Move to make Health Insurance Mandatory - Retirement Visas

[travelerjim]

Foreigners with one-year Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay) will have to compulsorily arrange health insurance, according to new proposals of a key committee.

The criterion under the Immigration Act 1979 was approved by the Medical Hub Committee, Dr Kittisak Klapdee, adviser to the Minister of Public Health, said on Sunday.

...Once it comes into effect, foreigners having the visa will be required to have Thai insurance policies covering their entire stay in Thailand with minimum Bt40,000 out-patient medical bill coverage and minimum Bt400,000 in-patient medical bill coverage.



Those already having overseas insurance policies that meet the minimum requirement would be exempted from subscribing to Thai insurance policies. They will be able to apply for long-stay visas using their foreign insurance policies, he said.

https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1074476-move-to-make-health-insurance-mandatory-for-long-stay-visas/

Tj

[francois]

More BS to kill tourism and ex-pats . :bo:

[frequent]

Foreigners with one-year Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay) will have to compulsorily arrange health insurance, according to new proposals of a key committee.I thought it must be the time of the month to see this rumour recycled, and here it is

[MiniMee]

More BS to kill tourism and ex-pats

Quite the opposite. The intention is to keep them alive...... but at their own expense.

[frequent]

Basically these are the same proposals as for the 10-year "medical visa" which has, needless to say, sunk without a trace. More recently the same body proposed that all tourists be required to show evidence of health insurance on entry to Thailand. That proposal also sank without a trace. It's now been recycled for "all retirees". Malaysia has the same requirement except that if you can show that you're uninsurable, you're exempt - which rather defeats the purpose I'd have thought. It's still a "proposal" - we shall see. A more interesting development is a report of comments made by the US Consul recently (another rumour) - that Immigration are "considering" a bank letter replacing the Embassy letter, where the bank will certify a monthly income being remitted from abroad. Wait for the screams of those who use services like Transferwise if that ever comes to pass, as such services don't show that it's foreign-source income

[aot871]

If this happens it will be another nail in the coffin for those looking to retire here, To me as a 2 week tourist twice a year its no big deal as i all ways carry travel insurance,but a friend of mine whos on a 1 year retirment visa pays 165000 bht a year for his insurance

[kjun12]

Is health insurance available for someone over 75 years old?

[frequent]

Is health insurance available for someone over 75 years old?The three companies authorised to offer health insurance under the 10-year "medical" visa that was introduced last year are collected at https://longstay.tgia.org/. I believe they may renew existing policies up to age 100, but in at least one case will not take on a new customer after the age of 75

[Jacky]

Is health insurance available for someone over 75 years old?

Yes, if someone is over 75 years old and is still so horny that he needs to live in Thailand.

[frequent]

Yes, if someone is over 75 years old and is still so horny that he needs to live in Thailand.Have you thought that through Jacky? If someone retired to Thailand at, say, 62 when they are entitled to Social Security if an American, are you expecting them to give up living in Thailand once they turn 75 because, according to you, they're no longer entitled to be horny

[Jacky]

Have you thought that through Jacky? If someone retired to Thailand at, say, 62 when they are entitled to Social Security if an American, are you expecting them to give up living in Thailand once they turn 75 because, according to you, they're no longer entitled to be horny

You sure are entitled to be horny at 75.

[Up2U]

... Wait for the screams of those who use services like Transferwise if that ever comes to pass, as such services don't show that it's foreign-source income
I started using TransferWise because it does show transfers are foreign sourced. My Thai bank passbook shows FTT(for foreign telex transfer) and hopefully this will make TI happy if we expats have that option available to us.

[frequent]

I started using TransferWise because it does show transfers are foreign sourced. My Thai bank passbook shows FTT(for foreign telex transfer) and hopefully this will make TI happy if we expats have that option available to us.Interesting. I hardly ever get my passbook updated - certainly not in 2018 - but in 2017 my bank's passbook shows Transferwise payments with a code of "TN" which I suspect just means "Transaction". I went online just now to see what the Transaction History shows and the same code is used - TN - for deposits made this week. The same teller code is used for all Transferwise deposits which may mean something to the bank but it's not as transparent as your FTT transaction code. I have read on the Whiners & Whingers Forum (Thaivisa) that other Transferwise users report that it shows up in their bank as a domestic rather than a foreign transaction

[Up2U]

Re: post 13. It may depend on what bank is used. I use Bangkok Bank.

[frequent]

Re: post 13. It may depend on what bank is used. I use Bangkok Bank.Agreed; I can see hours of entertainment ahead on this one

[bkkguy]

Foreigners with one-year Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay) will have to compulsorily arrange health insurance, according to new proposals of a key committee.

just out of interest how many of us are actually here on a Non-Immigrant “O-A” Visa (Retirement visa} and will be affected by this as distinct from those here on a Non-Immigrant “O" Visa and doing yearly extensions of permission to stay for reasons of retirement?

the Nation (and other) reports do not mention if this will also reply to retirement extensions, but then this a subtle (some would say pedantic point) that often seems to escape the Nation/Post reporters and certainly escapes most Thai Visa (and other) forum posters - and is the major reason why most Thai Visa threads go on for 20 pages and most of the posts, except for from the Super Moderators, are misleading, confusing or just useless

of course it does not help that many Immigration Police officers have given up when dealing with stupid falung who can't grasp simple concepts so they just refer to retirement permission to stay extensions as visa extensions

[frequent]

just out of interest how many of us are actually here on a Non-Immigrant “O-A” Visa (Retirement visa} and will be affected by this as distinct from those here on a Non-Immigrant “O" Visa and doing yearly extensions of permission to stay for reasons of retirement?

the Nation (and other) reports do not mention if this will also reply to retirement extensions, but then this a subtle (some would say pedantic point) that often seems to escape the Nation/Post reporters and certainly escapes most Thai Visa (and other) forum posters - and is the major reason why most Thai Visa threads go on for 20 pages and most of the posts, except for from the Super Moderators, are misleading, confusing or just useless

of course it does not help that many Immigration Police officers have given up when dealing with stupid falung who can't grasp simple concepts so they just refer to retirement permission to stay extensions as visa extensionsAs it's merely a proposal by a committee at the moment I'm not surprised the mass media is light on details. As for "renewal" versus "extension" this is a confusion that Thai sources themselves perpetuate

[Daveuk]

Maybe the majority of older expat Brits are relying on being able to jump on a plane back to the UK to get NHS treatment. Not an option however in the event of needing emergency treatment.

[aot871]

Maybe the majority of older expat Brits are relying on being able to jump on a plane back to the UK to get NHS treatment. Not an option however in the event of needing emergency treatment.

Its now part of the govt crackdown that if you are now an expat you have to live back in the uk ,for 6months before getting free treatment . Im not sure how firm this is taken as im not am expat

[cdnmatt]

No idea about the UK, but I know that's the law of the land in Canada. You need to be a resident for 6 months before universal healthcare is available to you.

[frequent]

No idea about the UK, but I know that's the law of the land in Canada. You need to be a resident for 6 months before universal healthcare is available to you.Would that still be true in your ideal world Matt - the one where anyone can live anywhere and there are no immigration restrictions? You know, when your barber from the back streets of Khon Kaen can travel half-way across the world to Vancouver, live and work there for as long as he likes?

[Daveuk]

When the ill Brit expat gets to the UK and perhaps takes up residence with a family member and then reports to the GP doctor with whom he never cancelled his registration he would get treatment in the NHS system, perhaps saying “I’ve been on holiday I Thailand for a month and became ill whilst there “. Health tourism is a problem for the NHS. Examples are Jamaican pregnant ladies flying in to have their babies free of charge and Asian heritage Brits bringing over their relatives from Pakistan for treatment.

[2lz2p]

Interesting. I hardly ever get my passbook updated - certainly not in 2018 - but in 2017 my bank's passbook shows Transferwise payments with a code of "TN" which I suspect just means "Transaction". I went online just now to see what the Transaction History shows and the same code is used - TN - for deposits made this week. The same teller code is used for all Transferwise deposits which may mean something to the bank but it's not as transparent as your FTT transaction code. I have read on the Whiners & Whingers Forum (Thaivisa) that other Transferwise users report that it shows up in their bank as a domestic rather than a foreign transaction

I have started using Transferwise and have now had several transfers into my account using their service. I use Bangkok Bank, when funds are deposited, I receive a text message notifying me of a deposit from abroad - it is coded in my account as a foreign transaction. Thus, if using transferwise and Bangkok Bank, there should be no problem getting a bank letter showing the amounts received are from a foreign source. I also transfer more than the 65k on a monthly basis, so if the final "rule" is it must be from abroad on a monthly basis, then it should cause me no problem.

But, I was communicating with a British chap recently who also uses trasferwise to send money from his UK bank to his Kasikorn Bank account. He had just discovered that his deposits were being recorded as domestic transfers by Kasikorn Bank. Based on further inquiries, he said that apparently Transferwise sends funds to a particular Thai bank (he didn't find out which one), which then transfers the funds on to his bank account as a domestic transfer. Although no firm rules have yet been provided by Thai Immigration, he hopes they will accept his copy of Transferwise notice showing amount in pounds, fees, and baht transferred is in agreement with the amount recorded as received by Kasikorn Bank.

[Brad the Impala]

Health tourism is a problem for the NHS. Examples are Jamaican pregnant ladies flying in to have their babies free of charge and Asian heritage Brits bringing over their relatives from Pakistan for treatment.

"Sadly, our national conversation is often led by emotive and distorted reporting". See attached BMJ report on health tourism.

http://https://www.bmj.com/content/361/bmj.k2536

[Jacky]

OMG...why you old people live in Thailand when you can not afford to pay the local health insurance, or even pay out of pocket? You do know healthcare is very cheap in Thailand, don't you? People travel to Thailand for heart surgeries, spine surgeries or plastic surgeries...AND pay cash!!

[bkkguy]

But, I was communicating with a British chap recently who also uses trasferwise to send money from his UK bank to his Kasikorn Bank account. He had just discovered that his deposits were being recorded as domestic transfers by Kasikorn Bank. Based on further inquiries, he said that apparently Transferwise sends funds to a particular Thai bank (he didn't find out which one), which then transfers the funds on to his bank account as a domestic transfer. Although no firm rules have yet been provided by Thai Immigration, he hopes they will accept his copy of Transferwise notice showing amount in pounds, fees, and baht transferred is in agreement with the amount recorded as received by Kasikorn Bank.

my bank in Australia transfers to Kasikorn Bank via Thai Military Bank thus is a local transaction in my Kasikorn passbook, but directly to Bangkok Bank thus is a foreign transaction, with lower fees and usually arrives a day faster

I have previously asked Kasikorn for the full paperwork on one transfer and for a fee they provided the details of the foreign funds arriving at TMB and the fees and transfer to Kasikorn which immigration accepted - but I wouldn't like to be doing that every month

[francois]

OMG...why you old people live in Thailand when you can not afford to pay the local health insurance, or even pay out of pocket? You do know healthcare is very cheap in Thailand, don't you? People travel to Thailand for heart surgeries, spine surgeries or plastic surgeries...AND pay cash!!

Wrong! Is 600,000 Baht cheap to you? Can get a similar procedure at home for the same or less. You are correct that plastic surgeries are cheaper in Thailand and they are not covered by insurance either in Thailand or home countries (exceptions for accidents).

[Manforallseasons]

Wrong! Is 600,000 Baht cheap to you? Can get a similar procedure at home for the same or less. You are correct that plastic surgeries are cheaper in Thailand and they are not covered by insurance either in Thailand or home countries (exceptions for accidents).

If you are an expat you should have a health policy for Thailand, if you have something serious happen such as a stroke or heart attack are you going to wait to go to your home country?

[travelerjim]

This posted today on Facebook in Thai Visa Advice forum...from its Admin Tod Daniels. Truly an expert on Thai Visa issues IMHO. In reply to another poster question about health insurance required for expats:

"John West what you "just noticed" was the fact that the Thai cabinet approved mandatory health insurance for people who BUY a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A visa from a Thai consulate in their home country BEFORE they wing their way here.

You did not read anything about this insurance being mandatory OR even proposed for people on ANY other type of visa or extension of stay <- you didn't read that because it's NOT been proposed.

There is already mandatory health insurance clause on the 10 year, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-X visa which was rolled out in 2017. I think they are just making both long-stay visas have the health insurance requirement.

We will have to wait and see if/when this comes into effect, BUT as of now when getting a Non-O-A visa (which is ONLY available from a Thai Consulate in your country) it is NOT mandatory.

I say that will 100% certainty, because just before Christmas a friend got his year-long, multi-entry Non-O-A from the Thai Consulate in Los Angeles and health insurance was NOT required.
--------------
Tj

[frequent]

This posted today on Facebook in Thai Visa Advice forum...from its Admin Tod Daniels. Truly an expert on Thai Visa issues IMHO. In reply to another poster question about health insurance required for expats:

"John West what you "just noticed" was the fact that the Thai cabinet approved mandatory health insurance for people who BUY a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A visa from a Thai consulate in their home country BEFORE they wing their way here". Clearly Tod Daniels is an expert par excellence - people can BUY visas from Thai consulates now, can they? I must tell my friends, maybe they can get some bargains in the New Year sales

[francois]

If you are an expat you should have a health policy for Thailand, if you have something serious happen such as a stroke or heart attack are you going to wait to go to your home country?

I am among the lucky and have health coverage paid by my previous employer. But must pay first and collect later. If I had a serious heart attack or stroke, then I die.

[frequent]

This posted today on Facebook in Thai Visa Advice forum...from its Admin Tod Daniels. Truly an expert on Thai Visa issues IMHO. In reply to another poster question about health insurance required for expats:

"John West what you "just noticed" was the fact that the Thai cabinet approved mandatory health insurance for people who BUY a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A visa from a Thai consulate in their home country BEFORE they wing their way here.I thought I'd go looking for confirmation that "the Thai cabinet approved mandatory health insurance for people who BUY a year-long, multi-entry Non-Immigrant Type O-A visa from a Thai consulate in their home country BEFORE they wing their way here" so I googled Thai cabinet retirement visa health insurance but found only a story barely a week old that a recommendation had been made to cabinet but none that a decision had been made by cabinet. https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2018/12/23/thailand-healthcare-insurance-foreigners-thai-cabinet-immigration-visa-extensions-expats-medical-conditions/

A thread on the Whiners & Whingers Forum dated only two days ago states "As many of our readers know, the Thai government is considering requiring health insurance for those staying in Thailand with an O-A visa" - which suggests that decision has been made: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1075314-survey-health-insurance-are-requirements-fair/

Are you able to provide a link that it's a Thai cabinet approved policy, Jim?

[2lz2p]

What I read a few days ago said a Public Health Ministry committee was preparing to recommend Cabinet approval for requiring health insurance for those that obtain the O-A Visa (long stay visa often referred to a retirement visa since you must meet the requirements for staying in Thailand on the basis of retirement - also only available from some Thai Embassy/Consulates and must be in your country of residence). Currently, as mentioned, health insurance is required only if applying for the O-X Visa (so called 10 year visa).

This is not the first time I have read about the PH Ministry proposing health insurance for foreigners - a while back it was for tourists - but the Cabinet did not approve the proposal.

For many, getting health insurance in Thailand is not feasible because of Thai companies age restrictions and exclusion of pre-existing conditions. In my case, I have US health insurance that covers me in Thailand and the major International Hospitals will direct bill my insurance. BUT, they often want a guaranty from my insurance before they do more than bare necessities - which can take time. Thus, I make sure I have sufficient credit limit on two or three credit cards that should cover the deposit and allow treatment to proceed while waiting on the guarantee. A few years ago, I had am ischemic stroke. The clot busting medicine highly recommended to reduce the effects usually must be given within 3 hours of the stroke. For me, it was two doses and the cost was about 50,000 baht per dose - so a deposit of over 100,000 was required (Bangkok Hospital Pattaya actually blocks the amount on your card but does not run the charge through - when they get the guaranty, they gave me back the charge slips and removed the blocked amount). As I recall, the total cost paid by my insurance was around US$8,000 paid direct to BHP - for inpatient, I get 100% coverage (my policy was from my employer and carried over into my retirement).

[frequent]

What I read a few days ago said a Public Health Ministry committee was preparing to recommend Cabinet approval for requiring health insurance for those that obtain the O-A Visa (long stay visa often referred to a retirement visa since you must meet the requirements for staying in Thailand on the basis of retirement - also only available from some Thai Embassy/Consulates and must be in your country of residence). Currently, as mentioned, health insurance is required only if applying for the O-X Visa (so called 10 year visa).

This is not the first time I have read about the PH Ministry proposing health insurance for foreigners - a while back it was for tourists - but the Cabinet did not approve the proposal.

For many, getting health insurance in Thailand is not feasible because of Thai companies age restrictions and exclusion of pre-existing conditions. In my case, I have US health insurance that covers me in Thailand and the major International Hospitals will direct bill my insurance. BUT, they often want a guaranty from my insurance before they do more than bare necessities - which can take time. Thus, I make sure I have sufficient credit limit on two or three credit cards that should cover the deposit and allow treatment to proceed while waiting on the guarantee. A few years ago, I had am ischemic stroke. The clot busting medicine highly recommended to reduce the effects usually must be given within 3 hours of the stroke. For me, it was two doses and the cost was about 50,000 baht per dose - so a deposit of over 100,000 was required (Bangkok Hospital Pattaya actually blocks the amount on your card but does not run the charge through - when they get the guaranty, they gave me back the charge slips and removed the blocked amount). As I recall, the total cost paid by my insurance was around US$8,000 paid direct to BHP - for inpatient, I get 100% coverage (my policy was from my employer and carried over into my retirement).Quite so 2lz2p, but as Jim is recommending this Tod Daniels chappy as the bees knees when it comes to Visa matters, and his Facebook page an indispensible and infallible source of facts on the matter, I felt sure that a decision has actually been made and the rest of us just haven't caught up with what Tod Daniels knows

[francois]

Quite so 2lz2p, but as Jim is recommending this Tod Daniels chappy as the bees knees when it comes to Visa matters, and his Facebook page an indispensible and infallible source of facts on the matter, I felt sure that a decision has actually been made and the rest of us just haven't caught up with what Tod Daniels knows

It appears he was banned on Thai Visa?

[frequent]

It appears he was banned on Thai Visa?I wouldn't be surprised although personally I'd regard that as a badge of honour. For those seeking alternatives, southern Italy is looking to attract retirees - if you want to live on a direct line between Etna and Vesuvius: https://thepointsguy.com/news/italy-proposes-decade-of-tax-free-retirement

In addition, it shares two great characteristics with Thailand - rampant corruption and endemic organised crime