Vietnam has announced a significant expansion of its national health insurance system, offering full reimbursement of medical examination and treatment costs to vulnerable citizens. The policy, effective from 1 January 2026, specifically targets individuals from near-poor households and senior citizens aged 75 and above who receive social pension benefits.
The decision follows a resolution passed by the National Assembly on 11 December 2025, aimed at enhancing healthcare access and reducing financial strain on the country’s most vulnerable groups. According to the Ministry of Health, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to equitable healthcare and social welfare.
To implement the resolution, the Ministry of Health issued an urgent directive on 6 January 2026 to Vietnam Social Security, which operates under the Ministry of Finance, as well as to provincial and municipal health departments and medical facilities across the country. The notice instructed all relevant authorities to promptly update benefit codes to accommodate the newly eligible populations.
Under the revised framework, health insurance cardholders from near-poor households will see their reimbursement rate increase from 95% to a full 100% of covered medical expenses. Similarly, seniors aged 75 and over who are beneficiaries of social pensions will now be entitled to complete reimbursement for their healthcare costs, ensuring that age and economic status no longer pose barriers to accessing essential medical services.
Experts suggest that this move will not only reduce out-of-pocket expenditures for these groups but may also encourage timely medical consultations, leading to better public health outcomes. Healthcare providers are being instructed to adapt their billing and record-keeping systems in accordance with the new regulations, which are expected to be fully operational nationwide by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
The following table summarises the key changes under the new health insurance policy:
| Eligible Group | Previous Reimbursement Rate | New Reimbursement Rate | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Near-poor households | 95% | 100% | 1 January 2026 |
| Seniors aged 75+ with pensions | 95–100% (varied) | 100% | 1 January 2026 |
The expanded coverage represents a landmark step in Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its social safety net, ensuring that older citizens and economically disadvantaged groups receive the medical support they require without incurring financial hardship.