They are not offering the METV but they do offer the STV. Medical coverage is required even for the STV but at least you wouldn't be paying out a substantial amount up front. I heard rumours that the STV program may be ending Sept.30 of this year.
Coming from Canada, I was only planning to stay for just under 6 months Oct. to April and whether I would have to buy a year medical coverage was a consideration,
I used to get an affidavit from the Chiangmai Consulate years back but I thought Immigration wasn't accepting them anymore that it had to be actual Canadian bank statements?