Vietnam’s Ambitious Healthcare Goals for 2030

Vietnam is setting its sights on offering health insurance coverage to over 95% of its population by 2026, with the ultimate aim of achieving universal coverage by 2030. Citizens are expected to have basic hospital expenses waived as part of this initiative.

This ambitious plan is detailed in the Politburo’s resolution 72-NQ/TW, which outlines key strategies for enhancing public health care, recently endorsed by the party’s general secretary, LAM. The resolution emphasizes that health insurance is vital to Vietnam’s social security framework and underscores its consistent prioritization by both the party and local authorities.

To bolster access, the government, along with the social insurance sector, is promoting family-based health insurance, which targets reaching all citizens, especially those in vulnerable situations. Family-based plans are designed to be both practical and affordable, with a tiered contribution system that eases the financial burden. For instance, the first family member contributes 4.5% of the base salary, while subsequent members pay progressively lower percentages.

Participants can choose to make payments through various channels, including the National Public Services Portal, a dedicated mobile app, or traditional banks, either quarterly or yearly. In addition to reduced premiums, members will receive various benefits, such as coverage for medical expenses, the right to select or change their primary healthcare provider, and access to important information regarding their health qualifications.

In emergencies, cardholders can receive care at any facility while retaining their benefits. Should individuals seek treatment at their registered facility, they may enjoy up to 100% coverage of their costs, especially after five consecutive years of care. Even for services outside their network, the insurance fund may still cover 40-80% of expenses, depending on the specific facility and service rendered.