General Reports

[Bunky]

A lot of health insurance policies may cover Covid19 as it is not excluded. But unless the policy specifically states that Covid19 is covered to the level of $100 k or more this may not be acceptable to the consular officials. How many health insurers have updated their wordings to specifically state that the condition is covered?

Probably very few. But that's not how health insurance works. Usually the coverage extends to all professional medical treatment that's "reasonably necessary" or some similar definition. There are an infinite number of maladies that can require professional medical treatment. And COVID shows that new sicknesses are being discovered every day. There is no way the insurer could list them all in the insurance contract. To the contrary, the contracts typically contain a list of "exclusions" to make it clear what is *not* covered. For example, experimental treatment, cosmetic treatments and treatments from people who aren't professional health care providers. (There are also requirements to get advance approval for certain expensive treatments and tests, but let's set those aside.)

As Mr. Up cogently notes, the fact that COVID is not specifically mentioned in health insurance documents gives Thai consular officials an easy way to force visa applicants to buy insurance from a Thai company through the official online portal. Sounds like some determined applicants have been able to get their health insurer to supplement the standard documents with a written statement emphasizing that they are, in fact, covered if they come down with COVID while in Thailand. At that point, it seems to me, it's up to the consular officer to decide whether the COVID insurance requirement is met. Those officers who interpret the requirement in a way that protects the Thai health care system from sick falang who run up big bills they can't pay will probably call it good. Those officers who interpret the requirement in a way that lines the pockets of Thai insurance companies selling expensive single-purpose policies to rich falang will probably take a different view.

[Horatio]

That seems common sense but is not necessarily true. That's why I posted it. It's similar to asymptomatic spreading of disease. No symptoms but still able to spread covid.

If you don't get sick, you cannot spread the virus. The virus is spread by human to human close proximity, either by direct contact or breathing in the virus from a sick person. Therefore, a person who is vaccinated cannot get sick and cannot spread the virus. That is the whole purpose of vaccination, stopping the spread of the disease.

[Rodwint2]

It is possible that the vaccine might prevent us from getting sick from covid but still allow us to spread the disease. If that is the case Thailand would need to be widely vaccinated across country before they open up. Guy on rogan said about effects of vaccine.

If you don't get sick, you cannot spread the virus. The virus is spread by human to human close proximity, either by direct contact or breathing in the virus from a sick person. Therefore, a person who is vaccinated cannot get sick and cannot spread the virus. That is the whole purpose of vaccination, stopping the spread of the disease.

[LittleBigMan]

Banana Boi,

The list on the Royal Thai Embassy DC (https://thaiembdc.org/covid-19inthailand/) appears to be the same.

They also provide a list of repatriation flights and allowable flights operating on a "semi-commercial" basis (their phrase, whatever it means), although the latter would probably mean connecting either in Europe or the Middle East (Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai). Be careful on connections. I think if you're anything more than in transit in places like London you will be required to self-isolate for 14 days whilst there.

One additional thing - there is some uncertainty as to whether the 60 day tourist visa can be "flipped" onto another visa type once in-country. As so often there are agents trying to say that they can do it (for a hefty fee) but whether this is strictly kosher or involves a brown envelope and the back door of the immigration office is open to debate.

All other requirements (pre-flight rt-PCR test, fit-to-fly cert, $100k insurance and 14 day quarantine remain in place). I have read of people having difficulty with their existing Health Insurance including Covid19 cover but it not being accepted by Embassies. There is a Thai General Insurance Association portal where the cover is on offer (https://covid19.tgia.org/).

The problem isn't the list, which is in fact the same. The problem is each Thai Embassy seems to have a different interruption of what is listed. This is consistent in Thailand every immigration has a different requirement for example when they started enforcement of the TM-30 every province had their own rule this is why the reference of left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing!

[GettingFedUp]

It doesn't surprise me that some Thai consular officials cast a gimlet eye upon health insurance that wasn't purchased through the government-approved portal. That would require them to interpret the coverage and make a decision on whether it met the COVID coverage rule. Far easier to verify the visa applicant purchased coverage through the portal. And, I might add, far more profitable for the Thai insurance companies.

Bunky,

The issue, from what I have gathered, is that a lot of health insurance policies may cover Covid19 as it is not excluded but unless the policy specifically states that Covid19 is covered to the level of $100 k or more this may not be acceptable to the consular officials. How many health insurers have updated their wordings to specifically state that the condition is covered?

I have heard anecdotal evidence of some officials accepting letters from insurers to confirm it is covered, others insisting if the policy itself does not specifically state the Covid19 cover exists they cannot accept this. This apparent discrepancy is even quoted as happening with two officials from the same Embassy.

[HorseTrader]

Yes, it is possible. That topic was briefly discussed on tonight's edition of the PBS news hour.

I want to clarify my response. It is possible in a sense that it is unknown. Not in a sense that scientists know that it will happen some or all of the time.

[HorseTrader]

It is possible that the vaccine might prevent us from getting sick from covid but still allow us to spread the disease. If that is the case Thailand would need to be widely vaccinated across country before they open up. Guy on rogan said about effects of vaccine.

Yes, it is possible. That topic was briefly discussed on tonight's edition of the PBS news hour.

[Horatio]

It is possible that the vaccine might prevent us from getting sick from covid but still allow us to spread the disease. If that is the case Thailand would need to be widely vaccinated across country before they open up. Guy on rogan said about effects of vaccine.

[Bunky]

I have read of people having difficulty with their existing health insurance (including Covid coverage) not being accepted by embassies.

There is a Thai General Insurance Association portal where the cover is on offer (https://covid19.tgia.org/).

The Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. advises those wishing to apply for a O-A retirement visa: "You may use your existing insurance coverage if it meets this requirement." Elsewhere on the same page, the Embassy advises the required health insurance must "cover a minimum of 100,000 USD (or equivalent in other currencies) of medical costs incurred by the applicant in Thailand, including medical costs in the event that the applicant contracts COVID-19" and "the insurance must cover the whole duration of stay in Thailand." https://thaiembdc.org/2020/11/17/oalongstay/.

Obviously, everybody's health insurance is different. But I checked my policy for so-called "overseas coverage" and it does cover medical care (including hospitalization) when I am outside the United States. By way of contrast, Medicare generally does *not* cover seniors who require medical care outside the United States. Obviously that's just one data point. And I admit that I have excellent health insurance through and employee group plan.

It doesn't surprise me that some Thai consular officials cast a gimlet eye upon health insurance that wasn't purchased through the government-approved portal. That would require them to interpret the coverage and make a decision on whether it met the COVID coverage rule. Far easier to verify the visa applicant purchased coverage through the portal. And, I might add, far more profitable for the Thai insurance companies.

[GettingFedUp]

Banana Boi,

The list on the Royal Thai Embassy DC (https://thaiembdc.org/covid-19inthailand/) appears to be the same.

They also provide a list of repatriation flights and allowable flights operating on a "semi-commercial" basis (their phrase, whatever it means), although the latter would probably mean connecting either in Europe or the Middle East (Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai). Be careful on connections. I think if you're anything more than in transit in places like London you will be required to self-isolate for 14 days whilst there.

One additional thing - there is some uncertainty as to whether the 60 day tourist visa can be "flipped" onto another visa type once in-country. As so often there are agents trying to say that they can do it (for a hefty fee) but whether this is strictly kosher or involves a brown envelope and the back door of the immigration office is open to debate.

All other requirements (pre-flight rt-PCR test, fit-to-fly cert, $100k insurance and 14 day quarantine remain in place). I have read of people having difficulty with their existing Health Insurance including Covid19 cover but it not being accepted by Embassies. There is a Thai General Insurance Association portal where the cover is on offer (https://covid19.tgia.org/).

[GettingFedUp]

I was talking to a gogo girl and she was under the impression that anyone can get in to Thailand now but no one wants to sit around for 14 days. She asked why I don't come because I have nothing else to do and 14 day quarantine would be easy for me. I told her it was only for China at the moment and she argued that my country can get in. This girl watches the news constantly so who knows what Thai people are being told on Thai news.

Banana Boi,

I think things may be quietly changing. I happened on an article which said the list of eligible categories had expanded for the Royal Thai Embassies in UK and US. A quick dig on the London Embassy website and at first glance it looks like no update since August. However, go to the list at https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/pu...ae4b236972c562 and eligibility for Certificate of Entry now include:

For long-stay visa holder (Non-Immigrant O-A / O-X).

For retirement (Non-Immigrant O).

For Elite Card holders.

For non-Thai who own property in Thailand.

For tourism purpose (single entry tourist visa only).

The single entry tourist visa is a sixty day visa (one 30 day extension permitted). I have also read that the previous requirement of B500 k in a Thai bank is no longer applicable. The UK Embassy just says proof from a UK or Irish bank of sufficient funds to cover the trip.

One small issue for readers in England. You are probably breaking the Lockdown v2 laws by going to the airport between now and early December as "leaving the country" (except for work) is not a permitted reason to leave home.

When I get a bit more time I'll check the Thai Embassy US to see if the criteria are the same. The article said the change happened on 18-Nov, but it seems the Embassy website dates don't update when the pages are updated (the link says August, the page July and the change was recent).

[Banana Boi]

I was talking to a gogo girl and she was under the impression that anyone can get in to Thailand now but no one wants to sit around for 14 days. She asked why I don't come because I have nothing else to do and 14 day quarantine would be easy for me. I told her it was only for China at the moment and she argued that my country can get in. This girl watches the news constantly so who knows what Thai people are being told on Thai news.

[LittleBigMan]

So this proposal is actually picking up steam. You have to have the Thai Elite Visa which costs 1 million over 5 years. You must also invest 1 million in a business or property. So 2 million baht gets you in. Not difficult to swallow if you really want to be in Thailand long term. They will likely add something like you need 1 or 2 million in a Thai bank account as well. So if you have 3 or 4 million in liquid assets there is hope.

Hopefully I don't get called out again by a board member that I am wrong and know nothing about Thailand. Then tell me he can't tell me why I'm wrong.



I've always wanted to go to the Maldives as well but am too cheap to do so. Maybe when I win the 30 million Thai lottery.

Anyone who calls another member out that he is wrong is an ego idiot and if I did I would be included in that list. No one really knows it is just " opinions " derive from what we are reading like FH story does one read something and really get it?

As for all these ideas it never has really picked up steam the Thai leaders come out with all these made-up numbers to make people think it is? The last article I read Embassy in the USA And Europe have voiced their dissatisfaction about needing to have 500,000 in a bank account and must be proof for last six month. Things are suggested that just fall apart, then some other person picks it up and runs with it again!

In the last month, I've been contacted by Cathay my flight to the US has been canceled, today my hotel in S. F. Said they are canceling my reservation for Feb, I was hoping for the best 6 months ago but I already knew based on everything being thrown out that just hasn't worked my trip wasn't going to happen. So now I cross my finger regardless of the crazy outbreak in the USA Something bright will happen so I can plan for June?

[Banana Boi]

So this proposal is actually picking up steam. You have to have the Thai Elite Visa which costs 1 million over 5 years. You must also invest 1 million in a business or property. So 2 million baht gets you in. Not difficult to swallow if you really want to be in Thailand long term. They will likely add something like you need 1 or 2 million in a Thai bank account as well. So if you have 3 or 4 million in liquid assets there is hope.

Hopefully I don't get called out again by a board member that I am wrong and know nothing about Thailand. Then tell me he can't tell me why I'm wrong.

Consider the Maldives as well. Thai girls are enthralled by what they have heard about the Maldives. It's beautiful, peaceful, no distractions, and it's open.

I've always wanted to go to the Maldives as well but am too cheap to do so. Maybe when I win the 30 million Thai lottery.

[LittleBigMan]

I don't think any vaccination alone will be accepted as an entry pass. The home nation will also need to demonstrate reduced COVID infections, which should happen shortly after vaccines are widely distributed.

Id like to think that there will be at least a few different vaccines available. If one has long term problems it would nice to have another ready for use. We dont know how often we will need to get vaccine boosters, if ever.

I agree, as for Thailand, it will have to be a number of combinations before they open up after a vaccine and that will also be the ability to control the spread and provide quick medical solutions which right now in my opinion there is none in place outside of Bangkok.

Over a month ago I was reading an article on the two leading vaccines and CDC (USA) assigned to make the distribution and they were already putting out notices to those who would provide the doses like Pharmacy like Walgreen. Of the two one had to be given two shots and both must be handle in a specific manner (temperature) one due to the low temperature most likely can only be given by City Health Departments due to the storage equipment. Having spoken to my cousin and nephew who works for the Veterans and City Health Department in our conversation say they are already set up once it is shipped.

From what I have already read not all are just vaccine there are many others which aren't just banking on a shot or shots?