Thai council urges OIC to review new co-payment health insurance rule

The rule requires policyholders to pay up to 50% of medical expenses.

The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) has urged the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) to reconsider the new co-payment health insurance rule, calling it unfair to consumers and ineffective in addressing rising medical costs, reported the Bangkok Post last week.

The rule, which took effect last 20 March, requires policyholders to pay up to 50% of medical expenses under certain conditions, replacing the previous all-inclusive plan.  

The regulation was introduced to curb rising healthcare costs and excessive claims following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Policyholders who make three claims for common illnesses such as headaches, influenza, or stomach acid, exceeding 200% of their annual insurance premium, will be subject to co-payment the following year.