How to make sure that your health insurance meets Thailand’s visa requirements
Key points every long-stay applicant should know before submitting their visa paperwork
If you plan to stay in Thailand for a long time, you must have health insurance that meets the country’s visa rules. This applies to Retirement (O-A and O-X) visas and Long-Term Resident (LTR) visas. Each visa type requires a minimum level of coverage for both inpatient and outpatient care, and some also need Covid-19 protection.
Several approved Thai insurance companies offer plans that already meet these requirements, making the visa process easier. Choosing the right policy and checking that it matches your visa type will help prevent any problems or delays with your application and keep you protected during your stay in Thailand.
On this page
| Section (Click to jump) | Short Summary |
|---|---|
| Why health insurance is essential for Thai visas | Many long-stay visas require valid health insurance, ensuring applicants can access treatment without financial strain. |
| Minimum health insurance coverage requirements | Different visas have specific minimum coverage levels, especially for inpatient care, emergencies, and long-term stays. |
| Steps to verify that your insurance meets Thai visa requirements | Check your policy certificate, coverage limits, and insurer accreditation to ensure it meets immigration rules. |
| Helpful tips for applicants | Prepare documents early, confirm visa-specific rules, and request an updated insurance certificate before applying. |
Why health insurance is essential for Thai visas
Health insurance is an important part of getting and keeping a long-term visa in Thailand. This includes the O-A (Retirement), O-X (10-year Retirement), and Long-Term Resident (LTR) visas. The Thai government requires all visa applicants to have valid health insurance from a Thai-licensed insurer or an approved international provider.
Your policy must cover the full length of your visa and include the minimum coverage amounts:
- At least 400,000 Thai baht for inpatient care (hospitalisation)
- At least 40,000 Thai baht for outpatient care (doctor visits)
- Covid coverage may also be required or strongly recommended
This rule helps protect both foreign residents and Thailand’s healthcare system. It ensures you have financial support in case of a medical emergency and prevents unpaid hospital bills.
Cigna offers visa-compliant health insurance plans that make this process simple and reliable. With Cigna, you get:
- Full coverage that meets Thai immigration requirements
- Access to a wide hospital network across Thailand
- Cashless treatment at partner hospitals
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Choosing a Cigna plan helps you stay protected and worry-free during your stay in Thailand. Once you have your policy, make sure to get a certificate of insurance confirming that it meets Thai visa requirements. This document will be needed for your visa application or renewal.
Minimum health insurance coverage requirements
| Visa type | Inpatient coverage | Outpatient coverage | Additional notes |
| O-A (Retirement) | 400,000 Thai baht | 40,000 Thai baht | Must cover the entire stay |
| O-X (10-year Retirement) | 3,000,000 Thai baht | 40,000 Thai baht | Must include Covid coverage |
| LTR (Long-Term Resident) | US$50,000 | N/A | Policy must be valid for at least 10 months |
Steps to verify that your insurance meets Thai visa requirements
To make sure your health insurance meets Thailand’s visa requirements, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Check your policy details
Read your policy carefully and make sure it covers the minimum amounts required for your visa type.
- O-A visa: at least 400,000 Thai baht for inpatient care and 40,000 Thai baht for outpatient care
- O-X visa: higher coverage amounts
- LTR visa: at least US$50,000 for medical expenses
Your insurance must stay valid for the entire visa period and include coverage for emergencies and Covid treatment (if needed).
Step 2: Choose an approved provider
Select a trusted and recognised insurer. Cigna is approved by Thai authorities and provides visa-compliant health insurance plans that meet all requirements. Cigna also makes things easier for expats with:
- Cashless hospital access
- 24-hour multilingual support
- A wide hospital network across Thailand
Step 3: Request a certificate of insurance
Ask Cigna for an official certificate confirming that your policy meets Thailand’s visa insurance rules. This document should clearly state:
- Your coverage amounts
- Policy validity
- Types of medical care covered
You will need this certificate when applying for or renewing your visa.
Step 4: Submit your documents
Include your insurance certificate and policy details with your visa application or renewal. Missing or incomplete insurance documents can cause delays or rejection.
Having visa-compliant health insurance protects you from unexpected medical bills and keeps your visa status secure. Choosing Cigna ensures you meet all legal requirements while enjoying peace of mind during your stay in Thailand.
Helpful tips for applicants
Here are some simple and useful tips to make sure your health insurance meets Thailand’s visa requirements:
1. Check the latest rules.
Visa insurance requirements can change. Before you buy or renew your policy, always check with the Thai embassy, consulate, or immigration office to make sure your coverage meets the latest standards.
2. Choose full protection.
While the law sets a minimum amount, it’s better to have more coverage. Look for plans that include:
- Emergency evacuation
- Chronic illness care
- Maternity or family coverage (if needed)
These extras give you better protection and peace of mind during your stay.
3. Make your LTR visa easier.
If you’re applying for a Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa, choosing the US$50,000 health insurance option is usually easier than keeping a US$100,000 bank balance. It saves time and simplifies your visa process.
4. Stay covered all year.
Keep your insurance active without any gaps. A break in coverage can cause problems when renewing your visa or dealing with immigration.
5. Go with a trusted provider.
Cigna Thailand offers visa-compliant plans made for expats, retirees, and digital nomads. With Cigna, you get:
- Access to hospitals and clinics across Thailand and worldwide
- Cashless treatment at partner hospitals
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Following these tips helps you stay compliant, avoid visa delays, and enjoy your life in Thailand with reliable health protection.
If you plan to live in Thailand long-term, you’ll need health insurance that meets visa rules. Your policy must include enough coverage for hospital stays, doctor visits, and sometimes Covid treatment. Choosing a trusted provider like Cigna makes the process easier, as their plans already meet Thai visa requirements and offer cashless hospital access and 24/7 support. Always check your policy, get a certificate from your insurer, and keep your coverage active to avoid visa problems. For more guidance on managing medical expenses and finding the right coverage, read The guide to affordable healthcare in Thailand.
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The Thaiger key summary
- Long-stay visas require specific inpatient and outpatient coverage from approved insurers.
- Immigration needs a valid insurance certificate showing full compliance with visa rules.
- Keeping continuous coverage and checking updated requirements helps avoid visa delays.
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