Long-stay foreigners will need virus cover

[PhilJ]

Over 70 and cannot afford 3,000,000bt coverage so I guess that's it for me. Hopefully, the new rule will fizzle out before I need to renew but........

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2132935/long-stay-foreigners-will-need-virus-cover

[CO-CO]

Over 70 and cannot afford 3,000,000bt coverage so I guess that's it for me. Hopefully, the new rule will fizzle out before I need to renew but........

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2132935/long-stay-foreigners-will-need-virus-cover

Don't panic just yet......


https://www.facebook.com/richardbarrowthailand/posts/351482886337981


The Cabinet on Tuesday approved in principle new rules to support health insurance for long-stay foreigners under the Non-Immigrant ?O-A? visa https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40002065 #Thailand

[Gerry]

Over 70 and cannot afford 3,000,000bt coverage so I guess that's it for me. Hopefully, the new rule will fizzle out before I need to renew but........

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2132935/long-stay-foreigners-will-need-virus-cover

Your link doesn't seem to work. Here is a new one : https://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/easy/2133275/covid-insurance-needed-for-expats

Having been raked across the coals a couple of time for using the wrong terminology, I decided to take the time to investigate the different options and the descriptions for how expats get to stay in Thailand long term.

From what I have learnt, it appears that the article quoted refers to visas. That is, a visa that has been obtained outside of Thailand and which the expat uses as a legal way to remain. It does not refer to extensions of stay acquired within Thailand from immigration. This can be confirmed by the article stating that insurance is required, to the sum of 40000 out patients and 400000 inpatients cover. That is something that is required for visas but not extensions of stay.

I hope I got it right after all this time. It does save a panic if one knows the different rules and terminology.

[PhilJ]

Thanks. Yeah, Bangkok Post clearly(wrongly???) stated that the new rule "would apply to all holders of One-year Non immigrant visas". I see something's wrong with the BP link.  See what happens.

[Gerry]

Thanks. Yeah, Bangkok Post clearly(wrongly???) stated that the new rule "would apply to all holders of One-year Non immigrant visas". I see something's wrong with the BP link.  See what happens.

It does. That is the point I was trying to make. It is about the OA visa. With this visa you get one year entry to Thailand.

A Non O visa only gives you 90 days and then you go to immigration to get an extension. If you do this you do not have a visa. That is what I have fathomed from my extensive reading on the matter.

[PhilJ]

I got a Non-immigrant O visa in 2005 and have been renewing as a retirement extension every year since. I think the rule refers to renewals also. "Those seeking to renew their NIV are free to buy the insurance from abroad"

[Gerry]

I got a Non-immigrant O visa in 2005 and have been renewing as a retirement extension every year since.

So you are on an annual extension of stay, not a year long visa.

[PhilJ]

Yes. I'm afraid the rule refers to renewals also. Their quote: "Those seeking to renew their NIV are free to buy the insurance from abroad"

[Gerry]

Yes. I think the rule refers to renewals also. "Those seeking to renew their NIV are free to buy the insurance from abroad"

No. When you go to immigration you do not renew your visa or NIV, as they called it in the article. You renew your permission to stay.

There are a couple of threads on here that explains it all. Also there are some Facebook pages, most notably Thai Visa Advice here : https://www.facebook.com/groups/1395920320731833/

[PhilJ]

Ok, I hope the new rule will not apply to my next permission to stay request. Would not be surprised.  Thanks for the info!

[Gerry]

Ok, I hope the new rule will not apply to my next permission to stay request. Would not be surprised.

Why would it? They are talking about visas. You are on an extension of stay.

I would think the requirement to have had a vaccine would be more likely.

[PhilJ]

Got it. Thanks!

[Mod]

Tassie, I move your post to Covid thread. I think better in there. This thread about visas.

[Tassie]

Thanks MOD.
Regards

[CO-CO]

Thanks MOD.
Regards

Should have gone in the jokes section !! 


(Sorry Tassie..... )