What is the Non-immigrant OA visa?
The non-immigrant OA visa or the retirement visa is for those looking to retire in Thailand for more than 1 year. Employment in the kingdom is not permitted under this visa category according to the Royal Thai Embassy.
Applicants Eligibility
- Both non-Thai national applicants must be 50 years or older
- Must meet the following financial requirements:
- Have at least an 800,000 THB deposit for at least two months before the visa application
- A monthly income of at least 65,000 THB
- A combination of security deposit and annual income of a total of 800,000 THB
- Health Insurance
Health Insurance in Thailand for Retiring Couples
The Thai government has made initiatives to decrease the expense of damages caused by international visitors to their medical facilities. Retiring in Thailand requires you and your partner to have basic health insurance coverage.
- Non-immigrant type “O-A” visas are required to have a health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of 100,000 USD, including treatment for COVID-19.
- The health insurance must cover the entire duration of the applicant’s stay in Thailand.
The Thai government does not clearly state where you must obtain your medical insurance. So long as it is an accredited insurer who can provide the coverage required for your retirement visa admission into Thailand, it is acceptable.
In Thailand, medical care costs are not covered by those who are not native-born or Thai citizens. Non-Thais will have to bear the full costs of medical treatment in the kingdom. Hence, it is wise to opt for the best health insurance available.
Points to Consider when Selecting the Best Insurance in Thailand
1. Minimum Coverage
The Thai government requires expats looking to retire in Thailand to have a minimum coverage as mentioned above. If you and your spouse have a chronic condition, you will need higher coverage than those without.
Thailand’s medical care costs are affordable but for certain extensive procedures, the rate can reach as high as 1.3 million THB ( 42,000 USD). However, it is recommended for retirees to get health insurance that covers more than the minimum coverage set.
2. Benefits you are Paying for
Different insurance providers offer varying degrees of coverage benefits. Take your time when selecting the most appropriate health insurance as some areas might be in more need in the future.
- Maternity leave
- Extended hospital stays and boarding fees
- Optical and dental care
- International coverage in case you go on a holiday elsewhere
- Regular checkups
- Medications
- Physical therapy
3. Global Plans
During your long stay in the kingdom, it is likely that you and your spouse will be traveling to other countries. Hence, it is best you and your partner get insurance that covers internationally to avoid huge medical bills while holidaying abroad.
4. Expat Insurance Costs
The costs of insurance should be compared among different providers as the costs paid for the first provider you find could be more than another available. It can be difficult to estimate the exact cost of your insurance, you can bet that the cost will be a minimum of 35,000 THB (1,200 USD) annually.
Insurance Provider
Here are some Thai insurance companies participating in the scheme as per the Thai General Insurance Association (TGIA):
- AXA INSURANCE PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
AXA Insurance PCL was established in Thailand in July 1998 and AXA Group is the major shareholder of the company. - THE THAI SETAKIJ INSURANCE PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
The Thai Setakij Insurance (Public) Company Limited is a leading Non-Life Insurance Company that has maintained its leadership in the Industry for over 80 years. Our staff is glad to be of service. - THE VIRIYAH INSURANCE PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
The Viriyah Insurance (Public) Company Limited is Thailand’s number one non-life insurance company that has maintained leadership in the industry over a long period. The company is recognized for its extensive experiences of service quality, worthwhile protection, and transparency. - PACIFIC CROSS HEALTH INSURANCE PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
Pacific Cross International Limited has specialized in health insurance in Asia for over 45 years. It owns several reputable health insurance companies of the past and present (Blue Cross Insurance Incorporation in the Philippines, Blue Cross Thailand, and Hong Kong). - THE NAVAKIJ INSURANCE PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
For over 88 years, The Navakij Insurance Public Company Limited has been a professional Thai non-life insurance company. There are 26 service offices located nationwide.
Conclusion
Non-Thai couples are required to get health insurance when retiring in Thailand as a basic visa requirement and also you may not know when the need may arise.
However, health insurance is only required if you and your partner are non-Thai and are applying for the Non-Immigrant O-A visa. If you are married to a Thai, the requirement is different.
