In addition to developing a plan to introduce free regular health checks for citizens starting this year, the Ministry of Health is developing a step-by-step plan to achieve comprehensive free hospital care at a basic level as part of health insurance by 2030, according to a roadmap.
Enrollment of patients for screening for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The Ministry of Health has proposed a roadmap for the implementation of free basic hospital services for citizens in three phases:
During 2026-2027, people will receive free, regular health checks or screenings at least once a year, based on prioritized groups and schedules.
In addition, health insurance policy holders from households at risk of poverty and people aged 75 and over who receive a social pension are entitled to 100% reimbursement of the costs of medical examinations and treatments as part of their health insurance benefits.
In 2028-2030, direct population health spending will fall to 30% or less; the share and level of health insurance will continue to rise; and health insurance will also cover preventive services.
Phase 3, after 2030, will seek universal health coverage; free hospital services for all citizens as part of the basic service package, which will be expanded depending on the schedule and available resources.
Doctors at the Bach Mai Hospital examine and advise patients.
Ms. Tran Thi Trang, Director of the Department of Health Insurance (Ministry of Health), said: “Regardless of whether we implement a policy of free hospital services or not, we need to increase health insurance contributions to ensure that the treatment needs of the population as well as those with health insurance are met. Currently, health insurance contributions in our country are very low, while the need for medical examinations and treatment is increasing, and disease patterns are leading to an increase in out-of-pocket costs for the population.”
With the addition of households considered at risk of poverty and people aged 75 and over who receive a social pension and are entitled to 100% reimbursement of the costs of medical examinations and treatment under the health insurance, there are now 11 groups of people whose costs of medical examinations and treatment are fully covered by the Health Insurance Fund.
For groups entitled to 80-95% reimbursement of medical costs, the health insurance company will cover 100% of the costs if one of the following three cases applies:
Firstly, this applies if the cost of a single medical examination or treatment is less than 15% of the basic salary.
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