Thread: Health Insurance Now Required for Long Stay Expats

Originally Posted by Norton

Likely same will transpire here if this health insurance requirement prevails.

Having experienced both systems, it’s probably time for agents to take over in Thailand too. Does away with any IO vagaries and the concerns that it can create for applicants.

The gent must be close to flogging his arse to an Arab by now anyway.

Originally Posted by JPPR2

Basically all many want is a card that says they comply at the lowest cost available but wont use it much anyway.

Yup, but, the problem (and as Norton points out, may not exist at all) is that this potential "requirement" is nothing more than a fee. Some users would be required to pay a rather "large" fee 100k/annum for... well, nothing. Paying an exorbitant price for a policy that could rarely be used.

Kinda like banking 800k to prove you have enough funds to live in Thailand for the year, yet, you can't touch the money for six months - hmm... just what the hell are you using to pay the bills and put food on the table for those six months ???

Originally Posted by Switch

it’s probably time for agents to take over in Thailand too

Then we go full circle in that the agents will take over the bad practices that the IO had.

Certainly a great deal of hysteria being generated by this, all because of a statement by a Health Department civil servant, and not a Immigration proclamation itself. The only direct response from an Immigration official that I've found is this below. Again, O-A visas are issued by Thai Embassies/Consulates in home countries or countries of permanent residence.

They already have different requirements (medical/police clearance certification etc) than the Non-O tourist visa extensions (for retirement/marriage/dependents etc) that most of us have. I only know a few people with O-A visas, and they are typically those for whom a normal extendable 60 day tourist visa is insufficient for their winter in Thailand/summer back in Sweden or wherever routine.

UPDATE: Phuket Immigration Chief Col Kathathorn Kumthieng confirmed to The Phuket News today (May 14) that he has been informed of the new requirement but that he has yet to receive an order for his office to start applying it when processing applications for one-year Non-Immigrant O-A permits-to-stay.
Col Kathathorn also confirmed that the new insusrance requirement applies only to Non-Immigrant O-A "retirement" visas.

Originally Posted by bowie

Yup, but, the problem (and as Norton points out, may not exist at all) is that this potential "requirement" is nothing more than a fee. Some users would be required to pay a rather "large" fee 100k/annum for... well, nothing. Paying an exorbitant price for a policy that could rarely be used.

Kinda like banking 800k to prove you have enough funds to live in Thailand for the year, yet, you can't touch the money for six months - hmm... just what the hell are you using to pay the bills and put food on the table for those six months ???

Yeah. Its a messy and not well thought out program for sure. I respect they want to validate financial and medical means but holding the money is stupid but they did that because of all the illegal money loan sharks that do it and pull it out. Sadly most only scammed themselves into a corner

Originally Posted by JPPR2

Sadly most only scammed themselves into a corner

...so, then...who benefited from all this illegal activity?...the usual suspects?...

Originally Posted by tomcat

...so, then...who benefited from all this illegal activity?...the usual suspects?...

People saw opportunity and seized it. Every law, rule mandate always has loopholes and people find them and exploit it. Then it becomes obvious and an ammendment is introduced to close it but others surface. Clearly in the 800K deal the long bank hold is to make it uncomfortable for the people who use loan agencies to meet the criteria.

The medical will have same approach. Launch it and then plug the gaps as they surface.

My medical insurance through the US company does not have a card or policy. Its basic Blue Cross . However I am covered 100% for anything that might occur and I submit receipts for reimbursement. Try and explain that to immigration. I am not sure I even need to as I am not a retiree here. I have a work permit.

Originally Posted by JPPR2

My medical insurance through the US company does not have a card or policy. Its basic Blue Cross . However I am covered 100% for anything that might occur and I submit receipts for reimbursement. Try and explain that to immigration. I am not sure I even need to as I am not a retiree here. I have a work permit.

As you have a work permit you should also hold a Thai Social Security card which also covers medical stuff too.

Originally Posted by Fondles

As you have a work permit you should also hold a Thai Social Security card which also covers medical stuff too.

Yes I do and am also covered that way as well as is my wife. She is also covered under the umbrella US insurance as well.

That said though, I do not want to work forever so I can have med insurance coverage to meet some rule. This same thing happened in the US when they mandated everyone have insurance and you had to show proof of it, had to be submitted with your Income tax return. People scrambled around and some had to pay HUGE premiums if self employed and had families.

Originally Posted by JPPR2

Yeah. Its a messy and not well thought out program for sure. I respect they want to validate financial and medical means but holding the money is stupid but they did that because of all the illegal money loan sharks that do it and pull it out. Sadly most only scammed themselves into a corner

well JP. who do you think will administer this SCAM,immigration knows fuk all about health ins.so are we going to see ins.agents by the dozen at imm.trying to flog whats not wanted,BY ME,or bent immigration os.telling you NO INS.NO EXT.my 90 days is due so I will turn up with 12bank acc.pass books and see how much they want me to show.
as I have said before the only thing that worries me is,the ins.agents trying to scam my wife for a very large SUM that wouldn't cover a bad cough.she does know the English words for telling someone where to go.and to finnish off does this health minister have any evidence of farangs leaving hospitals without paying their bills.
we all know the thai health service is in a mess so they should put their own house in order first.
just think of the cost of one weeks road accidents,that 30bht.is supposed to cover,it would be more than all the GENUINE expats bills put together.

Originally Posted by JPPR2

Yes I do and am also covered that way as well as is my wife. She is also covered under the umbrella US insurance as well.

That said though, I do not want to work forever so I can have med insurance coverage to meet some rule. This same thing happened in the US when they mandated everyone have insurance and you had to show proof of it, had to be submitted with your Income tax return. People scrambled around and some had to pay HUGE premiums if self employed and had families.

Keep paying the Thai SS after you finish work and your covered, mine is 400b a month.

Originally Posted by headhunter

just think of the cost of one weeks road accidents,that 30bht.is supposed to cover

Sorry to correct you HH but road accidents are not treated using the 30 Baht scheme. Hence why all motorists, by law, have to have the compulsory Por Ror Bor insurance. Same applies to failed attempted suiciders. You will not get free treatment at a government hospital.

Originally Posted by Fondles

Keep paying the Thai SS after you finish work and your covered, mine is 400b a month.

Nice thing on Thai SS, once I quit I get it all back. Its like a Mini savings

Originally Posted by Pragmatic

Sorry to correct you HH but road accidents are not treated using the 30 Baht scheme. Hence why all motorists, by law, have to have the compulsory Por Ror Bor insurance. Same applies to failed attempted suiciders. You will not get free treatment at a government hospital.

oh well PRAG.attempted suicide is out of the question.
what does the por ror bor cover,since i had to give up driving i did trans.the policy to the buyer of my car.so I don't have any figures except the policy cost 645bht.
my nieghbour lost a family member in an accident,the hospital bill plus recovery of the vehicle left them with NOTHING.

Originally Posted by headhunter

what does the por ror bor cover

This as far as I'm aware.

Compulsory car insurance provides coverage for third party involved in a car accident. Compulsory car insurance ensures that the company will pay to third party in case of loss of life and bodily injuries.All vehicles are required to have a compulsory insurance policy by the law, and must be renewed every year before paying the annual car tax.
Compulsory insurance coverage

• Medical Expenses = up to ฿ 80,000 per person
• Loss of Vital Organ = ฿ 200,000-300,000
• Death and Permanent Disability = ฿ 300,000 per person
• Daily Compensation (up to 20 days) = ฿ 200 baht

Originally Posted by JPPR2

Man there are some people losing their minds over this (Not on this site but the other). I can understand being it appears that many live on the ragged edge and a financial set back like this could be a lot of stress especially if they are all in. But one has to believe that they know things would change, they always do.

For now, its life as usual. Like all new rules and regs anywhere in the world there will be adjustments, considerations and likely allowances and as we all know every immigration office will have their own spin on it. There is nothing defined yet. The Nation news clip had nothing in it, it just started mass hysteria.

I have just read some of the posts on the other plannet,and it seems NOBODY has a clue who this concerns.

Originally Posted by headhunter

I have just read some of the posts on the other plannet,and it seems NOBODY has a clue who this concerns.

Naw, HH, some folk know exactly who it concerns - the ones who are poised to force it down our throats -

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Guidelines for applying Health Insurance for Long Stay Visa in Thailand

Each applicant, including spouse and children, must hold Thai Health Insurance policy sold by authorized insurance companies only.
Each applicant, including spouse and children, must have their own Health Insurance Certificate to present during visa application process.
Health insurance policy must have coverage not less than 400,000 Thai Baht per policy year for Inpatient, and not less than 40,000 Thai Baht per policy year for outpatient.

Each applicant, including spouse and children, must ensure that he/she has always held the Thai health insurance policy throughout the granted period of long stay visa. Failure to meet this requirement will be considered as disqualified to the standard requirements under the announcement by Department of Consular Affairs, and the granted visa will be withdrew.

All applicants must contact authorized insurance companies directly to apply for Thai health insurance policy. Any inquiries on completing Insurance application can be addressed at each insurance company.

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This's TGIA website. It's being provided as a convenience and for information purposes only. TGIA bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
© 2019 - Thai General Insurance Association. All rights reserved.
223 Soi Ruamrudee, Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: 66-2256-6032-8 Fax: 66-2256-6039-40

The listed companies who participate in this scheme.

THE VIRIYAH INSURANCE PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
The Viriyah Insurance (Public) Company Limited is Thailand’s number one non-life insurance company that has maintained the leadership in the industry over a long period of time. The company is recognized for its extensive experiences of service quality, worthwhile protection, and transparency. Health insurance is one of our prides that we provide a range of cover to suit your needs and provide you the standard of health claims service that delivers the protection and cares when you need it most.

BANGKOK INSURANCE PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
Bangkok Insurance Public Company Limited is a leading non-life insurer in Thailand offering comprehensive health insurance products with a nationwide network of contracted hospitals as well as a wide range of other non-life insurance products. With over 70 years of operations in Thailand, we are the preferred non life insurer in the country. Our dedicated staff is always ready to assist you as “Your Caring Partner.”

AXA INSURANCE PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
AXA Insurance PCL was established in Thailand in July 1998 and AXA Group is the major shareholder of our company. The company’s operation has been expanding steadily over the years through the strong support from the shareholders, business partners, insurance brokers, and agents including the fast growing number of satisfied customers. The company is committed to “the excellence by being available, attentive and reliable to our customers”.

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 Philippines, Blue Cross Thailand and Hongkong). Pacific Cross Health Insurance PCL is part of the Pacific Cross Group, the leading travel and medical insurance specialist in Asia.

THAIVIVAT INSURANCE PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
With 66 years experience and supported by leading global reinsurers, Thaivivat Insurance Pcl. developed this Health product especially for the long-term visitor to Thailand. Serviced around the clock by our multilingual claims and assistance center. Because your Health is our Priority.

NAVAKIJ INSURANCE PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
For over 84 years, The Navakij Insurance Public Company Limited is professional Thai non-life insurance company. There are 28 service offices located nationwide.



Now, for clarification purposes, as of today, the only place I could find that specifically requires the Medical Insurance (see below) is the 5/5 ten year “Long Stay” Visa (offered in the US) – and, no, I did NOT check other countries and/or embassies.

https://thaiembdc.org/non-immigrant-visa-category-o-x-long-stay/

USA Washington DC Royal Thai Embassy
Non-Immigrant Visa Category “O-X” (long stay)
Purpose of Visit
This type of visa may be issued to applicants aged 50 years and over who wish to stay in Thailand for a period of not exceeding 10 year without the intention of working. Holder of this type of visa is allowed to stay in Thailand for 5 years each time (total 10 years). Employment of any kind is strictly prohibited.

Eligibility

• – Applicant must be aged 50 years and over (on the day of submitting application)
• – Applicants must be nationals and passport holders of eligible countries, namely; Japan, Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Canada and United States.
• – Applicant must have a bank deposit of no less than 3 million bahts in Thailand or a bank deposit of no less than 1.8 million bahts and annual income of no less than 1.2 million bahts. Such amount must be maintained in bank deposit in full for at least one year, and keep at no less than 1.5 million bahts thereafter.
• – Applicant must have a Thai health insurance for the duration of stay, with coverage for outpatient treatment of no less than 40,000 bahts and inpatient treatment of no less than 400,000 bahts.
• – Applicant not prohibited from entering the Kingdom as provided by the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979)
• – Having no criminal record in Thailand and the country of the applicant’s nationality and residence.
• – Not having prohibitive diseases ( Leprosy, Tuberculosis, drug addiction, Elephantiasis, third phase of Syphilis) as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No. 14 B.E. 2535

so those listed companies in the scheme, If Iam applying for a non Immi O-A here in Aus how do I sort a policy with them ?

^ Ten Hut. Time for some to start packing up. Let's just charter a plane...

^Obviously you're tongue in cheek but seriously, I can see this being the last straw for a lot of people including (A) those that are un-insurable or simply can't afford it and (B) those that have insurance and/or can afford it but are getting sick to the teeth of these retarded fucking imbeciles creating more hoops that Foreigners have to jump thru for the privilege of living here while putting X amount of millions of Baht per year into their economy.

Originally Posted by bowie

From the charts - the 75 and older crowd'll be paying 100k/annum for 400k in coverage

what insurance is provided by an elite card ? it might be a better option

Originally Posted by Headworx

^Obviously you're tongue in cheek but seriously, I can see this being the last straw for a lot of people including (A) those that are un-insurable or simply can't afford it and (B) those that have insurance and/or can afford it but are getting sick to the teeth of these retarded fucking imbeciles creating more hoops that Foreigners have to jump thru for the privilege of living here while putting X amount of millions of Baht per year into their economy.

Yeah I am just tryin to toss in some fun. I have empathy for all that might be impacted by this new rule change that creates complete upheaval. But lets be honest here. A HUGE number of people whinged, bitched and moaned about wanting everything western like it was back home. Well it appears they listened to it all and now are taking measures to make many feel right at home. This will undoubtedly be very uncomfortable for many as viewed by the knee jerk responses on TVF. Funny though, Now they complain about the country improving itself. I guess the majority of foreigners wanted improvements that would not affect them. Just doesn't work that way.

Over time, like all evolving countries, govt will continually change the rules to increase cash flow within their system to pay for industrialization. Free enterprise will take over. This is just the tip of the iceberg. But by the time its all hashed out and the dust settles I will have had the Burn me mooban party...

Originally Posted by Headworx

I can see this being the last straw for a lot of people

Yes - if, Thailand does, in fact, make having medical insurance mandatory, it will disqualify folks - many will not be able to meet the criteria to receive "permission" to stay in Thailand. So Be It. The folks who will be hurt are the ones who have established roots and/or have family here.

On the Thai side, the folks that will be hurt are the ones who make their living off of us, and, of course, Family.

So, first, the only requirement for medical insurance today is for the 5/5 ten year long term visa (which, by the way, requires THB 3M tied up in the bank. So, those who are required to have medical insurance as a qualification can probably afford it without a second thought.

Now, the Thai's may well have discussed making medical insurance mandatory, and, I seriously hope, that the issue of family disruptions which could/will result have been brought up, reviewed, and accounted for. Again, nobody (well, none of us) knows anything official as of yet. I would hope that for humanitarian reasons, an out is provided for family folk. It would be a serious flaw if families did in fact get forced to repatriate and/or get broken up over an issue as "minor" as healthcare in Thailand. It may happen that one solution will be a mass exodus from "retirement" extensions to "spousal/family" extensions. Hmm... more work for the IO's.

But - as it stands now, only the 5/5 ten year long term visa has a mandatory insurance requirement.

Originally Posted by Fondles

so those listed companies in the scam,

Fixed that for you.

TBH, they are doing a lot of these farangs a favor, things are going to be more ugly soon, let the weak and the old move out before it's too late