Bangkok: Insured individuals are celebrating the news that their dental benefits now cover the cost of dental implant surgery up to 17,500 baht per person.
According to Thai News Agency, the Minister of Labour has announced a significant upgrade to social security dental benefits, which includes coverage for dental services such as fillings, extractions, scaling, and wisdom tooth removal at government hospitals, without a limit on the number of visits. The introduction of a new benefit covering dental implants includes a subsidy of 17,500 baht for the implant surgery and an additional 3,300 baht for the implant kit.
Mr. Chulaphan Amornvivat, Minister of Labour, disclosed this policy aimed at enhancing benefits for insured individuals. He stated that the Ministry of Labour has tasked the Social Security Office with developing these dental benefits to reduce expenses and promote oral health for insured persons under Section 33 and Section 39. This move ensures more equitable and efficient access to medical services for those insured.
Starting May 1, 2026, insured individuals under both Section 33 and Section 39 can access comprehensive dental services at contracted government agencies or hospitals. This includes basic services such as fillings, scaling, extractions, and wisdom tooth removal, along with more advanced procedures needed for dentures, like root planing, gingival trimming, and bone grafting. There will be no limit on visits, based on the dentist's treatment plan, allowing continuous and effective care without concerns about additional costs. However, visits to specialized clinics will require insured persons to cover the doctor's fees per the Ministry of Public Health's 2025 regulations for Thai citizens.
Existing benefits, which cover fillings, scaling, and tooth extractions at 900 baht per year at private agencies or clinics with Social Security Office agreements, will continue. However, the coverage for wisdom tooth extraction has been enhanced, with costs ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 baht per tooth, with no additional payment required from insured persons.
Moreover, benefits for dentures and dental implants have been increased. For partial removable dentures (1-5 teeth), the maximum reimbursement has been raised to 1,500 baht, while for more than five teeth, it is now 2,000 baht. Denture repair costs are set at 900 baht per repair. The cap for full removable dentures (upper or lower) has increased to 3,000 baht, and for both upper and lower, it is now 6,000 baht.
Additional benefits for dental implants include full mouth dentures for individuals who have lost all their teeth, featuring a subsidy of 17,500 baht for implant surgery and 3,300 baht for the implant kit. Follow-up care is also available to help insured individuals regain their quality of life.
These benefits are available after contributions for at least three months within a 15-month period before the service date. Coverage extends to individuals whose insurance ceased within the last six months. Reimbursement at the specified rate is possible for services at non-agreement medical facilities via the e-Self Service system or any Social Security office nationwide. Emergency treatments for accidents or sudden oral health issues can utilize regular medical benefits immediately.
For further details or to verify participating medical facilities, individuals can contact any Social Security Office nationwide or call the 1506 hotline, which is available 24 hours a day.