BANGKOK — Ministry of Public Health has clarified that “foreign nationals” must pay for their own medical treatment in Thailand, with the exception of three specific groups: those awaiting Thai citizenship, those covered by social security and those who have taken out health insurance.
A special fund has been set up to support these groups. Recently, the Ministry has issued guidelines for the registration of people in the T.99 group. Other groups will have to bear their own medical expenses.
This clarification follows the release of data on the budget spent on medical treatment for foreigners in Thailand under the Ministry of Interior’s regulations. Over the past five years, a total of 12.822 billion baht ($375 million) has been allocated from the T.99 fund.
Dr.Montien Kanasawat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, addressed public concerns about the burden on Thailand’s healthcare system from the cross-border population seeking obstetric care and free treatment.
He emphasized on December 21 that the Thai healthcare system adheres to the legal framework and basic human rights principles and provides care for all people in the country, regardless of ethnicity, religion or belief. This also applies to people who wish to apply for Thai citizenship. The government has prioritized this issue by setting up funds and working with international organizations to provide adequate financial support.
The Ministry has divided eligibility for healthcare benefits for non-Thai nationals into three categories:
Stateless Persons or Individuals with Citizenship Issues:
These individuals are in the process of proving their Thai citizenship and have been assigned a 13-digit identification number by the Ministry of Interior. They are registered in the Ministry of Interior’s database and are entitled to health benefits through the Stateless Persons Health Insurance Fund (T.99). This fund is allocated by the government on the basis of cabinet decisions. Currently, 723,603 individuals are registered under this fund.
Registered Migrant Workers with Legal Work Permits:
Migrant workers registered legally and with work permits are covered under the Social Security System for Migrant Workers. They are entitled to medical benefits, income compensation for illness, maternity benefits, pensions, and unemployment benefits.
Foreign Migrant Health Insurance Fund or Private Health Insurance:
This applies to migrant workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia who are not part of the social security system or are awaiting coverage. It also includes dependents of migrant workers. This fund provides access to medical care, health promotion, disease prevention, and control while reducing healthcare costs for medical facilities.
Dr. Montien further explained that people who are insured by the T.99 health insurance company must be assigned a 13-digit ID by the Ministry of Interior and meet the criteria set by cabinet decisions. They must submit documents such as identity cards, certificates of residence or letters from the relevant authorities. The Ministry has issued a letter to ensure uniform registration procedures throughout the country.
However, foreign nationals who are not covered by the social security system, health insurance or the T.99 fund must pay for medical services out of their own pocket. In cases where they cannot pay, medical service providers can provide humanitarian assistance and international organizations can provide partial financial assistance for unpaid medical bills.
Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin stated that a meeting on December 24 will discuss the cabinet decisions and the current regulations. The ministry is keen to align policy with public opinion while ensuring balance in the system. Discussions will focus on how health insurance or medical costs can be improved to better meet the public’s expectations.
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