Health Care

[Valentine]

Does anyone know what options there are for students to obtain health care through any government schemes. I think they cannot get into the Social Security system as they are not working. Are they eligible for the universal health care scheme & if so what is the procedure? Recently I think a system was introduced to cover anyone who did not have access to health care but not sure where people can sign up for it. Looking for something for my daughter who is a Thai national.

Edited September 10, 2015 by Valentine

[Sheryl]

If your daughter is a Thai national then she is entitled to care under the universal (AKA "30 baht" or "gold card") scheme. She should register at the government hospital which serves the area where you live (where se=he is listed in tabian ban, she will need to bring tabian ban with her).

Just go to that hospital and register, showing the tabian ban.

[TerryLH]

Ditto.

If she's a student at a regular school, she should have some insurance through it.

[Valentine]

If your daughter is a Thai national then she is entitled to care under the universal (AKA "30 baht" or "gold card") scheme. She should register at the government hospital which serves the area where you live (where se=he is listed in tabian ban, she will need to bring tabian ban with her).

Just go to that hospital and register, showing the tabian ban.

She is at university in Hua Hin but tabian ban listing is in Phuket. So the gold card can only be used in the area where you are from, same as Social Security?

[Sheryl]

Yes except in an emergency or if the hospital she is registered at refers her to a higher level for specialized care.

Universities usually provide either insurance or have an arrangement for free care at a nearby hospital.

If this is Webster, they have Student Health Insurance, it is included in the general admission fee and she should have gotten an insurance card. Coverage isn't very high though.

[Valentine]

Yes except in an emergency or if the hospital she is registered at refers her to a higher level for specialized care.

Universities usually provide either insurance or have an arrangement for free care at a nearby hospital.

If this is Webster, they have Student Health Insurance, it is included in the general admission fee and she should have gotten an insurance card. Coverage isn't very high though.

My understanding of Social Security is it can be used outside one's home area but have to pay first & then claim back for which they will only pay up to a certain amount.

[TerryLH]

"My understanding of Social Security is it can be used outside one's home area but have to pay first & then claim back for which they will only pay up to a certain amount."

I'm pretty sure that's for emergency treatment only, not just because you decided you wanted to be treated someplace you aren't registered at.

[Valentine]

"My understanding of Social Security is it can be used outside one's home area but have to pay first & then claim back for which they will only pay up to a certain amount."

I'm pretty sure that's for emergency treatment only, not just because you decided you wanted to be treated someplace you aren't registered at.

You are right. Cannot just go outside your area for treatment unless you are specifically sent there for some specialist treatment.