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The OA-Visa (Non-Immigrant VISA “O-A” Long Stay)

In November 2019, new VISA legislation was put in place for those over the age of 50 wishing to retire in Thailand. It is called the OA-Visa. 

The new criteria require that the VISA applicant be covered by private health insurance which met a certain criterion. Without this specific type of insurance, the OA Visa would not be granted, and you would not be able to reside in Thailand.

Here is what you need to know.

 

What is the OA VISA?

The OA VISA is for those over the age of 50 who wish to reside in Thailand for up to 1 year at a time. The applicant does not have the intention of working. Employment of any kind under this type of visa is strictly prohibited.

 

What is the Eligibly for the OA VISA?

To be eligible for the OA VISA, you must:

  • Be aged 50 or over on the day of submitting the application
  • Meet the health insurance requirements (see below)
  • Not been prohibited from entering Thailand previously
  • Have no criminal record in Thailand nor your residing country or nationality
  • Not have a prohibitive disease (described by the Thai Embassy US as; Leprosy, Tuberculosis, drug addiction, Elephantiasis, the third phase of Syphilis)

 

What’s Changed from Previous Thailand Retirement Visas?

Previously, expatriates were not required to hold private health cover to reside in Thailand. New rules were put in place in November 2019 changing this.

Since then, all foreigners over the age of 50 who wish to move to Thailand must take out their own private medical health insurance for Thailand.

 

Why Was the Change Made to Thailand Retirement VISAs?

Until November 2019, foreigners were able to use the local Thai health services free of charge. This new introduction was put in to help curb the free use of public services. This private medical health cover for Thailand was already the case for applicants of the O-X long-stay visa.

 

What are the OA VISA healthcare requirements?

As well as taking out a private medical policy, there are some specifics that the cover must include. These are:

  • THB40,000 minimum cover for outpatients for things such as consultations, medicines and care.
  • THB400,000 minimum for inpatient treatment

Also, the health insurance policy must last at least the length of the term of the visa. The insurance certificate provided by the insurer must be shown when applying for the visa.

 

Healthcare International’s OA-VISA Insurance Plan

We at Healthcare International have been providing expatriate healthcare for over 25 years. We are pleased to confirm that our PLUS PLAN expat medical insurance policy meets the mandatory requirements needed for your OA Visa Application.

 

To find out more and get a free quotation please visit www.healthcareinternational.com