Health insurance is not optional for the LTR visa it is a mandatory requirement for all four categories and all dependants. Getting it wrong delays your application. Getting it right means choosing a policy that genuinely protects you in Thailand, not just one that clears the minimum threshold.
The Three Ways to Meet the Health Requirement
The BOI accepts one of three options. Most applicants use Option 1.
| Option | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Option 1 Health insurance policy | Coverage in Thailand of at least USD 50,000, valid for no less than 10 months of the year | Most commonly used. Policy must be from a BOI-recognised insurer. Must be valid and in force at time of application. |
| Option 2 Social Security | Social Security coverage that covers full medical treatment costs in Thailand | Applicable mainly to those enrolled in qualifying Social Security schemes from their home country that extend to overseas coverage. |
| Option 3 Bank deposit | USD 100,000 in a Thai or overseas bank account for a continuous 12-month period (USD 25,000 per dependant) | The funds must be genuinely liquid and verifiable. Bank statement evidence required. |
Understanding the USD 50,000 Minimum
USD 50,000 (approximately 1.75 million THB at current rates) is the minimum coverage required not a recommendation. This amount is adequate for many common medical situations but would be insufficient for a major illness requiring extended treatment, cancer care, or complex surgery at a top private hospital. Thailand's best private hospitals are excellent and accessible, but they are not cheap for serious conditions.
What to Look for in a Compliant Policy
- Coverage territory: The policy must cover treatment in Thailand some international policies have regional exclusions. Confirm Thailand is included.
- Inpatient vs outpatient: The USD 50,000 BOI minimum refers to total coverage. Policies that separate inpatient and outpatient should have combined coverage meeting the threshold. Check how the policy defines its limits.
- 10-month validity: The policy must be valid for at least 10 months of any given year. Annual policies are standard and satisfy this.
- Recognised insurer: The BOI has a list of recognised insurers. Before purchasing, check that your insurer appears on the current list. International insurers generally qualify; very small or newly established insurers may not.
- Pre-existing conditions: Many policies exclude pre-existing conditions for the first 1–2 years or permanently. If you have a significant health history, review exclusion terms carefully before purchasing.
- Direct billing: The best policies have direct billing agreements with major Thai hospitals meaning the hospital bills the insurer directly rather than requiring you to pay out-of-pocket and claim. Bangkok Hospital and Bumrungrad International have extensive direct billing networks with major international insurers.
Indicative Premium Ranges (2026)
| Applicant profile | Minimum compliant policy (USD 50k) | Recommended level (USD 200k+) |
|---|---|---|
| Age 35–45, no significant health history | USD 600–1,200/year | USD 1,000–2,200/year |
| Age 46–55 | USD 1,000–2,000/year | USD 1,800–3,500/year |
| Age 56–65 | USD 1,800–3,500/year | USD 3,000–6,000/year |
| Age 65+ | USD 3,000–6,000/year | USD 5,000–10,000+/year |
Indicative ranges only. Actual premiums depend on insurer, coverage details, health history, and deductible level. Get quotes from multiple providers.
Insurers Commonly Used for LTR Applications
The following international health insurers are widely used by LTR applicants. Always verify current BOI acceptance before purchasing:
- AXA (international health division)
- Cigna Global Health
- BUPA International
- Allianz Care
- Pacific Cross Health Insurance (Thailand)
- LMG Insurance (Thailand)
- April International
- MSH International
Thai-registered insurers approved by the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) also qualify. Some applicants use Thai insurers for the minimum compliant policy and supplement with a separate international policy for higher limits.
Dependant Coverage
Dependants applying for LTR dependant visas must also meet the health insurance requirement. Under Option 1, each dependant must have their own qualifying policy. Under Option 3 (bank deposit), the required amount is USD 25,000 per dependant in addition to the main applicant's USD 100,000. Family health insurance plans from major international insurers typically cover spouses and children under one policy, which simplifies compliance.