Thailand allows Vietnamese workers to enjoy health benefits

Migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam can now buy health insurance and enjoy the same health benefits as local residents thanks to Thailand's public health care program, the Ministry of Public Health said.

Job counseling for workers. (Photo: Anh Tuan/VNA)

“This type of health insurance will cover the costs of chronic diseases, surgeries, and even expensive antiretroviral drugs,” said Amnuay Gajeena, permanent deputy minister of the Ministry of Public Health, on April 5.

Mr. Amnuay added that the insurance costs 2,100 baht (about 65 USD) for a one-year card, 1,400 baht for a six-month card and 1,000 baht for a three-month card (children under 7 years old are charged 365 baht/year).

This fee includes the cost of initial health checks for migrant workers – a measure for Thai authorities to monitor and control domestic epidemics.

According to Deputy Minister Gajeena, only workers from Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam and their dependents are eligible to buy this type of health insurance. They can buy insurance at public or private hospitals participating in the health insurance program./.

According to Vietnam+