Non-OA Health Insurance 2025 — Which Policies Qualify and What Australians Need to Know
Since 2019, health insurance has been a mandatory requirement for the Non-OA retirement visa annual extension in Thailand. You must present a qualifying health insurance policy at Immigration each year to renew your stay. Getting this wrong means your extension is refused. Here is the definitive guide for Australians.
THE REQUIREMENT
For the Non-OA annual extension, Thai Immigration requires:
- Inpatient coverage: minimum 40,000 THB/year
- Outpatient coverage: minimum 40,000 THB/year
- Combined (inpatient + outpatient): minimum 40,000 THB in each category, NOT combined 40,000 THB total
Some Immigration offices interpret this differently — Chiang Mai has historically required 40,000 THB inpatient AND 40,000 THB outpatient separately. Others accept a combined figure. Confirm with your local office or a visa agent.
You must present: the insurance policy document AND a certificate of insurance (often a letter from the insurer on letterhead) at Immigration when you apply for your annual extension.
THAI-INSURED POLICIES THAT ARE ACCEPTED
Thai domestic health insurers on the OIC-approved list are accepted at all Immigration offices. These are the most reliable choice because they are designed to meet the Immigration requirement:
1. BUPA THAILAND (AXA BUPA / BUPA HEALTH THAILAND)
One of the most widely used by expats for Non-OA compliance. Policies designed specifically for Non-OA requirements. English-language service. Easy to obtain a qualifying certificate.
Annual cost (age 60, Non-OA qualifying plan): approximately 18,000–35,000 THB/year depending on coverage level and age.
2. ALLIANZ AYUDHYA (AYUDHYA INSURANCE)
Strong network. OIC-approved. Qualifying plans for Non-OA available.
3. PACIFIC CROSS (PACIFIC CROSS HEALTH INSURANCE)
Designed for international residents and expats. Policies structured to meet Non-OA immigration requirements. English service.
4. LUMA HEALTH INSURANCE
Popular with Bangkok-based expats. OIC-approved. Easy online application with English support.
5. CIGNA THAILAND
International insurer with Thai OIC-approved products. Non-OA qualifying plans available.
6. AIA THAILAND
Thailand's largest life insurer also offers health products. OIC-approved.
INTERNATIONAL EXPAT POLICIES: DO THEY QUALIFY?
International expat health insurance policies (Cigna Global, Aetna International, AXA Global, Allianz International) often have higher coverage but are issued outside Thailand and may NOT be on the Thai OIC insurer list.
Critical: an international policy must explicitly state outpatient and inpatient coverage amounts that meet the 40,000 THB thresholds, AND the insurer must be willing to issue a certificate in Thai Immigration's preferred format. Some international insurers do issue qualifying Non-OA certificates. Confirm this directly with the insurer before purchasing.
If your international insurer cannot guarantee a qualifying certificate, obtain a separate small Thai policy for Non-OA compliance purposes and keep your international policy for actual medical use.
WHAT THE INSURANCE CERTIFICATE MUST SHOW
Immigration will check:
- Your full name (matching passport exactly)
- Policy period covering the extension period applied for
- Inpatient coverage amount (minimum 40,000 THB or equivalent currency stated in THB)
- Outpatient coverage amount (minimum 40,000 THB)
- The insurer's stamp and signature
Policies issued in USD or AUD with Thai baht equivalents: some offices accept these, some do not. To avoid risk, get a Thai-baht-denominated policy from a Thai insurer.
COST RANGE FOR AUSTRALIANS (2025)
Age 55: approx. 12,000–22,000 THB/year (Thai insurer, Non-OA qualifying plan, basic tier)
Age 60: approx. 18,000–30,000 THB/year
Age 65: approx. 28,000–50,000 THB/year
Age 70+: 45,000–80,000+ THB/year (some insurers decline to issue at 70+)
Important: Thai domestic health insurance may have age limits for new applicants. Many Thai insurers will not issue a new policy to applicants over 70 or 75. Plan ahead — obtain the policy while you qualify, then renew annually.
PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS
Thai domestic health insurance policies typically exclude pre-existing conditions for the first 1–3 years of the policy. After the waiting period, some conditions may be covered. Read exclusions carefully.
For those with serious pre-existing conditions who need actual medical coverage: an international expat policy (with broader coverage and fewer exclusions for long-standing conditions) is better value for real medical use, even if you also hold a small Thai policy for Non-OA compliance.
THE HOSPITAL LIST ISSUE
Many Thai domestic health insurers have a network of preferred hospitals. Treatment outside the network may require upfront payment and reimbursement. In major cities (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket), the hospital networks are large and include all major private hospitals. Confirm your policy's hospital list before choosing.
PROCESS: HOW TO SUBMIT AT IMMIGRATION
1. Obtain the insurance certificate (usually emailed or available via the insurer's online portal) — not just the policy document
2. Print the certificate (most Immigration offices still require paper, though some now accept digital)
3. Bring to your Non-OA annual extension appointment as part of the document set
4. The Immigration officer checks the certificate dates and coverage amounts
HOW VISA CENTRE HELPS
We assist with Non-OA health insurance selection and confirm which providers are currently accepted at your local Immigration office (requirements can vary and change). We also ensure your certificate is in the correct format before your Immigration appointment.
General guidance only. Insurance requirements for Non-OA have evolved since 2019 and individual Immigration offices may apply them differently. Not medical or insurance advice. Independent visa assistance agency; not affiliated with any insurer.
Verified against official sources. Visa rules and fees change — our specialists confirm the current rules with the Thai Immigration Bureau for your specific case.