BANGKOK, Thailand – The government has expanded dental benefits for Social Security insured persons, with enhanced coverage taking effect on May 1, to reduce healthcare costs and improve access to treatment.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengchan said the government has instructed the Social Security Office under the Ministry of Labour to improve dental benefits for insured persons under Sections 33 and 39.
Under the revised scheme, impacted wisdom tooth surgery is now reimbursed separately from standard annual dental coverage. Eligible insured persons who have contributed for at least three months within the past 15 months may claim up to 2,500 baht per tooth, depending on treatment complexity.
Basic dental care, including fillings, tooth extraction, and scaling, remains covered up to 900 baht per year at private hospitals and clinics. Public hospitals will offer broader coverage, including additional procedures.
Removable dentures now receive increased support, ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 baht, depending on the number of teeth and type of denture. Denture repairs are covered up to 900 baht per visit.
The revised package introduces support for implant-retained full dentures for eligible patients who have lost all teeth. Coverage includes surgery costs up to 17,500 baht per person, plus 3,300 baht for implant components and follow-up care.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson noted that insured persons receiving treatment outside contracted facilities must pay upfront and request reimbursement through the e-Self Service system or any Social Security office nationwide. For more information, people can contact Social Security offices nationwide or call the 24-hour hotline at 1506. (NNT)
