Ok, I understand the 750 Baht a month contribution that is matched by my employer. What I can't seem to get a clear answer to is, how to claim ? Do I have to pay first at the hospital ? Which hospitals can I use ? Should I have some form of ID that proves that I am paying into the scheme?

Any help would greatly appreciated. Thanks

Either 2 or 3 months after entering the system, you should get a Social Security card.

You should also be told which hospital you've been assigned to use. Depending on where you are, there may be as few as one choice, or many. Both government and private hospitals can be in the system.

If you don't like the hospital you've been assigned, there is an open enrollment at the first of the year. You can ask to use another hospital (in the system).

Once you have the soc sec card, and you know the hospital you are to use, go to the hospital and register with them. Make sure they record the info from your soc sec card.

They will give you a hospital card that you'll use there.

Normally you won't have to pay up front. They'll just have you sign, showing what services, meds or whatever, you used.

If there are meds that you always need, they'll give you 30 days worth at a time. You just sign for them. Viagra and condoms are not covered, and would have to be payed for.

If you need inpatient care, most items are covered. They will pay for a shared room. If you want a private room, you pay the difference between it and a shared room. That usually isn't too much.

If you have an emergency, and have to use another hospital, you might have to pay up front and file a form for reimbursement later.

Once you've been in the system for the initial 3 months (I think 3), you can remain in the system even if you quit, get fired, or change to a non included job.

After leaving the system you would be covered for 6 months without paying. You don't have to do anything to get that benefit.

If you want to remain in the system, you sign up at the soc sec office to pay yourself. The cost is 432 ฿ a month. I believe that's just for the health care and not for the retirement benefit.

I hope this helps.

Terry