This is a recent change. Like in the past week. Crackdown in scam/call centers opening bank accounts and sim cards.

@John *******

From one of fhe bigger visa agent in Pattaya:

Breaking News For Retirement Visa Holders in Pattaya.

Due to new changes in banking policy it is not currently possible to open new Bank Accounts for tourist visa or entry on arrival stamps.

Also we are not able to assist you to make New Non O Retirement Visas or renew current Non O or Non OA visas in some cases.

We are hoping for a quick resolution to this problem.

We will notify you immediately when this changes.

@John *******

visa company can't open a bank account anymore either.

@Jordee *****

We frequently travel all across Asia and probably will relocate elsewhere after 5-10 years. For us, portability of a policy is very important. Not everyone needs that. Plus it includes scuba diving, skiing, etc. Some polices don't include these activities.

@Jeff ******

Our friends are 78 and 80 and on the same policy that we have. They've had their policies for over a decade. Yes, premiums have gone up for them. But They've added higher deductible. The policy covers us up to 99 yrs.

They've been healthy throughout too. But now dealing with cancer and were given tests and treatment at one of the best cancer hospitals in Bamgkok...all covered. They even were approved for some alternative treatment using autoimmunue methods.

We get annual screening allowances for skin check, general blood work, pap/mammogram, prostrate, and a few other ones. Up to $325usd per test category.

When we compared policies independently and through a recommended broker, we found prices quite similar. We then compared indepth what each insurance policy covered.

Some considerations are:

1. Coverage internationally? If you intend to travel? Or move to another country in the future?

2. Scrutinize the coverage limits...annual or lifetime of policy limits.

3. Is their an age cap? (If you intend to remain with them in your old age? Ours is up to 99 yrs. The importance of choosing a reputable company is that anything that happens along the policy will not be excluded later. If you change companies, pre-existing conditions will be excluded.)

4. Choice of hospitals/specialists

5. Coverage allowance for annual healthchecks? (Most don't pay, but ours Cigna Global does.)

6. Preexisting conditions. For example, spinal surgery for herniated disc most policies excluded entire spine, but a few didn't excluded neck. And ours will reconsider exclusion after 5 years from surgery.

These are just a few factors we considered when comparing. We are around your age when we chose our provider. We also spoke to friends in Asia about their policies.

@Ken ******

I tried with original marriage certificate. Then tried again to get a new certificate at the marriage registry where I was originally married. None of these work. The USA requires a convoluted procedure...because each state registers marriage (versus a federal registry). Other countries are much easier to verify. You can just pop into their embassy in Bangkok (like Canada!).

Frank summarized it very well. Good luck.

@Bart *************

It happened to a friend and she had a valid multi entry visa, 3 months ago. It CAN happen!

We had to have our marriage certificate certified by MFA after our consulate certified it. Every year we need to bring this this SAME document with us to renew our Extension. So you might want to ask if need it next year? Or you might need to keep paying that fee every year?

Cigna Global, Silver. 61 yrs about $3600 annually. No deductible. But I've been with them for many years.