Luma Thailand Pass

What are the new insurance requirements for foreigners applying for the O-A retirement visa to live in Thailand?

19 October 2021 by Alan Sutherland

Last week Thai authorities announced a number of changes to the insurance requirements for foreigners applying for the Non-immigrant O-A (Long Stay) retirement visa. It seems some of the details are still being worked through, but most Thai Embassies have already begun implementing these changes (effective 1st October 2021) and many insurance companies in Thailand have already started updating their existing policies and developing new products in order to meet these requirements.

These rules differ depending on whether you are applying from your home country or whether you are already in Thailand renewing your visa. However, all foreigners applying for their first O-A retirement visa from overseas are now required to meet these new requirements. The new rules require applicants to maintain a health insurance policy that covers all kinds of medical treatment (both in-house patient and out-patient) including COVID-19 related treatment, with a minimum coverage of 3,000,000 THB, during the entire period of stay in Thailand. It seems the previous requirement to have Outpatient coverage of not less than 40,000 THB has either been upgraded or removed (This is a developing story – To be advised).

Foreigners currently residing in Thailand on an O-A retirement visa will be permitted to extend their visa under the old guidelines until the 31st of August 2022 (an insurance policy of 400,000 THB Inpatient coverage (including outpatient coverage of 40,000 THB). However, commencing 1st September 2022 onwards, ALL Long Stay Visa holders will be required to move to the new criteria – an insurance policy that provides 3 million THB Inpatient coverage which includes all kinds of medical treatment (both in-house patient and out-patient) including COVID-19.

At this stage, the easiest and most affordable solution for retirees applying from overseas is the LUMA Travel Pass. This plan already meets these minimum requirements and can be purchased online in 5 mins by any person aged 1-75 years of age. Although this insurance cannot be extended beyond 12 months this product is very affordable and offers a very convenient and accessible method to meet these requirements. Please see the following link…

Thai Travel Insurance – COVID insurance for expats traveling to Thailand

For persons already in Thailand and for persons 75 years and over, we offer a wide range of immigration compliant insurance products payable on an annual or monthly basis. These products come from a wide range of recognised companies including AETNA, AXA, April, Cigna, LMG, LUMA, Pacific Cross and Regency for Expats. Regardless of your age or health status, we offer a wide array of insurance options for families and retirees visiting or moving to Thailand.

Please contact Thai Expat Club / Health if you have any questions or require any further information regarding retirement or travel insurance for Thailand.

Telephone or WhatsApp +6689-897-9435

Website: https://thaiexpatclub.com/

Additional Links:

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this report has been obtained from sources believed to be accurate and reliable. However, Thai Expat Club makes no representation as to the accuracy and completeness of such information. Information and opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. In particular, Thai Expat Club does not guarantee the accuracy of information related to immigration processes and requirements in this report nor do we accept any liability for any loss or damage of any kind arising out of the use of such information or opinions in this report. Readers are advised to do their own research before making decisions relating to visa transfers and migration to Thailand. All rights are reserved.
This report may not be reproduced, distributed or published by any person in any manner for any purpose without the permission of Thai Expat Club

Applying for a Retirement Visa for Thailand during COVID-19

25 December 2020 by Alan Sutherland

If you’re reading this article, you’re most likely interested in traveling to Thailand over the COVID-19 period and wondering what visa option is best for you. Particularly if you’re considering applying for a retirement visa from your home country, then this is for you.

After visiting the Thai Embassy website, you will discover that there are a number of visa options available, including the standard ‘O’ category retirement visa for persons over 50 years of age. The requirements are pretty much the same as previously published except for one additional insurance requirement – applicants now need to have health insurance to cover a minimum of 100,000 USD which includes coverage for COVID-19. This is in addition to the previous requirement to have health insurance which includes a minimum 400,000 THB for Inpatient and 40,000 THB coverage for Outpatient visits.

Procedures for Non-Thai nationals who wish to obtain long stay visa (Non-Immigrant Category O-A)

One of the main issues is that if you apply for the retirement visa from your home country you will need to pay for 12 months of health insurance upfront to obtain an insurance policy that meets the above requirements. The process of obtaining insurance usually takes 10-14 days. You must then present your insurance coverage certificate to the Thai embassy in your home country in order to obtain the Certificate of Entry (COE). As well, you will need to have confirmed booking at an Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) Facility, and a booking on a repatriation flight which might not be available from your country for another month or so. Even then flights may be cancelled, and a new booking required after you have applied for your visa. All of this affects the amount of time your insurance policy remains valid after you have paid the premium and submitted the insurance certificate to the embassy to obtain your COE. The longer it takes for you to acquire the visa and COE in your home country, the less time you will have remaining on your insurance policy.

So, getting back to the question of whether it’s better to apply for an O-A retirement visa in your home country or after you arrive in Thailand. Provided you are 50-74 years of age, one option is to apply for a Tourist Visa from your home country first (60 days + 30 days extendable) or Special Tourist Visa (If available) then apply for the retirement visa after you arrive in Thailand.

For a Tourist Visa, you only need to have a 90-day travel insurance policy which you can easily purchase by going to our website https://thaitravelinsurance.com/travel-plans/. This policy (Luma Thailand Pass), for persons 1-74 years of age, includes cover for COVID-19 to $100,000 USD and meets the Thai government requirements for both the Tourist and Retirement visa. It can be issued in 5 minutes which is a huge advantage over other forms of insurance coverage. It is also well known to Thai Embassies and so is readily accepted.

Once in Thailand, you can apply for a 3-month non-O visa, then the 1-year retirement visa extension through any number of visa agents here. Also, once you have decided on the most appropriate visa for your extended stay, you are welcome to contact us again and purchase a full comprehensive in-country insurance policy (The Luma Thailand Pass cannot be extended) to cover the length of your new visa as required by the Thai government. It seems the government has relaxed on an earlier requirement to start the process of applying for a 90-day non-immigrant visa from a Thai embassy or consulate. I would encourage you to do your own research but the visa agents we discussed this option with, inform us that it is indeed possible.

Thai Expat Health makes it EASY for foreigners to obtain the certificate of insurance required to meet the Thai government’s entry requirement (insurance covering all medical expenses including COVID-19 and worth at least 100,000 USD). We have assisted many clients to receive their certificate of insurance in the FASTEST possible time with a MINIMUM of fuss. Our service is provided FREE of charge and you benefit from our personalized help and experience.
Note that there are a large number of applications in the system at the moment, so please submit your application early to avoid delays.

Contact Thai Expat Club/Health if you have any questions or require any further information

Telephone or WhatsApp +6689-897-9435

This report may not be reproduced, distributed or published by any person in any manner for any purpose without the permission of Thai Expat Club.

Insurance for COVID-19 – Online solution for short term visitors requiring insurance for Thailand

27 July 2020 by Brett Heath

Introducing an online solution for short term visitors needing COVID-19 insurance for Thailand. Luma Thailand Pass meets the government requirements for the Certificate of Entry to Thailand with overall coverage of 100,000 USD including cover for Covid-19.

This plan has been approved by the Office of Insurance Thailand (OIC) and is ideal for short term visitors such as medical tourists, trade fair participants and foreign film crews who are expected to be approved for entry by Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) within the next few days. This plan is also suitable for tourists coming from surrounding countries such as Japan, China, South Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong. It will also be an excellent option for visitors from western countries as soon as travel bans are lifted.

Prices start at 4,500 THB for 3 months coverage (persons aged 1-75 years)

Is it possible to buy this insurance for COVID-19 online?

Absolutely buying this policy online is easy. Simply click the following link and follow the instructions. thaitravelinsurance.com

SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE PROCEEDING

Before proceeding you should know that this is travel Insurance for short term visitors to Thailand. It has been designed for visitors who have no intention of extending their stay beyond the length of their term visa. Like most other travel insurance policies this Insurance is based on pay and claim. Should you seek treatment in a hospital – you will need to pay all hospitals bills yourself – then claim back later when you return to your home country.

While the Luma Travel Pass includes coverage for COVID-19, accidents, and other illnesses it does NOT provide cover for motorcycle accidents or room and board in a private hospital over 10.000 THB/day. The plan is also restricted to persons aged 1 – 75 years and is non-extendable while you remain in Thailand.

If you have no intention of extending your stay and believe the Luma Travel Pass is a suitable plan for your situation then follow this link for instructions on how to obtain your travel pass. You are advised to read the terms and conditions contained on the website link carefully. While the Luma Thailand Travel Pass is a great option for many short term visitors there are limitations on refunds and other parts of the policy which do not apply to full medical insurance plans.

If you are a foreigner living or working in Thailand or are returning to the kingdom for work on a non-immigrant “B” visa, or on any kind of renewable non-mmigrant “O” marriage or retirement visa then you are advised to purchase full medical insurance through an approved provider. Travel Insurance should be an addition to coverage not an alternative to a full comprehensive medical plan.

Thai Expat Health offers insurance from reputable companies that offer superior levels of customer service and claims support. In most cases, your insurance application can be approved in less than 7-10 days and coverage can begin as soon as payment is received.

Contact us if you need additional information or have any further questions regarding full medical insurance. thaiexpathealth.com

Links https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30391749 – Four types of foreigners to be allowed to enter Thailand: CCSA