Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash
In early April 2020 media reported that the Thai government warned private hospitals not to send medical bills to COVID-19 patients or their families, saying their medical expenses will be paid for by the government.
The warning, posted on the Government House Facebook page, followed complaints that COVID-19 patients at private hospitals were being required to pay for treatment and services that in some cases topped 100,000 baht.
The government said private hospitals should keep records of medical treatment and services and send the bills to related agencies for reimbursement. The MOPH’s draft regulations on reimbursement were approved by the cabinet.
If patients have health insurance, however, they are being encouraged to use their policies first. The Social Security Fund for workers in the private sector, the welfare fund for state officials and the “gold card” universal fund would wholly or partially cover the cost of COVID-19 treatment based on the fund to which the patients belong.
People who are covered by the “gold card” scheme are eligible to receive treatment for COVID-19 free of charge effective April 2, 2020 according to an announcement in the Royal Gazette. The announcement says if patients seek treatment at private hospitals, reimbursement will be made in line with the MOPH regulations.
The warning, posted on the Government House Facebook page, followed complaints that COVID-19 patients at private hospitals were being required to pay for treatment and services that in some cases topped 100,000 baht.
The government said private hospitals should keep records of medical treatment and services and send the bills to related agencies for reimbursement. The MOPH’s draft regulations on reimbursement were approved by the cabinet.
If patients have health insurance, however, they are being encouraged to use their policies first. The Social Security Fund for workers in the private sector, the welfare fund for state officials and the “gold card” universal fund would wholly or partially cover the cost of COVID-19 treatment based on the fund to which the patients belong.
People who are covered by the “gold card” scheme are eligible to receive treatment for COVID-19 free of charge effective April 2, 2020 according to an announcement in the Royal Gazette. The announcement says if patients seek treatment at private hospitals, reimbursement will be made in line with the MOPH regulations.
Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash
COVID-19 testing fees
When COVID-19 testing fees were published in the local press in March of this year, many people expressed shock at the exorbitant amounts charged by public and private hospitals.
Khasod English website reported on March 16 that Roongreung Kitpati, an advisor to the Ministry of Health, said those without symptoms or at-risk travel history should refrain from getting checkups, which could overcrowd hospitals and use up test kits.
“If you aren’t sick, please don’t get tests because it’s useless and wastes money. Most tests yield negative results. But if you are in an at-risk group, such as someone having contact with an infested person, please contact the Department hotline,” Mr Roongreung said.
Since March most hospitals have reduced prices for testing. Among 16 hospitals in the metropolitan Bangkok area contacted by The BigChilli at the end of September to ask the fees – see list below – only two charge foreigners more than Thais. This should elate those foreigners who always complain about 'double standards'. The wait for test results from these 16 hospitals varies from four hours to two days.
Khasod English website reported on March 16 that Roongreung Kitpati, an advisor to the Ministry of Health, said those without symptoms or at-risk travel history should refrain from getting checkups, which could overcrowd hospitals and use up test kits.
“If you aren’t sick, please don’t get tests because it’s useless and wastes money. Most tests yield negative results. But if you are in an at-risk group, such as someone having contact with an infested person, please contact the Department hotline,” Mr Roongreung said.
Since March most hospitals have reduced prices for testing. Among 16 hospitals in the metropolitan Bangkok area contacted by The BigChilli at the end of September to ask the fees – see list below – only two charge foreigners more than Thais. This should elate those foreigners who always complain about 'double standards'. The wait for test results from these 16 hospitals varies from four hours to two days.
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