Is health insurance mandatory for a DTV in Thailand?

This page answers the legal question only: does the visa make you buy a policy. Which policy to buy, and at what price, is a separate decision.

The DTV

The London embassy's DTV page lists a passport, a recent photograph, proof of residence, financial evidence of at least 500,000 THB, proof of your work or activity, and a police clearance certificate. Health insurance is not on the list, and nothing about insurance is checked when you enter on a DTV.

The visas that do ask for cover

The Board of Investment sets the LTR rule, and Emerhub reports that the cover has to be kept up for the whole term. The O-A figure is on the London embassy's retirement visa page.

Why legal and sensible are different answers

Private hospitals bill you directly. Thailand Starter Kit gives published ranges of 3,000 to 15,000 THB for an emergency room visit, 100,000 THB and up for surgery, and 300,000 to 1,500,000 THB for a medical evacuation. The visa does not care whether you can pay that. The hospital does.

If you ride a scooter, read whether travel insurance covers motorbike accidents in Thailand before you pick anything, because the licence clause decides most claims.

Where to go next

For the choice between the two nomad policies most people compare, read SafetyWing or Genki for a year in Thailand. For hospitals, direct billing and what care costs on the islands, read our Thailand healthcare and insurance guide.