Thailand has introduced some new retirement visa rules, now requiring new applicants and those wishing to renew their retirement visa in Thailand to purchase mandatory health insurance covering their stay in Thailand. The minimum coverage required is not less than 40,000 Thai Baht for outpatient treatment and not less than 400,000 Thai Baht for inpatient coverage.

Although there was initially an amnesty for those wishing to renew their retirement visa in Thailand, it is now being enforced more strictly. The relevant insurance may only be valid before the age of 70, and there are also restrictions on the starting age. Insurance designed specifically for foreigners usually allows members to join before a certain age (typically 75 years old), and regardless of age, they can remain in the plan. Almost all policies do not cover pre-existing conditions.