Outpatient & Inpatient Care
General medical visits, hospital admission, surgery, and specialist treatment at registered facilities.
Universal Coverage Scheme at a Glance
The Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) — popularly known as the “Gold Card” or the “30-baht” scheme — is Thailand's tax-funded health programme launched in 2002. It guarantees a comprehensive package of care with little or no cost at the point of service, and is managed by NHSO on behalf of the population.
UCS in figures
2002
Year the scheme launched
47M+
People covered by UCS
>99%
Covered by a public health scheme
3
Public schemes covering all Thais
Figures as of 2025. UCS sits alongside the Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme and the Social Security Scheme.
What the scheme covers
A broad package spanning prevention, treatment, and protection from catastrophic costs.
Maternal & Child Health
Antenatal care, safe delivery, newborn care, immunisation, and child development services.
Chronic & High-Cost Care
Management of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, plus dialysis and antiretroviral therapy.
Health Promotion & Prevention
Screening, vaccination, and preventive services — available to all Thais, not only UCS members.
Emergency Anywhere
Access to emergency care at the nearest hospital — public or private — during a life-threatening event.
Cancer Anywhere
Cancer patients can receive treatment at any qualified facility ready to provide it, reducing waiting and travel.
No premium to pay
UCS is funded through general taxation. Members are not charged a monthly premium — coverage is a right of citizenship.
Strategic purchasing
NHSO pools the budget and purchases services from a registered network, paying providers on the population's behalf.
Register near home
Each member registers with a primary care unit close to home, the entry point to the wider network of care.