Will I Need Proof of Insurance When Returning to Thailand on a Non-O-A Visa?

Nov 12, 2019
5 years ago
Scott **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello All, I have a "new" question concerning the Non-O-A Multiple entry.

My visa was stamped Oct 21st (Ahead of the Oct. 31st Insurance mandate) I'm currently here in Thailand.

If I leave Thailand to visit Myanmar (or any other country) will I be required to show proof of Insurance upon Returning? Or Am I "in the Clear" until my VISA expires (or I apply for an Extension of stay)

(just read a "story", about a person being told by the immigration officer, that he WOULD be required to show proof of insurance)

?Fact or fiction?

Thanks in Advance, If any one has left and returned since the new rule took effect.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the necessity of showing proof of health insurance when returning to Thailand on a Non-O-A multiple entry visa after the new insurance mandate took effect on October 31. Many expats express uncertainty, with some believing that the requirement may apply regardless of when the visa was issued. Mixed reports suggest that arrival procedures may vary based on individual immigration officer interpretations, and it’s possible that travelers could be asked for proof of insurance irrespective of their entry date. The overarching advice is to be prepared, as regulations can be enforced unpredictably.
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วาตาชิโนะ ********************
Heard that health insurance rule only apply for O-A issued after 31 Oct.
Steven *********
So I'm wondering what happens when you have an OA and when it's time to renew the extension of stay what will happen at immigration? Will they say you have to leave Thailand or will they give you a 30-day extension of stay or?
Tod *********
that is not totally correct, you NEED health insurance to BUY a O-A visa from the thai consulate in your country after the 31st of Oct, BUT

everyone on an O-A visa or an extension from an O-A visa after the 31st can be asked for proof of insurance when stamping back into the country OR getting a new yearly extension from an O-A
Tod *********
@Scott *******
there is just not enough solid reports to tell you IF you will or won't be asked for proof of insurance when you return.

IF I was a betting man I'd bet you WILL be asked for proof (there is no clause in the police order that says ANYONE on an O-A is exempt from this rule after Oct 31, no matter when you got the visa or entered the country :/ ).

People who have been asked when flying in but can't show proof are given 30 day visa exempt entry stamps (or a visa free entry according to your country of passport origin) and then you get insurance and go back to the immigration office at the airport you flew in to and they will correct the stamp to a year entry.
Scott **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Well, that would really suck. (the latter). Thanks , and I will be sure to let you know, when I return.
JJ *********
It seems that this is more a visa request/renewal issue as someone reported. Similar to the background check, health certificate, etc. presented to the consulate when applying. With that said, as we all know, I/O's sometimes have their own interpretation. I am flying in on the 19th (obtained OA on
*****
). If questioned, I will with a big smile, explain the consulate in L.A. said no problem and hope that suffices. Ironically, I came back early to get OA so I could GET insurance as it's a requirement to have long stay Visa to get insurance in Thailand (not necessarily, insurance provided by the govt issued link)
James ********
We are getting mixed reports. Please be patient as we try to determine exactly what will happen..

If you read the posts linked to this...

Click On...which I have placed in your post...

"O-A Health Insurance for O-A Visa"

.....you will see what has recently been reported.
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