Here we go again:
As always, the reporters of the major news outlets can't wait to create more confusion, with the recent articles published in the Bangkok Post and The Nation regarding "Expat Covid Insurance" being no exception.
I met with the Director of Operations of a large and reputable insurance broker this morning at his office in Pattaya to discuss this and obtain the facts first-hand. Understanding that the changes being discussed have only been approved in principle at this juncture, this is subject to change.
That said, I was able to learn the following:
At the moment the 100,000 USD Covid for entry to Thailand is required for all people.
For the O-A visa holders who are resident in Thailand at the moment they need with the Visa renewal the 400,000 THB Inpatient and 40,000 THB outpatient cover.
Now the government is thinking they will also need the coverage for at least 100,000 USD Covid coverage with the visa renewal.
The 400,000/40,000 THB coverage can only be provided by a Thai approved insurance plan.
In the proposal the 100,000 USD Covid coverage can be done by any insurance company.
The low-cost covid policies being offered publically, including many banks, only provide 100,000 baht coverage which does not meet the U.S. $100,000 (3 million baht) minimum.
Retired expats on extension of stays only have to have covid insurance if they have a Non-immigrant O-A- visa. Those with Non-immigrant O visas are exempt at this time. Note: The only time an expat on a type O visa would need covid insurance is if he leaves Thailand and returns again.
For those with type O-A visa’s, the minimum health insurance coverage remains the same at 400,000 baht in-patient & 40,000 baht out-patient, plus U.S. $100,000 covid insurance.
Talking directly to your insurance provider before making any changes is recommended. Forget the newspapers. You know more now than they do.
I hope this helps.
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Originally Posted by Dodger
