....they offered the insurance when I opened my joint account too...they recommended I take out insurance for my partner...I politely said I didn't want to, it's part of the process I guess.
.....it's harder in Australia, and my girlfriend used a visa agent with all the correct documents...me as a sponsor...took 48 hours from lodgement to get her visitor Visa, it was my ability to support her while here and her employment and ties to Thailand that are important.