If you’re an expat living in Thailand, you’re probably aware of the various visa requirements and regulations that apply to your stay in the country. One of the most common questions that expats ask is whether they need health insurance for their visa extension or re-entry permit.

To answer this question, let’s first clarify the different types of visas that are available to expats in Thailand. There’s the Non-Immigrant O visa, which is also known as the “Marriage Visa”, and the Non-Immigrant O-A visa, which is the “Long Stay Visa”. Both of these visas require you to obtain a re-entry permit if you plan to leave the country and re-enter.

Now, when it comes to health insurance, the rules can be a bit confusing. As of 2021, the Thai government has introduced a new regulation that requires expats to have health insurance that covers at least $50,000, including COVID-19. However, this regulation only applies to certain types of visas, such as the STV (Special Tourist Visa) and the 60-day tourist visa.

If you’re a retiree who’s living in Thailand on a Non-Immigrant O visa, you don’t need to worry about health insurance for your visa extension. This is because the health insurance requirement only applies to the initial application for the Non-Immigrant O-A visa, not for the extension of stay.

However, if you’re planning to re-enter Thailand after a trip abroad, you will need to have health insurance that covers at least $50,000, including COVID-19. This is because the re-entry permit requires you to have health insurance that meets the Thai government’s requirements.

So, what do you need to do if you’re an expat who’s planning to re-enter Thailand? Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Check your visa type: If you’re on a Non-Immigrant O visa, you don’t need health insurance for your visa extension. However, if you’re on a Non-Immigrant O-A visa or a tourist visa, you will need to have health insurance that meets the Thai government’s requirements.
2. Check your re-entry permit: If you have a re-entry permit, you will need to have health insurance that covers at least $50,000, including COVID-19.
3. Choose a health insurance provider: There are many health insurance providers that offer plans that meet the Thai government’s requirements. Do your research and choose a provider that offers a plan that suits your needs and budget.
4. Purchase health insurance: Once you’ve chosen a provider, purchase a health insurance plan that meets the Thai government’s requirements.
5. Carry your health insurance documents: When you re-enter Thailand, make sure you carry your health insurance documents with you. This will ensure that you can enter the country without any issues.

In conclusion, health insurance is an important requirement for expats who are living in Thailand or planning to re-enter the country. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that you have the necessary health insurance to meet the Thai government’s requirements.

Note: The information provided in this post is subject to change, and it’s always best to check with the relevant authorities for the latest information.