O-A Non-Immigrant Visa (OA Visa) This visa is valid for one year and can be renewed every year. – OA visa is available for foreigners aged 50 years old minimum. – A minimum income is needed to apply to OA visa (monthly income or deposit on a Thai bank account). – A health insurance covering minimum 3 million THB including treatment of Covid-19 is required throughout the entire duration of the OA visa.

O-X Non-Immigrant Visa (OX Visa) This visa is valid for five years and can be renewed once. – OX visa is available for foreigners aged 50 years old minimum. – A minimum income is needed to apply to OX visa (monthly income or deposit on a Thai bank account). – A health insurance covering annually a minimum of 400,000 THB Inpatient + 40,000 THB Outpatient and including Covid-19 treatment, is required.

Non-Immigrant O Visa This visa is valid for one year and can be renewed annually. – O visa is available for foreigners aged 50 years old minimum. – A minimum income is needed to apply to O visa (monthly income or deposit on a Thai bank account). – A health insurance covering annually a minimum of 400,000 THB Inpatient + 40,000 THB Outpatient and including Covid-19 treatment, is required.

Health Insurance for Thailand Retirement Visa

Health Insurance for Retirement Visa in Thailand

Q: Thailand Elite Visa

Thailand Elite Visa An alternative to Retirement visas is the Elite Visa which offers a number of extra benefits such as a 5-year or 10-year visa, multiple entry, and even fast-track immigration check among others. To access this level of services, the Thailand Elite Visa is significantly more expensive than OA and OX Long Stay visas.

Q: LTR Visa / Long Term Resident Visa

Long Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa) LTR visa is a ten-year visa that can be renewed. It is available to foreigners who meet certain criteria, such as having a Thai spouse or child, or having invested in a Thai business. The Long Term Resident Visa offers a number of benefits, including multiple entry and exit privileges, priority immigration clearance, and the ability to work in Thailand. The LTR Visa requires either a Health Insurance covering at least 50,000 USD, social security scheme covering treatments in Thailand or a deposit of 100,000 USD.

Health Insurance for retirement visa, specifically designed for foreigners wishing to retire in Thailand with Long Stay Visa (OA/OX Visa).

What visa to retire in Thailand?

Foreigners who wish to retire in Thailand need to obtain a retirement visa before entering Thailand. There are two main types of retirement visas: the Long Stay OA visa and the Long Stay OX visa. The Thailand Elite Visa and the Long Term Resident Visa are two other visa options that foreigners can apply for to retire in Thailand. Depending on the type of retirement visa chosen, health insurance requirements vary.

Retirement Visas Thailand

OA Visa

O-A Non-Immigrant Visa (OA Visa)

This visa is valid for one year and can be renewed every year.

– OA visa is available for foreigners aged 50 years old minimum.
– A minimum income is needed to apply to OA visa (monthly income or deposit on a Thai bank account).
– A health insurance covering minimum 3 million THB including treatment of Covid-19 is required throughout the entire duration of the OA visa.

OX Visa

O-X Non-Immigrant Visa (OX Visa)

This visa is valid for five years and can be renewed once.

– OX visa is available for foreigners aged 50 years old minimum.
– A minimum income is needed to apply to OX visa (monthly income or deposit on a Thai bank account).
– A health insurance covering annually a minimum of 400,000 THB Inpatient + 40,000 THB Outpatient and including Covid-19 treatment, is required.

O Visa

Non-Immigrant O Visa

This visa is valid for one year and can be renewed annually.

– O visa is available for foreigners aged 50 years old minimum.
– A minimum income is needed to apply to O visa (monthly income or deposit on a Thai bank account).
– A health insurance covering annually a minimum of 400,000 THB Inpatient + 40,000 THB Outpatient and including Covid-19 treatment, is required.

Long Terms Visas for Thailand

Thailand Elite Visa

Thailand Elite Visa

An alternative to Retirement visas is the Elite Visa which offers a number of extra benefits such as a 5-year or 10-year visa, multiple entry, and even fast-track immigration check among others. To access this level of services, the Thailand Elite Visa is significantly more expensive than OA and OX Long Stay visas.

LTR Visa / Long Term Resident Visa

Long Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa)

LTR visa is a ten-year visa that can be renewed. It is available to foreigners who meet certain criteria, such as having a Thai spouse or child, or having invested in a Thai business. The Long Term Resident Visa offers a number of benefits, including multiple entry and exit privileges, priority immigration clearance, and the ability to work in Thailand.

The LTR Visa requires either a Health Insurance covering at least 50,000 USD, social security scheme covering treatments in Thailand or a deposit of 100,000 USD.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Insurance to retire in Thailand

Do I need a health insurance to retire in Thailand?

Yes, depending on the Retirement Visa you selected, a health insurance is required.

OA Visa: Coverage of 3 million THB and Covid-19.
OX Visa: Coverage of 400,000 THB Inpatient + 40,000 THB Outpatient and Covid-19.
LTR Visa: Coverage of 50,000 USD or social security in Thailand or a deposit of 100,000 USD.

See above for full details on each visa requirement.

We strongly encourage you to consult with the Thai embassy of your country to check the latest requirements for your retirement visa application.

How much is medical insurance for retirement in Thailand?

Depending on the applicant’s age and the level of coverage, a medical insurance for retirement in Thailand range from 1,000 THB for a very basic coverage with a large deductible – to over 100,000 THB for a comprehensive health cover in Thailand.

What insurance companies in Thailand have health insurance for retirees?

There is a large range of insurance companies in Thailand that offer health insurance for over 60 years old. While there are general health insurance plans that can be customized to meet the needs of retirees (such as Hi5 or PRIME), some insurers have plans specifically designed for retirees: Axa, Falcon, LMG, Pacific Cross.

Fill the contact form down this page to consult with us and compare health insurance plans for retirees.

What is the best health insurance for retirees in Thailand?

There are many health insurance companies offering health insurance for retirees in Thailand, with a wide range of medical cover and suiting all kinds of budgets.

Here are some tips for choosing the best health insurance for a retirement visa in Thailand:

1. First of all; define your objective. Are you looking for a health insurance to meet your Long Stay visa application only? Or are you looking for an actual medical cover you can use in Thailand? Both options are available in the market, but they come with varying price points. The more extensive the insurance coverage, the higher the cost.

2. Make sure the policy meets all requirements to your specific Thai Retirement visa application.

3. Make sure the health insurance company will provide a Foreign Insurance Certificate to submit along your Long Stay visa application if you’re applying to an OA visa or OX visa.

4. Read the fine prints. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the policy so there is no surprise during times of necessity. Top things to check in your health insurance to retire in Thailand:
– Inclusions: what can you actually claim including for Inpatient and Outpatient.
– Exclusions: what conditions or treatments are not covered by the policy. Please note that pre existing conditions are usually excluded by all insurers.
– Waiting periods: is there a waiting period to start using the policy, or a waiting period for specific conditions?
– Deductible if any / Co-pay if any
– How to claim (including what documents are required to claim, and what is the process to get reimbursed)

Do I need to do a medical check up to get a health insurance?

Insurance companies in Thailand vary in their product requirements. Some require a medical checkup for all applicants, some mandate a checkup from a certain age only, and some will rely solely on a thorough application form to assess applicants’ profile.

In the case where a health checkup is necessary to apply for a health insurance plan, it is customary for the applicant to bear the cost of the checkup. This expense is typically not covered by the insurance plan, and it cannot be reimbursed even if the applicant becomes eligible for the plan.

Best Hospitals and Clinics in Vietnam for Expats

Vietnam has developed a strong network of international-standard medical providers, especially in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Nha Trang. These hospitals and clinics offer high-quality care, modern equipment, and multilingual staff. Whether you’re looking for maternity care, general surgery, pediatric services, or outpatient consultations, this guide provides a curated list of facilities that serve expats and affluent families across the country.

Hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City

FV Hospital (Franco-Vietnamese Hospital) – District 7

FV is a 100% foreign-owned hospital and the first in Vietnam to receive JCI accreditation. It delivers premium healthcare services to both local and international patients. FV offers over 30 specialties, with dedicated departments such as the Hope Cancer Centre, Cardiology, Bone & Joint Centre, ENT, Ophthalmology, and General Surgery.

Address: 6 Nguyễn Lương Bằng, Tân Phú Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: (028) 35 11 33 33
Website: fvhospital.com

Vinmec Central Park International Hospital – Binh Thanh District

Part of the Vinmec healthcare network, this modern private hospital offers international-standard services with specialties ranging from internal medicine to oncology. It features advanced diagnostic technology and personalized treatment options for expats and Vietnamese families.

Address: 208 Nguyễn Hữu Cảnh Street, Ward 22, Bình Thạnh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: (028) 3622 1166
Website: vinmec.com

American International Hospital (AIH) – Thu Duc City

AIH is designed to meet U.S. medical standards and is JCI-accredited. It focuses on high-end maternity care, cancer treatment, surgery, and outpatient diagnostics.

Address: No. 6, Bắc Nam 3 Street, An Phú Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: (028) 3910 9999
Website: aih.com.vn

Family Medical Practice (FMP) – District 1, District 2 and District 7

A leading provider of outpatient and emergency care for the expat community in HCMC. Offers multilingual 24/7 medical services.

District 1 – 24/7 Medical Center
Address: 34 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: +84 28 3822 7848
District 2 – 24/7 Medical Center
Address: 95 Thao Dien Street, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: +84 28 3744 2000
District 7 – Medical Center
Address: 41 Dang Duc Thuat, Tan Phong, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: +84 28 3622 4988
Website: vietnammedicalpractice.com

Centre Médical International (CMI Clinic) – District 3

CMI is a non-profit French-Vietnamese clinic providing outpatient medical services and supporting underprivileged children with cardiac issues.

Address: 30 Phạm Ngọc Thạch Street, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: (028) 3827 2366
Website: cmi-vietnam.com

Victoria Healthcare (Victoria International Clinics) – Multiple Branches in HCMC

Victoria Healthcare offers evidence-based family medicine and women’s health services delivered by Vietnamese doctors trained to international standards.

Đinh Tiên Hoàng – District 1
Address: 20-20Bis-22 Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street, Đa Kao Ward, District 1
Phone: (028) 3910 4545
Nguyễn Văn Trỗi – Phú Nhuận District
Address: 135A Nguyễn Văn Trỗi Street, Phú Nhuận District
Phone: (028) 3910 4545
Nguyễn Văn Linh – District 7
Address: R4-03 Hung Phuoc 4, Nguyễn Văn Linh Street, District 7
Phone: (028) 3910 4545
Website: victoriavn.com

Raffles Medical Ho Chi Minh City – District 1 and District 3 Junction

A branch of Raffles Medical Group Singapore, this clinic provides premium outpatient and corporate health services with English-speaking doctors. It caters to the needs of expats, business travelers, and multinational companies.

Address: 285B Dien Bien Phu, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: (028) 3824 0777
Website: rafflesmedical.vn

Hospitals in Hanoi

Hanoi French Hospital – Đống Đa District

A French-managed private hospital known for delivering care under European medical standards. It provides full-service care for maternity, surgery, and internal medicine.

Address: 1 Phương Mai Street, Đống Đa District, Hanoi
Phone: (024) 3577 1100
Website: hfh.com.vn

Vinmec Times City International Hospital – Hai Bà Trưng District

Funded by Vingroup Corporation, Vinmec Times City is one of the most modern hospitals in northern Vietnam. It offers high-quality care with specialties including Oncology, Cardiology, Organ Transplantation, and advanced screening packages such as maternity, umbilical cord storage, and cancer check-ups. Two Vinmec facilities are JCI-accredited.

Address: 458 Minh Khai Street, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hanoi
Phone: (024) 3974 3556
Website: vinmec.com

Family Medical Practice Hanoi – Ba Đình District

Family Medical Practice Hanoi provides a full range of primary care services with a strong expat focus. It offers 24/7 emergency care, general practice, pediatrics, and internal medicine, all provided by international doctors.

Address: 298 I Kim Mã Street, Ba Đình District, Hanoi
Phone: (024) 3843 0748
Website: vietnammedicalpractice.com

Hồng Ngọc Hospital – Ba Đình District

Hồng Ngọc provides high-quality outpatient and inpatient care for families, with multilingual staff and multiple branches throughout Hanoi.

Address: 55 Yên Ninh Street, Ba Đình District, Hanoi
Phone: (024) 3927 5568
Website: hongngochospital.vn

Raffles Medical Hanoi – Tây Hồ District

Part of Singapore’s Raffles Medical Group, this 100% foreign-owned clinic provides 24/7 outpatient and emergency care with English-speaking staff.

Address: 51 Xuân Diệu Street, Tây Hồ District, Hanoi
Phone: (024) 3934 0666
Website: rafflesmedical.vn

Hospitals in Da Nang

Vinmec Da Nang International Hospital – Thanh Khê District

A branch of the Vinmec healthcare system offering comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services with modern infrastructure and private rooms.

Address: 4 Nguyễn Tri Phương Street, Thanh Khê District, Da Nang
Phone: (0236) 3711 111
Website: vinmec.com

Family Medical Practice Da Nang – Hải Châu District

A reliable outpatient and emergency care provider for expats and travelers with multilingual staff and 24/7 availability.

Address: 50-52 Nguyễn Văn Linh Street, Hải Châu District, Da Nang
Phone: (0236) 3582 699
Website: vietnammedicalpractice.com

Hospitals in Hoi An

Thai Binh Duong – Pacific Hospital

Thai Binh Duong-Pacific hospital is a General Hospital. It consists of full size beds 120 faculties: first aid, resuscitation, inner-heart disease, Paediatrics, Ear, Nose, throat, Teeth-jaw-Facial-skin and eyes.

Preliminary diagnosis to send patients to a specialist clinic. In an emergency there are 2 rooms fully-equipped with surgical and medical instruments in place for emergency treatment.

Address: 6 Phan Dinh Phung, Cam Pho, Hoi An
Phone: (0235) 392 1656

Hoi An Medical Services

Famous for Diagnostic and Treatment of common diseases of adults & children, obstetrics, gynaecology, and eye diseases. Hoi An Medical Services are filled with a group of Doctors, Nurses, Laboratory technicians, Drivers speak good English and French with experiences in this services.

Address: 503 Hai Ba Trung Street, Cam Pho, Hoi An, Quang Nam
Website: hoianmedicalservices.vn

At LUMA, we have the largest direct billing network in South East Asia for both in- and out-patient treatments.

To find your nearest medical facility, including some of the best hospitals in Vietnam, check LUMA Medical Network.

To find out more about health insurance options available in Vietnam, see our range of plans and contact our consultants today.

Health Insurance Terms You Should Know When Buying a Plan

Every time you encounter the ‘terms and conditions’ box for an online service, what is your first response? Click ‘I agree’ without ever reading each clause? That’s probably the case as studies have shown that most individuals rarely read their contracts, whether online or even when it’s in print. It’s very understandable to just mindlessly click ‘accept’ instead of burying yourself in all the unfamiliar and sometimes, incomprehensible legal jargon. But, when it comes to healthcare, are you really willing to blindly choose a health insurance plan without an understanding of the details entail by it?

To help you navigate the choice of your insurance plan, here is a list of common insurance terms you should know when looking at a health insurance plan.

What is Health Insurance Premium?

A health insurance premium is a fee that must be paid to your health insurance provider before they provide health coverage. You and/or your employer usually pay it monthly, quarterly or yearly to maintain your coverage. A Health insurance premium is usually the first cost you see and consider when choosing a health insurance plan. You can get a quote from our insurance consultants who will help you find a plan that is right for you and your budget.

What is a Deductible?

The deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance starts to pay its part toward your medical care. Deductibles can help lower your premium. For example, if your deductible is 1000 USD, your health insurance provider would only pay your medical care after you’ve met your 1000 USD deductible for covered health care services.

Only some types of plans have deductibles. A plan with a higher deductible often helps to lower premium. This explains why some individuals may be interested in higher deductibles. A Deductible can be seen as your self-insurance initiative, which reduce the risk imposed to the insurance company. Therefore, the premium fee is reduced or other benefits are offered as you co-share the financial risks with the insurance provider.

What is Premium Loading?

Loading is an additional cost applied to the health insurance premiums for higher risk individuals. This can be due to any risk factors such as previous medical history, smoking and obesity. For example, a higher body mass index can imply a higher monthly premium. Without loading, low-risk individual will be subjugated to a higher premium in relation to his health state. It also benefits the high risk individual to remain eligible for insurance coverage despite their risk.

Hence, its best to check if the loading applied by the insurance provider is justified or not. You should enquire about possible reasons for loading, whether it is applicable for subsequent renewals and will there be any increase in the loading as your age progresses. Ensure that the plan states a clear method of calculating the loading.

What are Pre-existing Conditions?

If an individual suffers from any medical condition or disease before taking a health insurance policy, such condition is termed as a pre-existing medical disease or condition. This includes any health issue, from extremely serious conditions like cancer or diabetes to slightly less serious conditions like high blood pressure, asthma or acne. It could even be a bone you have broken in the past or advice from the doctor within last 2 years. It is worth noting that health insurance is there to cover events that will occur in the future and not those that are pre-existing.

If you have a pre-existing condition, you may still apply for a health insurance plan although the pre existing conditions may be excluded from coverage.

When is the time for a Second Medical Opinion?

Asking another doctor to review your case is known as seeking a second medical opinion.

People who face a crucial decision such as undergoing costly or controversial treatment are likely to seek a second medical opinion.

Second medical opinion can be used if the patient’s wants to confirm the best diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis. It can also be initiated by the healthcare provider themselves, to seek an advice of a second specialist. Luma offers a complementary health second-medical opinion service for all of its members.

Clinical uncertainty or dissatisfaction with patient-physician communication are the main reasons for seeking a second medical opinion.

What are Waiting Periods?

A waiting period is the time specified in a health insurance policy which must pass before some or all of your health care coverage can begin. This is the period during which claims are not admitted.

For example, those seeking maternity benefits from their health insurance may have to wait anywhere up to 10 months to year before they can access them to go the hospital regarding pregnancy.

Aside from initial waiting period, there are also employer waiting periods for new employees and pre-existing condition waiting periods. You should check with your health insurance provider to look at their waiting periods as they can differ from company to company.

What is a Network Hospital?

A network hospital is a hospital with which the insurance company has an agreement with that allows you to receive medical treatment on a direct billing basis. Network hospitals are also known as Cashless Network Hospitals as they offer a direct billing hospital visit if you are entitled for it. This means a policyholder no longer needs to pay and wait for reimbursement as your medical bills are directly paid by the insurance company to the hospital.

By selecting the hospital within your health insurance providers preferred network, you will be guaranteed a seamless and cashless service.

Cashless hospital visits offer affordable and accessible healthcare, as the policyholder does not have to worry about having to pay a hefty amount of money at the time of being admitted or during the course of treatment. It also saves you from all the bureaucracy needed to file for reimbursement. But do check with your insurance provider of the exempted expenses, excluded illness and upper limit on cashless transactions.

Unless there is an unavoidable emergencies, its best to stick to a network hospital to ensure efficient medical care without additional expenses.

What are Table of benefits?

A list of the various services and their financial limits covered under a health insurance plan are handed out to policyholders as a table of benefits. Armed with this information, policyholders are able to know which services and treatments are covered and which are not.

What is a Health Insurance Broker?

A health insurance broker is a licensed professional who educates and advises you on your plan selection to help you make wise and informed decisions on your medical insurance. While they do make a commission, insurance brokers are typically independent intermediaries who advise on multiple insurance carriers at the same time. They know the pros and cons of many different policies, and can sometimes help you compare the best health insurance plan from the right company to suit your needs.

What is Outpatient Cover?

A outpatient procedure is a surgery or medical procedure that does not require a prolonged hospitalization and can completed in less than 24 hours. This can include routine check ups or visits to clinics and smaller surgical procedures that don’t require an overnight stay.

Check with your health insurance provider if day care procedures are covered, every plan is different.

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