Thai Social Security Benefits and Payments

[thelovedone]

I will finish my employment in March 2019. I have been employed in Thailand on and off for around 10 years.

 

I have Social Security payments deducted each month from my salary and have a current  Thai medical/hospital benefits card.

 

I was told by the company that i can continue to make my SS personal contribution each month (after i finish this contract) and retain my medical/hospital benefits even though i am no longer working. And continue to to that until the age of 60 years.

 

Or i can close off the SS account and claim the baht balance in the account. 

 

Anyone have any experience on this or confirm if that information is correct?

 

Thanks

[KhunKenAP]

They are correct. You need to go to your Social Security Office within 6-months to file for continuation of your medical benefits. You are also covered for the next 6-months from your retirement. I was at the Phyathai hospital this week and all was 100% covered. They also told me my regular medicine I take is fully covered.

 

Send an email to [email protected] with all your questions. They respond in English and will send you links to the forms and a list of all documents you will need to take with you. You will need to translate English documents to Thai. If you tell them where you live they will let you know which is the closest office. I sent me questions on a Saturday morning and they got back in the afternoon.

 

I am still working through the process, but you will need a Thai translator to go to the office with you. The one in Sriracha has little or no English assistance. I went with my Thai wife.

 

For complete medical coverage at  yearly cost of a little over 5,000 baht, your crazy not to take it. Still not sure if you can pay by year or if it has to be a monthly counter payment. Will let you know after my next visit in March. Also wait at least one month after your retirement before going to the office.

 

Regards,

Ken

 

 

[KhunKenAP]

By the way it goes beyond 60. I am 66 and just applying for the coverage. No age limit.

 

Ken

[thelovedone]

Thanks for the info KhunKenAP. Very helpful.

Agreed it seems extremely good value for medical cover and some peace of mind.  Although i have never actually used the benefits scheme , by going  into a hospital to seek treatment. 

A couple of other questions ....my nominated hospital on the card is Kluay Narm Thai Hospital in BKK.....

1.Can i use any government hospital anywhere in Thailand for treatment? 

2.What is the broad extent of inpatient/out patient cover 

[leddie]

What about claiming the pension contributions that have been made.

 

Have heard 2 things:

1.  Can receive lump sum of pension amount after retirement, but then cannot get health insurance

2.  Can receive lump sum immediately, then covered by free SS health insurance for 6 months, and after that have to pay small premium each month to continue the SS health coverage.

 

Anyone know which is correct?

[thelovedone]

2 hours ago, leddie said:

What about claiming the pension contributions that have been made.

 

Have heard 2 things:

1.  Can receive lump sum of pension amount after retirement, but then cannot get health insurance

2.  Can receive lump sum immediately, then covered by free SS health insurance for 6 months, and after that have to pay small premium each month to continue the SS health coverage.

 

Anyone know which is correct?

I also don't understand the pension entitlement part (contributions or benefit) I see a total amount on my statement ,detailing contributions for each year of several years ago but not sure how much of that total i can claim as a lump sum or monthly payment?

[KKr]

anyone has information how long one has to be employed for being accepted in the medical scheme ?

[orientalist]

My experience at the end of the 00s was that after being made redundant I claimed back my contributions plus interest (but not including the current year as their system couldn't handle it). I was then covered for free for 6 months. After 5.5 months I re-registered and began paying my own contributions (now 432 baht per month) via direct debit from K-bank. This reset my pension entitlement back to 0 years, but my pension would have been minuscule and I believe to claim it I would forfeit the medical coverage. So no problem, really.

 

Normally you choose a hospital in your area, but the big government hospitals all have a full quota so you are left with small private hospitals. Kluay Nam Thai is not a good hospital!

 

Normally, you can only change hospital in January each year, but recently there have been exceptions for some reason. Last year I happened to be at Bangna 1 hospital ( a long way from my home) and they kind of invited me to switch to them. They handled everything and it took two weeks. It is a fairly reasonable medium sized private hospital but itis easier if you speak Thai or have the wife on hand. Quite convenient as you can get the BTS to Udomsuk, catch the free shuttle bus to Central Bangna and then walk over the pedestrian bridge.

 

If you deal with Social Security, Silom branch is more familiar with foreigners. Better than Din Daeng.

 

Recently, I had to start taking some chronic pain medication, probably for life - Social Security covers this, and it would have cost me more than 432 baht a month. That makes it all worthwhile for me. But these small or medium hospitals generally only have specialists coming one day or a half day each week. Also, they seem to only have cheaper generic drugs. If your condition requires more expensive imported meds, you'll probably have to pay. I've had physio on Social Security and it wasn't bad, but not up to the standard of big private hospitals.

 

As a comparison, I registered with Ramathibodi Hospital (really need to speak Thai to register and get around here) as a private patient. Saw a top neurologist who spoke fluent English. Because I could show three years of annual tax receipts, I was eligible for the "Thai price." The price was reasonable and they had all kinds of drugs available, local and imported. However, it took a month to get an appointment and I was told the normal system is to arrange a regular monthly appointment rather than calling up as and when needed. Not very convenient.

 

Overall, SS is worth it, but have a backup in case you need more than it can provide.

[fouryesrs]

On 2/23/2019 at 5:02 AM, KhunKenAP said:

They are correct. You need to go to your Social Security Office within 6-months to file for continuation of your medical benefits. You are also covered for the next 6-months from your retirement. I was at the Phyathai hospital this week and all was 100% covered. They also told me my regular medicine I take is fully covered.

 

Send an email to [email protected] with all your questions. They respond in English and will send you links to the forms and a list of all documents you will need to take with you. You will need to translate English documents to Thai. If you tell them where you live they will let you know which is the closest office. I sent me questions on a Saturday morning and they got back in the afternoon.

 

I am still working through the process, but you will need a Thai translator to go to the office with you. The one in Sriracha has little or no English assistance. I went with my Thai wife.

 

For complete medical coverage at  yearly cost of a little over 5,000 baht, your crazy not to take it. Still not sure if you can pay by year or if it has to be a monthly counter payment. Will let you know after my next visit in March. Also wait at least one month after your retirement before going to the office.

 

Regards,

Ken

 

 

Is that medical insurance ( thai social security insurance  ) also available if i am here on a multiply entry non immigalrant a_o visa ?...or if not which kind of visa i need to be covered with this...? by the way I am married but only local style...my wife works for government ...now i have a bank account that cover accidents...I would be very interested to have a local government health insurance ( w.full cover ) not a private one...

Edited February 24, 2019 by fouryesrs

[Sheryl]

On 2/23/2019 at 11:15 AM, thelovedone said:

Thanks for the info KhunKenAP. Very helpful.

Agreed it seems extremely good value for medical cover and some peace of mind.  Although i have never actually used the benefits scheme , by going  into a hospital to seek treatment. 

A couple of other questions ....my nominated hospital on the card is Kluay Narm Thai Hospital in BKK.....

1.Can i use any government hospital anywhere in Thailand for treatment? 

2.What is the broad extent of inpatient/out patient cover 

1. No. You can only use your nominated hospital, or another hospital they refer you to. You can however change your nominated hospital and that is worth considering. Kluaynamthai is a very small private hospital.  You would be better off IMO nominating a government hospital.

 

2. Pretty much everything, including medication.s

[Sheryl]

5 minutes ago, fouryesrs said:

Is that medical insurance ( thai social security insurance  ) also available if i am here on a multiply entry non immigalrant a_o visa ?

No. It is obtained through formal employment, on a work permit. (not including employment in private schools.)

 

Retirees cannot get it unless they obtained it through  having been employed in Thailand in the past.

[janejira]

I needed a pink ID card to continue coverage with social security. Without the pink ID card, I was told it is not possible to cl

 

I pay 432 THB per month, automatically deducted from my bank account.

 

[pogal]

I agree that KluayNumThai is not a good hospital! Search around for a better one. 

[thelovedone]

I am looking at relocating to Pattaya soon from BKK.....so can anyone recommend a good hospital in Pattaya that i could nominate for my SSO card.

Thanks to all for the input. Just to add another point. The HR dept advise me i can change the nominated hospital up until 31st March.....not sure if this is because my contract expires on the same day or that is coincidental.

 

[Sheryl]

Jan 1 - March 31 is a general "open season" for changing hospitals. I think there is exception if you move to another province at other times of the year.

You need to find out what hospitals in Patttaya are open for new SS enrollment; there might not be more than 1 or 2. When you have that info post here and I'll advise.

Sent from my SM-J701F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[manchega]

surprised yet again, is this for all companies in Thailand, when you leave you can continue paying in to medical plan and walk away with it?

 

this is the single reason I am still working as the medical along with hours is almost equal to half an acceptable rate of pay

[KhaoNiaw]

On 2/24/2019 at 3:25 PM, fouryesrs said:

Is that medical insurance ( thai social security insurance  ) also available if i am here on a multiply entry non immigalrant a_o visa ?...or if not which kind of visa i need to be covered with this...? by the way I am married but only local style...my wife works for government ...now i have a bank account that cover accidents...I would be very interested to have a local government health insurance ( w.full cover ) not a private one...

If you were legally married, it's possible you would be entitled to healthcare from your wife if she works for the government. Not the only reason to register a marriage of course, but worth checking into if you're considering it. 

[leddie]

14 hours ago, KhaoNiaw said:

If you were legally married, it's possible you would be entitled to healthcare from your wife if she works for the government. Not the only reason to register a marriage of course, but worth checking into if you're considering it. 

would a foreign spouse of a retiree be entitled to coverage as well, assuming the monthly baht payment is continued?

[leddie]

On 2/23/2019 at 12:58 PM, leddie said:

What about claiming the pension contributions that have been made.

 

Have heard 2 things:

1.  Can receive lump sum of pension amount after retirement, but then cannot get health insurance

2.  Can receive lump sum immediately, then covered by free SS health insurance for 6 months, and after that have to pay small premium each month to continue the SS health coverage.

 

Anyone know which is correct?

Bump...appreciate if anyone can clarify this, as it affects alot of people.

[KhunKenAP]

On ‎2‎/‎23‎/‎2019 at 11:15 AM, thelovedone said:

Thanks for the info KhunKenAP. Very helpful.

Agreed it seems extremely good value for medical cover and some peace of mind.  Although i have never actually used the benefits scheme , by going  into a hospital to seek treatment. 

A couple of other questions ....my nominated hospital on the card is Kluay Narm Thai Hospital in BKK.....

1.Can i use any government hospital anywhere in Thailand for treatment? 

2.What is the broad extent of inpatient/out patient cover 

1) You will need to select your hospital within your SS office coverage area. You make that choice when signing up. They will know if the hospital you prefer is part of the SS system. As far as I know it is only good for your selected hospital. I will ask that question as I move through the sign up process.

2) Seems it is 100% coverage including drugs. Room would be a ward, but you should be able to ask for private room, but will have to pay the additional cost. It will depend on the type of hospital and how many private rooms they have.

[KhunKenAP]

9 minutes ago, leddie said:

Bump...appreciate if anyone can clarify this, as it affects alot of people.

I have heard if you take a lump sum, you do not get SS medical coverage. I will ask in March when I return to their office.

[thelovedone]

On 2/25/2019 at 12:53 PM, Sheryl said:

Jan 1 - March 31 is a general "open season" for changing hospitals. I think there is exception if you move to another province at other times of the year.

You need to find out what hospitals in Patttaya are open for new SS enrollment; there might not be more than 1 or 2. When you have that info post here and I'll advise.

Sent from my SM-J701F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

Hey Sheryl

 

Here is the list. I am planning to base myself around Jomtien. So i'm unsure of what hospital may be best.Think some of these are actually well out of Pattaya City and surrounds.  Open to suggestions.

 

1. รพ.ชลบุรี Chonburi Hospital

2. รพ.พนัสนิคม Phanat Nikhom Hospital

3. รพ.สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ Somdej Phranangchaosirikit Hospital

4. รพ.สมเด็จพระบรมราชเทวี ณ ศรีราชา Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital (Sriracha)

5.รพ.เมืองพัทยา Pattaya City Hospital

6.รพ.มหาวิทยาลัยบูรพา Burapha University Hospital

7. รพ.ปิยะเวท (บ่อวิน) Piyavate Hospital (Bo Win)

8. ร.พ.แหลมฉบัง Laem Chabang Hospital

9. ร.พ.พญาไทศรีราชา Phyathai-Sriracha Hospital

10. รพ.วิภาราม แหลมฉบัง Vibharam Hospital (Laem Chabang)

11. รพ.วิภาราม อมตะนคร Vibharam Hospital (Amata Nakorn)

12. รพ.เอกชล2 Aikchol2 Hospital

[KhunKenAP]

#9 - Phyathai-Sriracha, if you have a car is the best. As close to a Western type hospital as you can get in the area. Most Doctors are Ok with English, but if dealing with the staff, including nurses have a translator.

 

I have been using them for years when I was working and living in Pattaya. Had some major surgery and was well treated.

[BestB]

On 2/23/2019 at 11:02 AM, KhunKenAP said:

They are correct. You need to go to your Social Security Office within 6-months to file for continuation of your medical benefits. You are also covered for the next 6-months from your retirement. I was at the Phyathai hospital this week and all was 100% covered. They also told me my regular medicine I take is fully covered.

 

Send an email to [email protected] with all your questions. They respond in English and will send you links to the forms and a list of all documents you will need to take with you. You will need to translate English documents to Thai. If you tell them where you live they will let you know which is the closest office. I sent me questions on a Saturday morning and they got back in the afternoon.

 

I am still working through the process, but you will need a Thai translator to go to the office with you. The one in Sriracha has little or no English assistance. I went with my Thai wife.

 

For complete medical coverage at  yearly cost of a little over 5,000 baht, your crazy not to take it. Still not sure if you can pay by year or if it has to be a monthly counter payment. Will let you know after my next visit in March. Also wait at least one month after your retirement before going to the office.

 

Regards,

Ken

 

 

How do you get to little over 5000 baht per year? When it’s 750 per month? Admittedly still good value but little more than 5000????

[BestB]

19 minutes ago, thelovedone said:

Hey Sheryl

 

Here is the list. I am planning to base myself around Jomtien. So i'm unsure of what hospital may be best.Think some of these are actually well out of Pattaya City and surrounds.  Open to suggestions.

 

1. รพ.ชลบุรี Chonburi Hospital

2. รพ.พนัสนิคม Phanat Nikhom Hospital

3. รพ.สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ Somdej Phranangchaosirikit Hospital

4. รพ.สมเด็จพระบรมราชเทวี ณ ศรีราชา Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital (Sriracha)

5.รพ.เมืองพัทยา Pattaya City Hospital

6.รพ.มหาวิทยาลัยบูรพา Burapha University Hospital

7. รพ.ปิยะเวท (บ่อวิน) Piyavate Hospital (Bo Win)

8. ร.พ.แหลมฉบัง Laem Chabang Hospital

9. ร.พ.พญาไทศรีราชา Phyathai-Sriracha Hospital

10. รพ.วิภาราม แหลมฉบัง Vibharam Hospital (Laem Chabang)

11. รพ.วิภาราม อมตะนคร Vibharam Hospital (Amata Nakorn)

12. รพ.เอกชล2 Aikchol2 Hospital

Current available hospitals are Pattaya city and siracha, Banglamung is off the list for about 2 years already for some reason 

[thelovedone]

7 minutes ago, KhunKenAP said:

#9 - Phyathai-Sriracha, if you have a car is the best. As close to a Western type hospital as you can get in the area. Most Doctors are Ok with English, but if dealing with the staff, including nurses have a translator.

 

I have been using them for years when I was working and living in Pattaya. Had some major surgery and was well treated.

Thanks for the tip K Ken.

Ive still got to apply at SOO for the change of hospital and will do so this week....but there is  no guarantee which hospital i will end up with.

 

Is the hospital you mentioned inconvenient to get to other than by car?

[thelovedone]

7 minutes ago, BestB said:

Current available hospitals are Pattaya city and siracha, Banglamung is off the list for about 2 years already for some reason 

Thanks Best B.

You mean Sriracha #4 or # 9 on the list?

[BestB]

Just now, thelovedone said:

Thanks Best B.

You mean Sriracha #4 or # 9 on the list?

Would not have a clue , definitely not 9. My accountant gives new staff choice and only says Pattaya city or Siracha. And I never bothered to clarify exactly which hospital. Possibly   I think one time she said somdej but in siracha

[GarryP]

The following are the Hospitals based in Bangkok which are members of the Social Security scheme:

 

1. Klang Hospital

2. Kluaynamthai Hospital

3. Kasemraj Hospital Bang Kae

4. Kasemraj Hospital Ramkamhaeng

5. Kasemraj Hospital Prachacheun

6. Vajira Hospital (Full)

7. Chulalongkorn Hospital (Full)

8. Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital (Full)

9. Taksin Hospital

10. Nawamint Hospital

11. Nawamint 9 Hospital

12. Bangna 1 Hospital

13. Bangpakok 8 Hospital

14. Bangmod Hospital

15. Bangpai Hospital

16. B-Care Medical Center

17. Prachapat Hospital

18. Paolo Kaset Hospital

19. Paolo Chokchai 4 Hospital

20. Pramongkutklao Hospital (Full) Military Hospital

21. Praram 2 Hospital

22. Petchkasem 2 Hospital

23. Petcharavej Hospital

24. Dr. Panya General Hospital

25. Bhumibol Adulydej Hospital (Full) RTAF Hospital

26. Monkutwattana Hospital

27. Mission Hospital

28. Mahaesak Hospital

29. Ratchphiphat Hospital

30. Rajavithi Hospital (Full)

31. Ramathibodi Hospital (Full)

32. Rajburana Hospital

33. Ladprao Hospital (Full)

34. Lertsin Hospital

35. Vibharam Hospital (Full)

36. Wechkarunrat Hospital 

37. Sikarin Hospital (Full)

38. Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital 

39. Sirirat Hospital (Full) 

40. Somdej Prapinklao Hospital (Full) 

41. Sai Mai Hospital

42. Sirinthorn Hospital

43. Suksawat Hospital

44. Luang Por Thaweesak Chutinataro Utit Hospital

45. Huachiew Hospital.

 

I was with Kluaynam Thai, but this year changed to Huachiew. I wanted to get in at Chula, the Police Hospital or Ramathibodi but they are all full and even when people move out, they are not accepting replacements.  I will try moving again next year and so on until I retire.   

[Sheryl]

36 minutes ago, KhunKenAP said:

#9 - Phyathai-Sriracha, if you have a car is the best. As close to a Western type hospital as you can get in the area. Most Doctors are Ok with English, but if dealing with the staff, including nurses have a translator.

 

I have been using them for years when I was working and living in Pattaya. Had some major surgery and was well treated.

 

Agree with the above. I didn't realize they accepted SS. A good choice.

 

There is an expat in their marketing division names Gavin Waddell who will help in selecting best doctor etc.

 

#4 Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital is also a good choice, it is the Red Cross hospital and has even wider range of capacities than Phythai but is a public hospital so very long waits, doing anything there will take the whole day.  While usually private hospitals enrolling SS are best avoiding Phyathai Sri Rache is an exception.

 

I have no idea re getting there by public transport, maybe ask i nthe Pattaya forum. They have parking, if you have a car.