The Ministry of Public Health has issued a statement specifying that “foreign nationals” are required to fund their own medical treatments in Thailand.
This requirement does not apply to three distinct groups: those awaiting Thai citizenship, those enrolled in social security, and those who have purchased health insurance.
To assist these exempt groups, a dedicated fund has been established. The Ministry recently provided registration guidelines for individuals classified within the T.99 group, while other groups must independently cover their medical costs.
This statement responds to recently disclosed data concerning the funds allocated for foreign nationals’ medical treatments under the regulations of the Ministry of Interior. Over the past five years, the T.99 fund has disbursed 12.822 billion baht ($375 million).
Dr. Montien Kanasawat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, addressed concerns regarding the impact of cross-border populations on Thailand’s healthcare system, particularly concerning obstetric care and free treatments.
On December 21, he reaffirmed the commitment of the Thai healthcare system to operate within the legal and human rights framework, ensuring services are available to everyone in the country, irrespective of their ethnic, religious, or belief backgrounds. This commitment extends to individuals pursuing Thai citizenship.
The government has actively addressed these issues by establishing funds and collaborating with international organizations to ensure sufficient financial support.
The Ministry categorizes healthcare benefits for non-Thai nationals into three groups:
Stateless Persons or Individuals with Citizenship Issues:
These individuals are currently verifying their eligibility for Thai citizenship and have been assigned a unique 13-digit identification number by the Ministry of Interior.
They are included in the Ministry’s database and benefit from the Stateless Persons Health Insurance Fund (T.99), which is funded based on government cabinet decisions. Currently, 723,603 individuals are registered with this fund.
Registered Migrant Workers with Legal Work Permits:
Legally registered migrant workers with work permits are included under the Social Security System for Migrant Workers. They receive medical benefits, compensation for illness-related income loss, maternity benefits, pensions, and unemployment benefits.
Foreign Migrant Health Insurance Fund or Private Health Insurance:
This category is for migrant workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia who are not included in the social security system or are awaiting coverage. It also covers the dependents of migrant workers.
The fund facilitates access to medical care, health promotion, disease prevention, and control while also reducing healthcare costs for medical facilities.
Dr. Montien added that individuals insured by the T.99 health insurance must have a 13-digit ID issued by the Ministry of Interior and meet specific criteria defined by the cabinet.
They are required to provide documents such as identity cards, residence certificates, or letters from relevant authorities. The Ministry has circulated a letter to standardize registration procedures throughout the country.
However, foreign nationals not covered by the social security system, health insurance, or the T.99 fund are responsible for their own medical expenses.
If unable to pay, medical service providers may offer humanitarian aid, and international organizations can contribute financially to cover unpaid medical bills.
Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin announced that a meeting scheduled for December 24 will review these cabinet decisions and existing regulations.
The aim is to align policy with public sentiment and ensure a balanced system, with discussions focusing on potential improvements to health insurance or medical costs to better meet public expectations.
