Employees not covered by social security? They need migrant worker health insurance before you apply for a work permit
We compare the government health card with private insurance for you, then arrange everything together with the application documents.
Chat on LINE — free advice Call 093-541-6444
What is migrant worker health insurance?
Migrant worker health insurance covers medical costs for workers who are not entitled to medical care under social security. Proof of health insurance is a required document for work permit applications and renewals.
There are 2 main options:
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Public Health health insurance card | Bought at government hospitals that sell the card; treatment is at the hospital named on the card. The money goes into the migrant worker health insurance fund managed by the Ministry of Public Health |
| Health insurance from a private insurer | Bought from a licensed insurance company; the plan must be one accepted by the authorities for work permit applications. Coverage and hospital network depend on the plan |
Who needs health insurance?
- Workers in businesses not covered by social security, such as domestic work in a household that is not a business, and some types of agricultural work not employed year-round
- Workers not yet registered as insured persons, or not yet entitled to medical care under social security
- Workers’ dependants (such as children) who need health coverage
Workers registered with social security and already entitled to medical care can use their social security coverage instead → See our social security for migrant workers service
Not sure whether your business is covered by social security? Send us your business type via LINE and we’ll check for you.
Documents to prepare
From the worker
- Passport, CI or pink card (ID card for non-Thai nationals)
- Medical certificate / health check results (for the government health card)
- Current work permit or application receipt (for renewals)
- Photos (as required by the hospital or insurer)
From the employer
- Business name, address and type of business
- Copy of the employer’s ID card, or company certificate (for juristic persons)
- Power of attorney (if an agent acts on your behalf)
How our service works
- Eligibility check — we check whether each employee needs health insurance or social security, based on the type of business
- Choose a plan — we compare the Ministry of Public Health card with private insurance on price, coverage period and hospitals near the workplace
- Health check — we take workers to a licensed medical facility (if they don’t have results yet) → See our health check service
- Buy the insurance and collect proof — we check that names, document numbers and coverage dates match the work permit
- Use it for the work permit application — we attach the proof of insurance when applying via e-WorkPermit and record the expiry date for the next reminder
Costs
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Public Health health insurance card | At the rate announced by the Ministry |
| Private health insurance | Depends on the plan |
| Health check fee (if needed) | At the medical facility’s rate |
Service fees depend on the number of workers and documents — ask us on LINE for a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the government health card and private insurance?
The government card is used for treatment at the government hospital named on the card, while the hospital network and coverage limit of private insurance depend on the plan. Both must be types accepted for work permit applications. We help you choose what suits the work location.
My employees already have social security. Do they still need health insurance?
If they are already entitled to medical care under social security, they generally don’t need extra insurance. However, during the period before they become entitled, they may need insurance coverage. Message us on LINE and we’ll check each person.
How long does the health insurance cover?
It depends on the plan chosen. Coverage should generally span the full work permit period, and we align the coverage dates with the permit.
What insurance do domestic workers / farm workers need?
Domestic work and some types of agricultural work are often not covered by social security, so health insurance is used instead.
What if the insurance expires before the work permit?
It must be renewed or a new policy bought so that coverage is continuous. We record the expiry date and send a reminder in advance.
Can I buy a health card for a worker’s child?
Conditions for dependants/children follow Ministry of Public Health announcements. Ask us for details.
Related services
- Health checks for migrant workers
- Social security for migrant workers
- Work permit renewal
- e-WorkPermit system
Not sure which insurance your employees need? Ask us first — it’s free
Best Friend Visa checks eligibility, chooses the plan and prepares everything ready for submission.
Chat on LINE — free advice Call 093-541-6444
Last updated: 17 October 2026 — regulations may change; please check with our staff before proceeding.