Transcript of the above video:

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing whether or not it is required to have insurance to retire in Thailand. I thought of making this video after reading a recent comment on our channel, quoting directly: "I like your videos, good information. I have yet to figure out if health insurance is worth it or not. Many say self-insure is the way to go; many say insurance companies deny claims. I am confused. This is an important subject. Thanks." 

Well a couple of things here. Let's figure out the definition of the term "necessary" in this context. One, understand there's a difference between the O-A Retirement Visa and the O Retirement Visa. The O-A Retirement Visa requires insurance or it requires self-insurance to the tune of 3 million baht one can show, that can be used in lieu of insurance for a Retirement Visa; so that's an O-A Retirement Visa. For an O Retirement Visa, insurance is presently not a requirement in order to get the visa; it's not a requirement to get the visa itself so one can get an O Retirement Visa without necessarily needing the insurance associated with that. 

So then the question becomes is it a good idea to have insurance? I would say generally speaking it probably is. I don't know who they were talking to about denial of claims but again it depends on circumstances, I'm not going to go into that in great detail. All things considered, if you can afford it it's probably a good idea to have some level of insurance so that when you stay in Thailand you don't have to worry about matters pertaining to accident or health problems or something of this nature. But that said, no, strictly speaking it's not required. Now me as a younger guy saying this, yeah look I haven't worried greatly about medical care here in Thailand. Most of the medical care I have needed has basically been paid for effectively in cash. Now again older folks, I do get it, you have different needs. Things that arise for you in terms of a health issue are probably going to be far more serious than they would be for example in my condition where I am a younger person. 

So again, it is going to depend on specific circumstances but at the end of the day would I say it is absolutely necessary to have insurance here in Thailand? No, not absolutely necessary, but probably a good idea, all things considered.