Thailand visa question: Prove that you have health insurance?

Dear Ronnie,

This question may be relevant to several people. I have heard from some people that a new rule has recently been introduced for people living in Thailand. From now on they must demonstrate that they have health insurance that applies to Thailand.

Dutch people living in Thailand cannot have Dutch insurance and people aged 75 and over cannot or can hardly take out and/or pay for insurance in Thailand.

Is this story correct? And if so, how should people over 75 solve this?

Regards,

Hans

Dear Hans,

This question has been discussed here on the blog for several weeks now.

This rule only applies to those who apply for a Non-immigrant OA visa in a Thai Embassy from October 31, 2019, or those who apply for an extension of a period of stay with a Non-immigrant OA visa from October 31, 2019.

For those requesting an extension of stay obtained with a Non-immigrant OA applied for before October 31, 2019, it will depend on the local immigration office whether or not they are required to provide health insurance.

If you cannot be insured, due to age or otherwise, a solution is to switch to a Non-immigrant “O” visa and apply for your “Retirement” extension through that visa, or request your extension on the basis of Thai children or marriage. No health insurance is required for this.

Regards,

RonnyLatYa