Answered7 years ago

Will I Need Insurance When Returning to Thailand on an OA Visa Obtained Before the Requirement?

OA Visa Insurance Requirements Returning to Thailand

asked Mar 3, 2020

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I got my one year OA Visa before the insurance requirement.  I entered Thailand in Nov, no issues, and am no out of the country again.  When I return before the visa expires, will I need insurance since I got the original visa before the insurance deadline

Thanks

Answer summary

The general consensus is that while you officially need to have health insurance when returning to Thailand on an OA Visa, there have been reports of leniency in enforcement. Some travelers have successfully returned and received visa stamps without presenting insurance documents, especially if they acquired the visa before the insurance requirement was established. However, it is advised to have insurance not only for visa compliance but also for health care needs.

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Marty *********

If you intend to stay on a non-OA then the next time you apply in your home country you will either need Thai insurance or have your outside insurance company sign the Thai government affidavit. If you apply for a 1 year extension of stay based on your non-OA then you will need a Thai insurance. Robert answered what might happen to you currently.

7 years ago

Bobby ********

@Marty ********

. That's correct. It's not actually an affidavit (an affidavit has to be signed and sworn under oath), it's just a confirmation from your home insurance company that the minimum criteria are met (travel insurance always specifies unlimited hospital treatment, but is vague on outpatient, so the embassy/consulate in your home country needs the certification). Any extension you do in Thailand will need Thai insurance. Stamping back in for a year during the validity of the visa seems to be at the whim of the IO. The last time I did this at Chong Mek, he wanted to see insurance, and I produced my travel insurance (which I'd just renewed a few days before) and he stamped me back in to the expiry date of the insurance (which was three days short of a year).

7 years ago

Robert *******

Officially yes, but out of reports there is a lot a leniency and people do still get the 1 year stamp or a 30 day stamp and told to get the insurance and if done change the stamp into a 1 year stamp.

As hospitals and pharmacies still charge for their service, I would say an insurance is always needed, not only for a visa.

7 years ago

Adam ******

i usually get travel insurance for the length of time i am here (usually six months) which has much better coverage than the required insurance i would need to get.

7 years ago