webfact 69,456 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 Insurance mandatory for long-stay foreigners By The Nation File photo HEALTH insurance has been made mandatory for foreigners aged 50 years and above seeking long-term stay in Thailand. The insurance policy must offer up to Bt40,000 coverage for outpatient treatment and up to Bt400,000 for inpatient treatment. This is one of the measures the government has introduced to ease the financial burden placed on state hospitals by foreigners, many of whom have not paid for treatment. “The Cabinet has already approved the new rule,” Health Service Support Department director-general Nattawuth Prasert-siripong revealed yesterday. RELATED: Thaivisa Health Protect: Medical insurance for expats in Thailand According to Nattawuth, the new rule applies to both new applicants for the non-immigrant visa (O-A), which offers a stay of up to one year, and those wishing to renew their visa. Each renewal is valid for one year. Overseas policies okay too “Such health insurance is good for foreigners too,” Nattawuth said. Foreigners can buy valid health insurance from longstay.tgia.org or if they wish to use health insurance that they bought overseas, they must ensure that the coverage amount is no less than what is required by the rule. “We are going to discuss with relevant authorities on to how to check the validity of health insurance bought from overseas,” Nattawuth said. Asked about foreigners who cannot buy health insurance because their health risks are considered too high, Nattawuth said relevant authorities might consider requiring them to have higher deposits in bank accounts so as to make sure that they have enough to live in Thailand. Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30369323 -- © Copyright The Nation 2019-05-14 Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking Thailand news and visa info RELATED: Insurance for long stay foreigners in Thailand Link to post Share on other sites
Thaiwrath 33,149 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 6 minutes ago, webfact said: “We are going to discuss with relevant authorities on to how to check the validity of health insurance bought from overseas,” I am sure, with the proficiency of English within the Thai immigration, this should not pose any problems ! Link to post Share on other sites
gk10002000 6,882 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 Indeed. So more paperwork because some people abused the system. So one will have to show something in advance when first getting the visa and later when applying for the extension. So many issues will arise. If somebody was moving there and planned to get a policy while in Thailand, but doesn't have one yet. Addresses to put on forms will not exist yet. Oh what a mess. And the approval or validation of existing and proper insurance? Goodness. The Thais and some embassies can't even agree on the income methods, types of income, verification, etc. Link to post Share on other sites
gunderhill 5,864 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 So how many are going to be leaving now, what exactly s a NON O -A I have a visa which just states NON O married to a Thai (no other letters after it) been on it for 6 years. Perhaps someone can clarify if it will apply to me? Link to post Share on other sites
gunderhill 5,864 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 14 minutes ago, webfact said: such health insurance is good for foreigners too,” Nattawuth said. so kind of him to tell us Link to post Share on other sites
gunderhill 5,864 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 19 minutes ago, webfact said: Asked about foreigners who cannot buy health insurance because their health risks are considered too high, Nattawuth said relevant authorities might consider requiring them to have higher deposits in bank accounts More vagueness. Link to post Share on other sites
gunderhill 5,864 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 20 minutes ago, webfact said: According to Nattawuth, the new rule applies to both new applicants for the non-immigrant visa (O-A), I wonder how many Immigration officers will interpret this as ALL NON O type visas "if" it doesn't already apply to them. Link to post Share on other sites
gunderhill 5,864 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 Next people will buy coverage for the amount specified and to reduce premiums to as small as possible get a massive excess smacked on it. Be prepared for the longest ever tv thread! Link to post Share on other sites
gunderhill 5,864 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 https://www.thaihealth.co.th/2012/product_wealthy_eng.php Link to post Share on other sites
Orac 4,052 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 Seem to be several plans up on their website already though not all companies have them. Pacific Cross have cheapest but still just over 30k a year for my 51-55 age bracket and nothing for over 75s. Click on each insurer for their plan and premium. https://longstay.tgia.org/ Link to post Share on other sites
quandow 6,580 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 I did two inquiries at the website provided. Typical Thai inefficiency. Can't get a straight answer or quote, not even a ballpark price. Link to post Share on other sites
LongTang 973 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 44 minutes ago, Thaiwrath said: I am sure, with the proficiency of English within the Thai immigration, this should not pose any problems ! Don't worry, A translation of the insurance policy to Thai signed by a notary will probably be added to the endless list of things one has to prepare.. Link to post Share on other sites
gunderhill 5,864 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 1 minute ago, LongTang said: Don't worry, A translation of the insurance policy to Thai signed by a notary will probability be added to the endless list of things one has to prepare.. dont forget the 10 copies required all signed and within 1 minute of applying. Link to post Share on other sites
surangw 1,526 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 25 minutes ago, gunderhill said: I wonder how many Immigration officers will interpret this as ALL NON O type visas "if" it doesn't already apply to them. probably each office will have their own interpretation Link to post Share on other sites
gunderhill 5,864 Posted May 13, 2019 Share Posted May 13, 2019 49 minutes ago, webfact said: might consider requiring them to have higher deposits in bank accounts Well surely this would mean at least another 400k and another 40k for outpatients in the bank which would suit me just fine. Link to post Share on other sites
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