thailand
Ask question
This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What is the best visa option for relocating to Thailand as a type 1 diabetic on SSDI?

Thailand immigrationVisa optionsSSDIHealthcare in ThailandLiving in ThailandChiang MaiPattayaExpat adviceCost of living in ThailandThai Elite visaPrivate healthcare Thailand
Jan 1, 2024
a year ago
Adam ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello group. New guy here. I'm looking at possibly relocating to Thailand as I hear the healthcare system is orders of magnitude better than the Philippines. That is a huge motivating factor considering I'm a type 1 diabetic. I also hear Thailand is cleaner and infrastructure in general is better as well. So I'm here seeking advice on how to go about relocating there. I'm 35 so I won't have a retirement pension. But I will be on SSDI. I'm wondering what would be the best visa type for my situation. I'm looking into either Pattya or Chiang Mai. Thanks in advance and a happy New Year!
2,152
views
5
likes
52
all likes
25
replies
0
images
13
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A new expat considering relocating to Thailand, particularly to Pattaya or Chiang Mai, is seeking advice on the best visa type suitable for their situation as a 35-year-old type 1 diabetic receiving SSDI. The conversation highlights the advantages of Thailand's healthcare system over the Philippines, discusses potential visa pathways including marriage to a Thai national and the costly Thai Elite visa, and shares insights about living expenses, healthcare affordability, and general living conditions for expats in Thailand.
Pelle Eriksson
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...
recently on Facebook
Luca G.
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...
recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Mitchell *******
Your 2 true options are marriage or Elite visa.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ken ******
guess you need to choose region carefully esp with regard to air pollution (there are many apps to download and check real time air quality). private hospital care of course very good but at a cost
a year ago
Like
Reply
Vic *********
@Ken *****
 True that healthcare here is not free - nor is it anywhere - but the pricing is open and way more affordable and available than many countries in the west. Most notably the US.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Ken ******
@Vic ********
 you can actually write to hospitals for price quotation and comparison if you like, there are also youtube videos on these topics, at your young age health insurance is not so expensive (i'd say v expensive after sixty or so) but as general rule preconditions are all excluded
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ken ******
Reply
James *********
Marry a Thai gal, and you can get to live there fairly easily.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Adam ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James ********
 Shoot, I'd love to 😅 Thai women are beautiful and age like wine
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Adam ******
Reply
Sam *********
Good luck my fellow Rhode Islander…
a year ago
Like
Reply
Adam ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sam ********
 Thanks!
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Adam ******
Reply
Alex *******
Only Thai Elite which costs big money
a year ago
Like
Reply
Klee **************
bring cash or stay in your home country
a year ago
Like
Reply
Frank **********
Unless you have major money, it will be hard for you to stay long term.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Joey ***********
True... i am a Filipino living here. The hospitals are better and the system are better too.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Sei *****
True that Thailand hospital service is better the the Philippines. But the living cost is much more higher. contact an agent about your options for visa.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Joey ***********
@Sei ****
 Not by much but the prices of food and some groceries and basic necessities are less expensive here in Thailand. Also, the income of most people here are higher than in the Philippines.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Adam ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sei ****
 Yeah, I noticed that as well. But not by much (Thankfully 😅)
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Adam ******
Reply
Bonnie *********
Your income from another country is irrelevant.

I suggest you read about visa options from the Royal Thai Embassy in your home country and ask questions after you have a decent overview.

You can't just move to countries without meeting specific requirements.

Have you ever visited Thailand?
a year ago
Like
Reply
Sam *********
@Bonnie ********
 plenty of people move to Thailand and don't "meet visa requirements" to be honest. I have figured out that "where there is a will, there is a way" applies to the Thai visa situation too...If he really wants it to happen, he can make it happen, only thing that might get in the way is not having the right funds, but he could get a job, get married, get an education visa. There are ways. But he should certainly come and visit before he does anything else.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Adam ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bonnie ********
 I understand I can't just move here without meeting certain requirements. That's why I'm here asking questions. I have not been to Thailand yet as I've actually been doing research on the Philippines then I mentioned in a Philippines group that I was diabetic and a commenter said I'd have a better quality of life in Thailand
a year ago
Like
Reply
Bonnie *********
@Adam *****
 Again, I’m recommending that you visit the official Thai Embassy site for official information with all of the requirements.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Adam ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bonnie ********
 I was just looking on there and it's confusing because I don't qualify for a LTR visa, nor a retirement visa since I'm only 35. It looks as if I'd have to go on a tourist visa and keep renewing every 3 months or so.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Bob ********
@Adam *****
 You can enter Thailand visa exempt for 30 days if your passport qualifies, then you can extend another 30 days at immigration for 1900 baht. After that you would need to leave the country. You can then fly back bad start again but can not live in Thailand long term under those conditions, eventually immigration will refuse you entry.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Adam ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *******
 Yeah, that's what it seems like to me also. Which is a shame because the Philippines gives you a 6 month extension.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Adam ******
Reply
Jo **********
What is SSDI
a year ago
Like
Reply
Adam ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jo *********
 Social security disability
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Adam ******
Reply
Jo **********
it’s health care is better than most of the world
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jo **********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are the best visa options for moving to Thailand to marry my girlfriend and potentially work?
53 comments
5 months ago
What should I know about relocating to Pattaya, Thailand, regarding visas, finances, and living arrangements?
150 comments
6 months ago
What long-term visa options are available for a disabled U.S. veteran and spouse moving to Thailand under 50?
65 comments
7 months ago
What are the best visa options for living in Thailand before retirement at age 50?
63 comments
9 months ago
What visa options do I have as a 33-year-old expat looking to retire in Thailand?
82 comments
a year ago
What visa options are available for a Norwegian citizen with a disability wishing to stay in Thailand until age 50?
19 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options for moving to Thailand if I'm under 50 and not looking to retire?
10 comments
a year ago
What are the best long-term visa options for an American expat wishing to live in Thailand?
115 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options and relevant companies for retiring in Pattaya, Thailand?
27 comments
a year ago
What visa options do I have to stay in Thailand to care for my wife diagnosed with dementia?
28 comments
a year ago
What are the best visa options for a 67-year-old UK expat considering health insurance challenges in Thailand?
72 comments
2 years ago
What are the recommended visa options and health insurance advice for retiring in Thailand?
22 comments
2 years ago
What is the best long-term visa option for a US expat married to a Thai national?
7 comments
2 years ago
What is the best Thai Visa and health insurance for an expat retiring in Thailand with diabetes type 2?
13 comments
2 years ago
What are the best visa options for retirees in Thailand who prefer minimal paperwork and self-insurance?
42 comments
2 years ago
How can elderly expats in Thailand safeguard against health-related visa issues as they age?
94 comments
2 years ago
What are the best long-term visa options for a 39-year-old U.S. Military Veteran with a monthly pension living in Thailand?
359 comments
2 years ago
What visa information do I need before moving to Chiang Mai as an American retiree with a disability?
24 comments
3 years ago
How can I obtain a visa for my 22-year-old son with Down syndrome while relocating to Thailand?
22 comments
5 years ago
What are the best options and steps for retirees to obtain a visa for living in Thailand?
49 comments
5 years ago
What are the best visa options for a 48-year-old US citizen moving to Pattaya?
8 comments
5 years ago
What is the best visa option for an American married to a Thai citizen and living in Thailand?
22 comments
5 years ago
Will my health issues affect my ability to retire in Thailand as an expat?
0 comments
6 years ago
What are the current requirements for the Retirement visa and other visa options for a US citizen planning a long-term stay in Thailand?
29 comments
6 years ago
What visa options are available for American retirees looking to live in Thailand?
19 comments
8 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.