Social Security Scheme Supports Telemedicine Services for Insured Members with 26 Chronic Conditions
Thailand's Social Security Office expands telemedicine coverage through July 31, enabling insured members to receive remote treatment for 26 chronic conditions including diabetes and heart disease at 65 baht per visit.
On May 19, 2025, Kanjana Poolaew, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office (SSO), announced that the Medical Board under the Social Security Act has issued a resolution on medical service standards and rates using telemedicine systems during the Middle East conflict situation. The resolution is effective from May 1 to July 31, 2025, to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices and reduce travel costs for insured members.
The resolution authorizes the SSO to pay for medical services provided by accredited healthcare facilities offering telemedicine services to Section 33 and Section 39 insured persons suffering from 26 chronic conditions. For outpatient cases, the rate is 65 baht per visit for a three-month period.
The Medical Board has approved increased medical service fees for managing insured members with chronic conditions through telemedicine, particularly for patients with stable conditions suitable for remote treatment, mainly for symptom monitoring and continuous medication delivery. Currently, 118 healthcare facilities nationwide participate in the SSO's telemedicine program to ensure convenient and rapid access to services while reducing congestion at hospitals.
Kanjana stated that the 26 chronic conditions covered include diabetes, hypertension, chronic inflammatory diseases and cirrhosis, heart failure, stroke, cancer, immunodeficiency, emphysema, chronic kidney disease, Parkinson's disease, myasthenia gravis, dyslexia, multiple sclerosis, high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, glaucoma, nephrotic syndrome, lupus, aplastic anemia, thalassemia, hemophilia, leprosy, chronic dermatitis, ITP, hyperthyroidism, and mental illness.
The SSO secretary-general noted that this measure enables Section 33 and Section 39 insured members to access continuous medical care and eliminates the need to travel for medication pickup. Members can use medicine delivery systems alongside telemedicine services, with healthcare facilities billing the SSO directly—no out-of-pocket payments required.
Additionally, participating healthcare facilities must have Ministry of Public Health-certified telemedicine systems operated by licensed professionals such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, and practitioners from various medical fields who provide consultation, diagnosis, and treatment through digital platforms. The systems must feature reliable identity verification, adequate technological infrastructure for efficient provider-patient communication, electronic transaction records, secure data storage and management, complete treatment reporting, and patient rights notification. Participating facilities must also have oversight and monitoring systems to ensure compliance with standards, equitable service delivery, and accessible care.
