Expat health insurance in Thailand
Some visas require proof of insurance, most do not, and every long-stayer should still have cover. This guide shows which visas ask for it and how local and international plans differ. We do not sell or broker insurance.
- O-A visa (age 50+, abroad)
- At least 3,000,000 THB or 100,000 USD per policy year for the whole stay (official embassy page)
- O-X visa
- Outpatient 40,000 THB and inpatient 400,000 THB; some embassies quote the 3,000,000 THB line. Confirm with your consulate
- LTR Wealthy Pensioner
- Policy of at least 50,000 USD, or Thai social security proof, or a 100,000 USD deposit (BOI document)
- Non-O retirement extension
- No insurance requirement (two secondary sources)
- DTV
- No requirement found in nine mission checklists (one audit); consulates may ask for more
- Who may sell policies
- OIC-licensed insurers, agents and brokers; acting as an intermediary without a licence is an offence
- Social security
- Foreigners legally employed by a Thai company are enrolled under Section 33; employee share 5% with a wage ceiling of 17,500 THB (single source)
Reviewed 5 October 2026. Embassy pages for the O-X are from 2022 and 2023 and carry both figures. We have no affiliation with any insurer and earn no commission.
Sources: Royal Thai Consulate-General Los Angeles: Non-O-A · BOI: LTR Wealthy Pensioner documents · The Thaiger: health insurance for retirees
Of the visas we checked, the O-A (1 year, applied for abroad) requires cover of at least 3,000,000 THB or 100,000 USD, the O-X lists 40,000 THB outpatient and 400,000 THB inpatient, and the LTR Wealthy Pensioner category lists 50,000 USD with alternatives. The Non-O retirement extension in Thailand has no insurance requirement according to two sources. Insurance must be bought from an OIC-licensed insurer, agent or broker.
Which visas require insurance
| Visa | Requirement | Source status |
|---|---|---|
| O-A (1 year) | 3,000,000 THB or 100,000 USD cover | Verified |
| O-X (10 years) | 40,000 THB outpatient and 400,000 THB inpatient, or the 3,000,000 THB line, depending on the post | Sources differ |
| LTR Wealthy Pensioner | 50,000 USD policy, or Thai social security, or a 100,000 USD deposit | Verified |
| Non-O retirement extension | None (two secondary sources, no Immigration page read) | Verified |
| DTV | None listed, consulates may ask for extra documents | Single source |
| Thailand Privilege | Not required at application (operator's own page) | Single source |
Local or international plan
Local plans are regulated by the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC), priced in baht and bill Thai hospitals directly. They are cheaper but have lower limits. International plans are underwritten offshore, cover you worldwide and cost more. Two sources agree on this split. One guide says local plans can be up to five times cheaper.
Premium figures published by sales-adjacent guides, for example 20,000 to 40,000 THB a year for a basic local plan under age 40, are marketing ranges, not insurer quotes. We do not publish them as prices. Medical inflation of about 14 to 15 percent in 2026 is also reported by one source, and local insurers may move members with three or more claims to co-payment at renewal.
Who may sell you a policy
Selling insurance in Thailand requires an OIC licence: individual agents tied to an insurer, or brokers who act for you. Acting as an intermediary without a licence is a criminal offence according to law-firm guides. For that reason Sabai & Co. does not recommend, sell or earn commission on any policy. Ask any provider for their OIC licence number and check it on the OIC website before you pay.
Public cover and social security
We found no official source on foreigners' access to the 30-baht universal scheme, so do not assume you are covered. If you work legally for a Thai employer you are normally enrolled under social security Section 33, with a voluntary continuation under Section 39 after leaving, according to one guide. Treat that as indicative and confirm with your employer.
Sources
- Royal Thai Consulate-General Los Angeles: Non-Immigrant O-A - official, updated 1 September 2026
- BOI LTR: Wealthy Pensioner required documents - official
- Royal Thai Embassy Chicago: O-A and O-X - official, 2023
- The Thaiger: health insurance for retirees - 26 August 2026
- ThaiLawOnline: health insurance in Thailand
- Legal500: Thailand insurance and reinsurance - law-firm guide
Frequently asked questions
Do I need health insurance for a Thai retirement extension?
Two secondary sources say no. The O-A visa applied for abroad does require it.
Is travel insurance enough for the LTR?
The BOI document for the Wealthy Pensioner category rejects travel insurance and lists a hospitalisation policy of at least 50,000 USD.
Does Sabai & Co. recommend an insurer?
No. We do not sell, broker or take commission on insurance.
Can I use the Thai public scheme?
We found no official confirmation that foreigners can, so plan on private cover.
Keep planning
Not sure which visa you need first?
We help with the visa side. For insurance, ask a licensed broker.