Elderly expats given lifeline regarding mandatory insurance requirement for Non-Immigrant “O-A” visas

The Thai government on Tuesday passed new rules that will help people over the age of 70 purchase health insurance as part of applying for an “O-A" nonimmigrant visa.

Previously, applicants had to purchase health insurance from a Thai insurance provider via the website https://longstay.tgia.org/.

However, it can be difficult for people over the age of 65 to purchase insurance from a Thai insurance company. Often applicants over the age of 65 have to undergo a doctor, while other insurance companies simply do not accept new applicants over the age of 70.

Without insurance, the applicant will not be granted an “O-A" nonimmigrant visa.

According to Siam Rath, the new rules approved on Tuesday are as follows:

People applying for a first-time visa must include health insurance or government welfare with a minimum coverage of $ 100,000 or 3 million baht for medical bills and Covid-19 treatment.

Applicants can now use state health insurance or welfare from abroad. A competent government agency, such as a foreign embassy in Thailand or the foreign ministry of the respective country, must certify the insurance.

In the event that an insurance company refuses coverage for health risks, the applicant must submit additional documents with the O-A application such as the rejection letter, as well as securities, deposits and other health insurance not less than 3 million baht.

The cabinet has instructed the Immigration Office to issue an order from the Royal Thai Police confirming the new rules.

The Cabinet also asked the Immigration Office to improve the rules and conditions for foreigners applying for short-term visas and to ensure that any changes to the regulations are properly publicized to foreigners.