Thai Social Security Health Plan 30 Baht Card

[WholeHearted]

I've heard that Farang ex-pats are eligible to get into the Thai Social Security government health plan, which entitles one to use a public hospital (or one of a few private hospitals) for only 30 Baht. This is different from private insurance. Does anyone know the current law about this?

From previous forum posts, I've gathered that one has to work for at least 3 months prior to turning 60, and your employer has to put you into the system. After you leave the system, you can continue paying a minimal monthly premium on your own in order to continue to be covered.

It has been stated in the forums that one can only work for a government school or a government university to be eligivle (as a Farang). Does anyone know if that is still correct?

Also, what constitutes a government university? (Some universities seem to be "hybrids" that get part of their funding from the government and part from private sources.)

Is there any official way to confirm the accuracy of this information?

[TerryLH]

"I've heard that Farang ex-pats are eligible to get into the Thai Social Security government health plan, which entitles one to use a public hospital (or one of a few private hospitals) for only 30 Baht."

The Social Security Health coverage and the 30 Baht, AKA Gold Card Plan, are not the same.

Foreigners are eligible for the social security plan thru employment, but as far as I know are not eligible for the 30 baht plan.

"From previous forum posts, I've gathered that one has to work for at least 3 months (prior to turning 60?), and your employer has to put you into the system. After you leave the system, you can continue paying a minimal monthly premium on your own in order to continue to be covered."

I'm not sure about the age thing, but the rest is correct. When working the fee due is 5% of your salary, up to a maximum of 750 baht per month. The employer matches that amount, making it a total of 1500 baht per month.

When not working, or working in a position not covered by social security, the fee due is 432 baht per month. You sign up for this yourself. You must sign up within 6 months of losing employment thru work.

"It has been stated in the forums that one can only work for a government school or a government university to be eligivle (as a Farang). Does anyone know if that is still correct?"

No and Yes.

Most non teaching jobs are eligible for inclusion in the social security system.

If working at a government school, you should be in the system. Employees at private schools are no longer eligible. I'm not sure if that includes universities, as they have some different rules for some things.

"Also, what constitutes a government university? (Some universities seem to be "hybrids" that get part of their funding from the government and part from private sources.)"

No fence sitters here. Either they are or they aren't. Chiang Mai U is, ABAC isn't. etc. Check the website of any uni you aren't sure about.

"Is there any official way to confirm the accuracy of this information?"

Ask your local Social Security Office.

I hope that helps you a little.

[george]

If you own your business and/or are a director in your own company you can't get the Social security.

[Gonzo the Face]

If you own your business and/or are a director in your own company you can't get the Social security.

George is this something new??? I don't think it is/was part of the Soc Sec Legis of 2533. Would be very interested in finding out as I have been and still am paying and receiving benefits for just about 14 years now....

As Company owner and director, I Look forward to your answer

G

[opalhort]

George is correct.

My wife and I are both directors with signing rights in our company. We did join the Social Security when they started and paid our monthly dues.

In late 2008 we were notified that we do not qualify for Social Security and had been asked to leave the system.

It took a bit of paperwork to do so but we were refunded every single Baht we ever paid into the SS fund.

Opalhort

[WholeHearted]

Most non teaching jobs are eligible for inclusion in the social security system.

Would that include working for an NGO? or for a non-Thai-owned business?

Thanks for your responses up to now!