Along with developing a plan to implement free periodic health check-ups for citizens starting this year, the Ministry of Health is developing a phased plan to achieve universal free hospital services at the basic level within the scope of health insurance benefits by 2030, according to a roadmap.
Receiving patients for screening for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The Ministry of Health has proposed a roadmap for implementing basic free hospital services for citizens in three phases:
During the period 2026-2027, people will receive free periodic health check-ups or screenings at least once a year, based on prioritized groups and timelines.
In addition, health insurance participants belonging to near-poor households and those aged 75 and above receiving social retirement benefits will be entitled to 100% coverage of medical examination and treatment costs within the scope of their health insurance benefits.
During the period 2028-2030, out-of-pocket spending on healthcare services by the population will be reduced to 30% or less; the rate and level of health insurance coverage will continue to increase; and health insurance coverage for preventive services will be implemented.
Phase 3, after 2030, will strive for universal health insurance coverage; free hospital services for all citizens within the scope of the basic service package, expanding according to the roadmap and available resources.
Doctors from Bach Mai Hospital examine and advise patients.
Ms. Tran Thi Trang, Director of the Health Insurance Department (Ministry of Health), stated: "Regardless of whether or not we implement a policy of free hospital services, we still need to increase health insurance contributions to ensure that the treatment needs of the people, as well as those participating in health insurance, are met. Currently, health insurance contributions in our country are very low, while the demand for medical examination and treatment is increasing, and the disease pattern is causing the proportion of out-of-pocket expenses for the people to rise."
With the addition of near-poor households and people aged 75 and above receiving social retirement benefits who are entitled to 100% coverage of medical examination and treatment costs within the scope of health insurance benefits, there are now 11 groups of people whose medical examination and treatment costs are fully covered by the Health Insurance Fund.
For groups entitled to 80-95% reimbursement of medical expenses, the Health Insurance Fund will cover 100% of the costs if they fall into one of the following three cases:
Firstly, this applies when the cost of a single medical examination or treatment is less than 15% of the basic salary.
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