From March 16, people who test positive for COVID-19 will no longer be able to claim free treatment under Thailand’s Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP). However, those with serious COVID symptoms or significant underlying risks will still be able to turn to the new scheme, UCEP Plus, for free medical help.

 

With the virus outbreak continuing to rage in Thailand, Thai PBS World offers a guide on what UCEP Plus really offers.

 

What is UCEP Plus?

 

Launched on March 16, UCEP Plus offers free medical services for COVID-19 patients in “yellow to red” categories (severe symptoms).

 

Discover Cigna’s range of health insurance solutions created for expats and local nationals living in Thailand - click to view

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/a-guide-to-the-ucep-plus-treatment-scheme-for-covid-19-patients/

 

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-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-03-16

 

- Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

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When I opened the link and found out who will be treated for free under the new criteria surprise , surprise , it excludes non Thai

Who is eligible for UCEP Plus?

First and foremost, patients seeking free medical services under UCEP Plus must have proof they are infected with COVID-19. Positive results from either an antigen test kit or RT-PCR are accepted. They must also meet one of the following criteria:

• At the triage point, their heart stops or they have difficulty breathing, go into shock, fall into a coma, develop seizures or become lethargic.
• A body temperature above 39 degrees Celsius for more than 24 hours; a breathing rate that exceeds 25 times per minute (adult); blood-oxygen level below 94 percent at triage point; blood-oxygen level dropping by more than 3 percent after exercising just a little; underlying health conditions worsen after being infected with COVID-19; or their doctor judges that they need close medical supervision. For child patients, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and consumption of less milk or food are solid grounds for access to UCEP Plus.
• They develop other symptoms such as panting or have other health risks. The other health risks include diseases of the lung, heart or blood vessels, strokes, uncontrollable diabetes, obesity, weight above 90 kilograms, pregnancy, low immunity, low white blood count, and old age (above 60).
• Also, COVID-19 patients who are initially deemed to be low-risk with mild symptoms may be eligible for UCEP Plus later if their conditions worsen and they are referred to a hospital.

UCEP Plus is for Thais only, not for foreigners