Health Insurance From Thai Government

[AlanL1275]

I found this on the internet while searching for Health Insurance.

Can anyone explain what this is.

Came from here; http://www.healthgov.net/thailand.php

Another Asian giant, Thailand, now offers free health care and medical assistance. Thailand has come up with the medical assistance and free health care facility to take care of requirements of residents and visitors to the land. The program is offered all over Thailand and the government intent is to extend and provide free medical assistance.

Thailand medical assistance and free health care facility offers respite in times of illness and accident. The program is available at greatly reduced cost of drugs and doctor consultation. Medical treatment and assistance is a complete treatment program. It is provided to tourists, just as well as it is to the citizens and senior citizens.

Thanks, Alan

[Mario2008]

It only applies to Thai people and people working in Thailand.

Private health insurance is the norm in Thailand.

The part that it is provided to tourists is nonsense, but there was a temporary insurance offered to tourist in case they got involved in civil unrest. It was a measure to stimulate tourism, but that has ended.

[AlanL1275]

I understand about having a work permit and paying half, but this line is in the article.

It is provided to tourists, just as well as it is to the citizens and senior citizens.

[samran]

It is a nonsense website - not an authoritative source of information.

Google the Thai social security office website. They have an English language section, which explains who are covered.

[TerryLH]

"Private health insurence is the norm in Thailand."

For Thais or foreigners?

[PattayaParent]

"Private health insurence is the norm in Thailand."

For Thais or foreigners?

For anyone who can afford it.

[Thongkorn]

My wife pays a private Insurance, She pays 3500baht every three months , It is for 20 years, She has been in it for years i have done the maths but its up to her, At the end she gets 3000,000baht , but she gets protection for your children should she die, Her Immediate family get the 300,000baht. I don't think its worth it but thats Thai and Thailand.

[samran]

My wife pays a private Insurance, She pays 3500baht every three months , It is for 20 years, She has been in it for years i have done the maths but its up to her, At the end she gets 3000,000baht , but she gets protection for your children should she die, Her Immediate family get the 300,000baht. I don't think its worth it but thats Thai and Thailand.

ah, you are talking about those sham 'life insurance' policies which in most cases pay low or even negative interest over the life of the policy.

[TerryLH]

"ah, you are talking about those sham 'life insurance' policies which in most cases pay low or even negative interest over the life of the policy."

How is it a 'sham' if it provides life insurance for 20 years, and then pays you back all of your money at the end?

[samran]

"ah, you are talking about those sham 'life insurance' policies which in most cases pay low or even negative interest over the life of the policy."

How is it a 'sham' if it provides life insurance for 20 years, and then pays you back all of your money at the end?

Cause you'd be better sticking that money you paid towards that policy under a pillow - a better return in life or in death.

See this thread for an outline:

[jumbo]

"ah, you are talking about those sham 'life insurance' policies which in most cases pay low or even negative interest over the life of the policy."

How is it a 'sham' if it provides life insurance for 20 years, and then pays you back all of your money at the end?

And have an inpatient medical insurance....

[TerryLH]

"Cause you'd be better sticking that money you paid towards that policy under a pillow - a better return in life or in death."

Just because there are better options doesn't mean it's a 'sham'.

Did you do the math before posting that comment?

I don't know how much your money grows under your pillow, but not so much under mine.

[samran]

"Cause you'd be better sticking that money you paid towards that policy under a pillow - a better return in life or in death."

Just because there are better options doesn't mean it's a 'sham'.

Did you do the math before posting that comment?

I don't know how much your money grows under your pillow, but not so much under mine.

Did you read the thread I linked where I did do the maths? And where I showed an effective negative return? So yes, under the pillow is a better option (figuratively speaking).

[Thongkorn]

My wife pays a private Insurance, She pays 3500baht every three months , It is for 20 years, She has been in it for years i have done the maths but its up to her, At the end she gets 3000,000baht , but she gets protection for your children should she die, Her Immediate family get the 300,000baht. I don't think its worth it but thats Thai and Thailand.

ah, you are talking about those sham 'life insurance' policies which in most cases pay low or even negative interest over the life of the policy.

I totally agree that its not that good BUT, My now wife worked Making computers in a factory, and got £80 a month, about 6300baht then. She made the decision herself before i came along, she was doing the right thing because 3500baht is a lot of money to a Thai lady alone with two children ,The Thai man who she had two children too did a runner. She did the best she could , I am not about to change anything , I admire her for her forward thinking and doing the best she could , a lot of Thai people do not bother or care , or just cannot afford it,

[on-on]

It's available to Thai taxpayers, foreign taxpayers who are legally employed (i.e. receive a social security number) and to Thai citizens who don't pay taxes, but choose to pay the THB 300 (400?) a month to receive it. The part I'm not clear on is whether retirees and other visa holders who are here legally, but who don't pay taxes because they don't work can pay the monthly fee and receive it. It's not open to tourists or other people who don't participate via one of these mechanisms.

It's quite good basic care, incidentally. I had surgery at a relatively local hospital (Kluaynamthai) and it went off without a hitch. They even dressed the wound daily for a month for free. Even offered to write me a voucher for a taxi. Had the same operation in nearly the same place 15 years ago in the US and it was a nightmare of infections and re-opening the wound and drain tubes left in. Thai people I know talk it down like it's the worst thing ever, not having used it, but I had a great experience. When I tell them about my experience their jaws hit the floor. Coming from the US, it's hard not to be really appreciative of such a thing. I have and can afford private insurance, but having public healthcare is positively amazing.

[citizen33]

Private health insurance is not the norm for Thai people. Studies from around 10 years ago showed that it was mainly confined to the better off. Private expenditure on health accounts for a significant proportion of total health expenditure, but this is largely out-of-pocket spending. Private health expenditure stood at about 53% of total health expenditure in 1995 and is around 25% today. Treatments funded by private insurance counted for only about 4% of total health expenditure in 1995 and have risen to just over 6% today.

http://www.who.int/nha/country/tha.pdf

Most Thais as has been said many times on the forum are covered by the three public schemes UCS, SSS and CSMBS.

http://jointlearningnetwork.org/content/universal-coverage-scheme

http://jlw.drupalgardens.com/sites/jlw.drupalgardens.com/files/Thailand%20presentation%20for%20provider%20managment.pdf

Unfortunately none of these schemes routinely cover foreign tourists.

Intriguingly s51 the 2007 Constitution states:

A person shall enjoy an equal right to receive standard public health service, and the indigent shall have the right to receive free medical treatment from States infirmary (Section 51).

This may be what lies behind the OP. However, s 51 falls under Chapter 3, Rights and Liberties of Thai People, so in my view will not be considered to apply to foreigners. I have a vague recollection of another general statement of rights in recent legislation, but cannot remember where.

[OZEMADE]

If you are permanently living in Thailand and don't leave the country you need private health insurance. For Farungs I would get BUPA which I did have and a Thai private insurance for your wife and family.

My Thai wife and myself don't have any private insurance in Thailand as we travel back and forward to Australia at least every 6 months for a short holiday, sometimes only a month, but it's worth it.

By doing this we are covered by my Credit Card for everything. A lot of people don't know that they are covered by this means.

The only catch is that the Airline tickets MUST be purchased on your credit card, Australia return. NOT, Thailand return.

Check out the website Westpac Platinum Insurance below.

Australian Government Travel Insurance Tips for travellingoverseas.

http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/travel_insurance.html

Westpac Bank Platinum Card

Travel InsuranceConditions.

http://www.westpac.com.au/docs/pdf/pb/TCs-platinuminsurance.pdf

Hope this is informative and a help to some people. Make sure your card covers all medical. I have used it once and had no problems.

You need to keep all medical records, receipts and doctors certificates and recommendations. :jap:

[BRichards]

You can get insurance from many international insurance companies or go through a broker , such as; Globalsurance or Pacific Prime, who can get you a better deal and plan for expats or travelers. I got a plan when I moved to Asia over three years ago. BR

[WholeHearted]

It's available to Thai taxpayers, foreign taxpayers who are legally employed (i.e. receive a social security number) and to Thai citizens who don't pay taxes, but choose to pay the THB 300 (400?) a month to receive it. The part I'm not clear on is whether retirees and other visa holders who are here legally, but who don't pay taxes because they don't work can pay the monthly fee and receive it.

Yes, you can get into the Thai Soc Sec health insurance system if you're over 15 and under 60, and if you work for certain employers that can pay into the system for you. I know that teaching at a government school makes you eligible. (Teachers and headmasters of private schools seem to be excluded.) It takes 3 months before you get your cards and can start using one hospital that you choose from a list. They give you 6 months of health care after you stop working. You have to pay into the system for 12 months through your employer before you're eligible to pay on your own when you stop working. It will cost 432B per month, and you can pay in for the rest of your life if you choose to.

[apetley]

Reading the link is about as clear as mud.

I'm wondering if it has anything to do with the Govt's '30 bht' card?

I was issued with one about a year ago and didn't even ask for one so how I got it is a mystery although maybe it was linked to the house registration I got too.

[toffo9]

This topic always confuses me... I was sick recently and went to a hospital and was only charged for the tablets and not for seeing the doctor ... Is this the norm??

[afarang]

I have lived for 21 years. I am now 71 years old . I have NEVER,NEVER,NEVER had any form of health insurance in ALL that time. So many of you talk absolute nonsense, without any understanding or involvement with the health care system here.First , Or Primary care , you have your local clinics.Pretty near every 2nd village has one. To treat basic illnesses. FOR FREE. Minor scrapes ,cuts ,infections colds ,etc.. Brilliant. Then your next level is your Amphur Hospital . They treat to their level of competence. Given that the doctors are first or second year graduates from Medical Unis. Got a medical problem beyond their level of competence ? Whamo !! , before YOU know it ,YOU are consigned to a trip in an ambulance, with fully qualified nurses,accompanying you ,to your provincial hospital where Specialist care is GIVEN,, Which is what happened to me in February,this year. Pneumonia. + Tuberculosis. ( Which is a serious problem in the area in which I live- over 200 people have T,B. in this Amphur). I spent 6 days , flat on my back, many tubes stuck down my throat, Could not even go to to the toilet. Had to wear nappies!!! The care was excellent ,Cost? Including Ambulance and first level of treatment at my Amphur hospital? Less than B15,000. TOTAL.What was fascinating - the nurses were wonderful -NOT a dragon amongst them, And my G/F stayed with me 24 hours a day=slept on the floor under my bed.That helped enormously , and speeded up my recovery.You do not need Health Insurance. For medical problems. Good Morning trolls

[toffo9]

I have lived for 21 years. I am now 71 years old . I have NEVER,NEVER,NEVER had any form of health insurance in ALL that time. So many of you talk absolute nonsense, without any understanding or involvement with the health care system here.First , Or Primary care , you have your local clinics.Pretty near every 2nd village has one. To treat basic illnesses. FOR FREE. Minor scrapes ,cuts ,infections colds ,etc.. Brilliant. Then your next level is your Amphur Hospital . They treat to their level of competence. Given that the doctors are first or second year graduates from Medical Unis. Got a medical problem beyond their level of competence ? Whamo !! , before YOU know it ,YOU are consigned to a trip in an ambulance, with fully qualified nurses,accompanying you ,to your provincial hospital where Specialist care is GIVEN,, Which is what happened to me in February,this year. Pneumonia. + Tuberculosis. ( Which is a serious problem in the area in which I live- over 200 people have T,B. in this Amphur). I spent 6 days , flat on my back, many tubes stuck down my throat, Could not even go to to the toilet. Had to wear nappies!!! The care was excellent ,Cost? Including Ambulance and first level of treatment at my Amphur hospital? Less than B15,000. TOTAL.What was fascinating - the nurses were wonderful -NOT a dragon amongst them, And my G/F stayed with me 24 hours a day=slept on the floor under my bed.That helped enormously , and speeded up my recovery.You do not need Health Insurance. For medical problems. Good Morning trolls

Thats my experience also.. I wish you a speedy recovery

[kebabbaro]

I have lived for 21 years. I am now 71 years old . I have NEVER,NEVER,NEVER had any form of health insurance in ALL that time. So many of you talk absolute nonsense, without any understanding or involvement with the health care system here.First , Or Primary care , you have your local clinics.Pretty near every 2nd village has one. To treat basic illnesses. FOR FREE. Minor scrapes ,cuts ,infections colds ,etc.. Brilliant. Then your next level is your Amphur Hospital . They treat to their level of competence. Given that the doctors are first or second year graduates from Medical Unis. Got a medical problem beyond their level of competence ? Whamo !! , before YOU know it ,YOU are consigned to a trip in an ambulance, with fully qualified nurses,accompanying you ,to your provincial hospital where Specialist care is GIVEN,, Which is what happened to me in February,this year. Pneumonia. + Tuberculosis. ( Which is a serious problem in the area in which I live- over 200 people have T,B. in this Amphur). I spent 6 days , flat on my back, many tubes stuck down my throat, Could not even go to to the toilet. Had to wear nappies!!! The care was excellent ,Cost? Including Ambulance and first level of treatment at my Amphur hospital? Less than B15,000. TOTAL.What was fascinating - the nurses were wonderful -NOT a dragon amongst them, And my G/F stayed with me 24 hours a day=slept on the floor under my bed.That helped enormously , and speeded up my recovery.You do not need Health Insurance. For medical problems. Good Morning trolls

So you're basically stating that public hospitals in Thailand provide a fair level of health care at rock-bottom prices.

Well, that's also my opinion, though honestly I never had any experience with In-Patient care.

So does anyone else agree that Thai public hospitals are pretty good or is this just a fantasy?

[afarang]

This topic always confuses me... I was sick recently and went to a hospital and was only charged for the tablets and not for seeing the doctor ... Is this the norm??

Yes, you were charged. If you look in the first column on your receipt, on the right hand side, you should see a charge of B 50. That . I believe is your "consultation"fee.The pills, etc, are listed, charged in the second column.

[Latindancer]

Which is what happened to me in February,this year. Pneumonia. + Tuberculosis. ( Which is a serious problem in the area in which I live- over 200 people have T,B. in this Amphur).

I have often wondered how much of a problem Tuberculosis is in Thailand, particularly the drug-resistant strains. Although there are different types of TB, I think the most common sort is highly contagious, isn't it ?

Would you mind revealing which general area you live in, please ? And what did the doctors tell you about TB in your area ?

TB is a huge problem in Papua New Guinea, and it's poised to spread to North Australia.

[afarang]

Which is what happened to me in February,this year. Pneumonia. + Tuberculosis. ( Which is a serious problem in the area in which I live- over 200 people have T,B. in this Amphur).

I have often wondered how much of a problem Tuberculosis is in Thailand, particularly the drug-resistant strains. Although there are different types of TB, I think the most common sort is highly contagious, isn't it ?

Would you mind revealing which general area you live in, please ? And what did the doctors tell you about TB in your area ?

TB is a huge problem in Papua New Guinea, and it's poised to spread to North Australia.

I live in Ban Kruat ,a town about 70 kilometres South Of Buriram City. T.B. is a big problem in This area .The doctors think it is rife in Cambodia, and crosses into Thailand. It would appear that all the border provinces with Cambodia , in Isarn suffer greatly. Contagious ? For sure. though it appears the strain we have here is readily treatable. Treatment does take 6 months

[afarang]

I have lived for 21 years. I am now 71 years old . I have NEVER,NEVER,NEVER had any form of health insurance in ALL that time. So many of you talk absolute nonsense, without any understanding or involvement with the health care system here.First , Or Primary care , you have your local clinics.Pretty near every 2nd village has one. To treat basic illnesses. FOR FREE. Minor scrapes ,cuts ,infections colds ,etc.. Brilliant. Then your next level is your Amphur Hospital . They treat to their level of competence. Given that the doctors are first or second year graduates from Medical Unis. Got a medical problem beyond their level of competence ? Whamo !! , before YOU know it ,YOU are consigned to a trip in an ambulance, with fully qualified nurses,accompanying you ,to your provincial hospital where Specialist care is GIVEN,, Which is what happened to me in February,this year. Pneumonia. + Tuberculosis. ( Which is a serious problem in the area in which I live- over 200 people have T,B. in this Amphur). I spent 6 days , flat on my back, many tubes stuck down my throat, Could not even go to to the toilet. Had to wear nappies!!! The care was excellent ,Cost? Including Ambulance and first level of treatment at my Amphur hospital? Less than B15,000. TOTAL.What was fascinating - the nurses were wonderful -NOT a dragon amongst them, And my G/F stayed with me 24 hours a day=slept on the floor under my bed.That helped enormously , and speeded up my recovery.You do not need Health Insurance. For medical problems. Good Morning trolls

Thats my experience also.. I wish you a speedy recovery

Thank you, Toff. Have recovered As good as I will ever be. Smoked too many cigs in the past. Bad case of COPD.

[Bangkokbutcher]

Guys,

regarding the use of the Thai Social Card for medical purposes.

Does anyone know if this covers my kids?

I've got 3 children here ages 12,11 and 8 years and was just wondering if they get any benefits from it.

TIA

[TerryLH]

"...regarding the use of the Thai Social Card for medical purposes.

Does anyone know if this covers my kids?"

No, unfortunately it doesn't cover other family members.