Marty ********
This is a summary of
Marty ********
's contributions to the platform. They have posed 11 questions and added 1116 comments.

QUESTIONS

COMMENTS

Marty *********
I was able to get my insurance company to coordinate my policy dates with my visa dates. Instead of trying to get a few days of insurance you should be able to buy 1 year + a few days.
Marty *********
This is one of those things where even if you don’t know the answer you can do with almost no effort and cost. Just do it. Bring it with you. If they ask for it then you have it. If they don’t ask for it they you aren’t out anything.
Marty *********
@Max ************
That is the point of the question. Previously they didn’t do home visits for a retirement extension.
Marty *********
There is also the 10 year pensioner LTR visa if you meet the financial requirements.
Marty *********
@Tony *********
Maybe up to 75 but expect the rates to be higher and for preexisting conditions to be excluded
Marty *********
@Tony *********
I know they operate in Thailand and the Philippines. I think only in Asia but I am not sure.

Pacific Cross qualified as a Thai insurance company for the OA visa health insurance requirement as well as for my current LTR visa.
Marty *********
@Emmit ******
For a work permit, yes you have to change from the OA. You will have to work and pay taxes for 3 years to get citizenship. There is a Facebook group dedicated to getting citizenship. Hardly anyone does this but it is up to you.
Marty *********
I had an OA in Bangkok for 5 years as retired. If you are at the end of the first year of your OA then I believe that your first 1 year extension has to be the same as your original OA and that means you have to extend as retired for the first extension. The TM7 form for a 1 year extension has an entry at the bottom to enter the reason for the extension. This is where you enter "retired". I think for the second 1 year extension you can enter "marriage" on your OA visa. I also believe that even if you are on an OA visa, if you extend as married, you no longer need to have the required health insurance. Contact Tod Daniels about this.

If you don't want to go another year as retired then you will have to leave and re-enter to start the process for an O visa and subsequent 1 year extension.

Also, just because you got married it doesn't mean you have to extend as married. I continued to extend as retired after I married because the process and documentation is easier. You do have to meet the higher financial requirement for retirees though.
Marty *********
Pacific Cross. I chose a plan with a significant deductible. That keeps the price down. Medical care here in Thailand is both excellent and affordable. I am basically self insuring for routine medical care. The policy is there for a serious medical event such as a serious vehicle accident.

Because of my high(ish) deductible I haven’t tried to make a claim so I can’t say how well they pay claims. They have great customer service otherwise such as coordinating policies with your visa. I bought the policy when I was 62. In 7 years I’ve never had a medical bill over 20,000 baht. My deductible is 40,000 baht.