So you’ve chosen Asia, and Thailand in particular, to enjoy your retirement in the sun? To be able to leave and settle there, you’ll need to obtain a specific visa, called an “O-A non-immigrant visa”. The O-A visa is for retirees over the age of 50 who wish to reside on Thai soil. Since November 1, 2019, there has been a change in the way retirement visas are obtained in Thailand. Indeed, O-A visa applicants are nowrequired to take out internationalhealth insurance. So, how can you be in compliance? We explain.
Retirement visa for Thailand: which one to choose?
To be able to live in Bangkok or any other city in the country for your retirement, you’ll need to obtain a specific visa, called an O-A non-immigrant visa. This visa is intended for retirees over the age of 50 wishing to settle in Thailand. The O-A visa allows you to stay in Thailand for one year, with the possibility of multiple entries and exits. However, the holder must report to immigration authorities every three months to confirm his or her address in Thailand. This visa can be extended by the relevant authorities, provided the requirements are met once again.Documents required to obtain an O-A visa in Thailand
To validate your application for a retirement visa for Thailand, you need to provide a number of documents that are more or less easy to obtain. To make up your file, you’ll need to provide 3 copies of the following:- Photocopy of the identity page of your passport
- Visa application form
- Color passport photo
- Proof of address (e.g. a nominative EDF bill)
- Medical certificate of good health
- No criminal record
- Bank document certifying that you have a bank account with a balance of over €20,000.
What do you need to know about retirement in Thailand?
Since October 1, 2021, the obligation to take out international health insurance for the O-A visa has been reinforced. To obtain this visa, you must provide a certificate signed by an insurance company proving that you have minimum coverage of:- THB 3,000,000 (approx. €80,000) for medical expenses, including COVID-19 treatment.
- This insurance must be valid from the moment you enter Thailand, and cover a period of 12 months from that date. The form to fill in when applying for your visa.
Be careful when choosing your international health cover. Only 14 insurance companies are recognized by the Thai authorities for obtaining this visa. At santexpat.fr, we have the solutions you need to insure your stay in Thailand, so don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.When you renew your O-A visa in Thailand, you’ll once again need to present documents proving your membership of an international health insurance policy covering at least the required guarantees.
How to obtain expatriate social security coverage and medical care
In France, we are fortunate to have a very good healthcare system. When you’re abroad, you can continue to benefit from the French system by making voluntary contributions to various organizations. When it comes to health insurance, contributing to the Caisse des Français de l’étranger (CFE ) can be an interesting solution. The CFE covers your healthcare costs according to the French reimbursement scale. However, this often does not cover all the costs incurred. We therefore advise you to take out international health insurance to top up your reimbursements. Healthcare costs in Thailand, particularly in the case of hospitalization in a private hospital, can be very high (around €500 per night). Taking out international health insurance means you can cover these costs without having to pay in advance, whether for a simple consultation or emergency hospitalization.Which health insurance is right for retirement in Thailand?
For retirees wishing to settle in Thailand, it’s imperative to take out health insurance that complies with local requirements. As of November 1, 2019, obtaining the O-A non-immigrant visa, intended for people over the age of 50, requires a minimum coverage of THB 400,000 for hospitalization costs and THB 40,000 for outpatient care. Several options are available to expatriates:- Local Thai insurance: Companies such as AXA Thailand offer specific plans for retirees, such as AXA EasyCare Visa, which meet the required criteria and are recognized by the Thai authorities.
- International insurance: Insurers such as April International and Allianz Worldwide Care offer expatriates coverage that includes treatment in Thailand and other countries, often with more extensive guarantees.
