In a lot of cases, the patients require long-term treatment for chronic illnesses such as alcoholism and liver and heart diseases."

These are exactly the people the Thais do not want, and who unfortunately spoil it for everyone else. Covid will be the excuse to insist on full jnsurance for any visa.
Bobby ********
@Gary ********
. Exactly. Insurance was starting to creep in, first with the OX visa, and more recently the OA. Now it appears the 'O' retirement visa has been discontinued. I agree that covid will be the reason most visas will now require insurance. I also feel the old 30-day "visa exempt" is long gone. Those with work permits won't require insurance as their tax goes towards the health service. As for those 50+ who are on O marriage visas, it remains to be seen
Kane *********
You should have health insurance for the duration you’re in Thailand
Bob **********
Things and rules change here weekly
Bim *******
That's a good question. I believe it's a requirement for entry not for the life of the visa but you will need to phone and check with there helpline
Gary ****
Not at the present time, however I can see insurance being mandatory long term for every class of visa.
Rob ******
@Gary ********
That would be mass corruption and graft .

The Thai police working on border entry , OMG ...

Most westerners can't or don't read their insurance . Can you imagine your local.Thai read and check ..:-) The mind boggles .

Starting an Insurance company up anyone .

Requirement .

Must be able to print policies .
Wayne ********
Gary ****
@Wayne *******
There's been plenty of greased palms already, with the 16 companies on the "official" list of covid insurers. Someone got to make some money out of this pandemic. 😂
Wayne ********
Wayne ********
it’s seems only that those coming in must abide by rules for all have insurance i have TE but they have never asked for my policy details but i have been stuck here in Thailand no

incoming but it’s my understand as a friend tried to get TE to come

back into thailand and they told him it’s

compulsory food

luck
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