What is the Non-Immigrant OA visa?

The Non-Immigrant Visa (OA) or Retirement Visa is intended for individuals who wish to spend their retirement in Thailand for more than one year. According to the Royal Thai Embassy, ​​employment in the Kingdom is not permitted with this visa category.

Admission requirements

  • Both applicants who do not hold Thai nationality must be at least 50 years old.
  • The following financial requirements must be met:
  • You must deposit at least 800,000 THB for at least two months prior to applying for a visa.
  • A monthly income of at least 65,000 THB
  • A combination of security deposit and annual income totaling 800,000 THB

    • Health insurance in Thailand for retired couples

    The Thai government has taken initiatives to reduce the costs of damage to its medical facilities caused by international visitors. For retirement in Thailand, you and your partner will need basic health insurance.

  • Non-immigrant visas of type "OA" require health insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 100,000 that also covers COVID-19 treatment.
  • The health insurance must cover the entire duration of the applicant's stay in Thailand.

    • The Thai government does not explicitly specify where you must obtain your health insurance. As long as it is with an accredited insurer that provides the coverage required for entry into Thailand with your pension visa, this is sufficient.

    In Thailand, medical treatment costs are not reimbursable for non-Thai citizens. Foreigners must bear the full cost of medical treatment in the Kingdom themselves. Therefore, it is advisable to take out the best possible health insurance.

    What you should consider when choosing the best insurance in Thailand

    1. Minimum coverage

    The Thai government requires a minimum level of insurance coverage for foreigners who wish to spend their retirement in Thailand, as mentioned above. If you and your spouse suffer from a chronic illness, you will need more comprehensive insurance coverage.

    Medical costs in Thailand are affordable, but certain extensive procedures can cost up to 1.3 million THB (US$42,000). Retirees are therefore advised to take out health insurance that goes beyond the minimum legal coverage.

    2. Services you pay for

    Different insurers offer varying levels of coverage. Take your time when choosing the right health insurance, as the need for coverage could increase in some regions in the future.

  • Extended hospital stays and accommodation costs
  • International coverage in case you vacation elsewhere.

    • 3. Global Plans

    During your extended stay in the Kingdom, you and your spouse will likely travel to other countries. Therefore, it is advisable for you and your partner to take out travel insurance that offers international coverage to avoid high medical bills abroad.

    4. Costs of international health insurance

    You should compare insurance costs from different providers, as the first one you find might be more expensive than others. It's difficult to estimate the exact cost of your insurance, but you can expect it to be at least 35,000 THB (1,200 USD) per year.

    Insurance provider

    Here are some Thai insurance companies participating in the program, according to the Thai General Insurance Association (TGIA):

  • AXA INSURANCE PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED AXA Insurance PCL was founded in Thailand in July 1998 and is the main shareholder of the company.
  • Thai Setakij Insurance (Public) Company Limited is a leading property and casualty insurance company that has maintained its market leadership in the industry for over 80 years. Our staff are happy to assist you.
  • Viriyah Insurance Public Company Limited is Thailand's leading property and casualty insurer and a long-standing industry leader. The company is known for its extensive experience in service quality, effective insurance coverage, 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, both past and present (Blue Cross Insurance Incorporation in the Philippines, Blue Cross Thailand and Blue Cross Hong Kong).
  • Navakij Insurance Public Company Limited has been a professional Thai property and casualty insurance company for over 88 years. It has 26 service offices throughout the country.

    • Diploma

    Non-Thai couples entering Thailand for retirement must purchase health insurance. This is a basic visa requirement, and you never know when you might need it.

    Health insurance is only required if you and your partner are not Thai citizens and are applying for a Non-Immigrant OA visa. Different regulations apply if you are married to a Thai citizen.