How much do students in Ho Chi Minh City pay for health insurance for the new school year?

From the new school year 2025 - 2026, students in Ho Chi Minh City will participate in health insurance (HI) at the educational institution they are attending, with the contribution rate supported by 50% from the state budget.

On September 4, the Social Insurance (SI) and the Department of Education and Training (DOET) of Ho Chi Minh City issued an important announcement on the contribution level and health insurance participation points for students in the new school year 2025-2026.

Health insurance premiums are supported by 50%

Accordingly, students studying at educational institutions in the national education system in Ho Chi Minh City must participate in health insurance, except for those who have participated in health insurance in other groups according to the provisions of the Health Insurance Law and those who are foreigners and are not granted scholarships from the state budget.

The Social Insurance Agency notes that those who have participated in family health insurance must switch to participating in student health insurance at the educational institution they are attending to receive funding for primary health care.

The health insurance premium for students in 2025-2026 is calculated at 4.5% of the reference level, of which the state budget supports 50%. The reference level from July 1, 2025 is VND 2,340,000.

Students on the opening day

PHOTO: TN

Specifically, 3 months: 315,900 VND (students pay 157,950 VND, the budget supports 157,950 VND); 6 months: 631,800 VND (students pay 315,900 VND, the budget supports 315,900 VND); 12 months: 1,263,600 VND (students pay 631,800 VND, the budget supports 631,800 VND).

In case of adjustment of reference level or contribution rate, students and budget will not pay additional or will not be refunded the difference arising for the remaining time.

Closing method and time

Students participate in health insurance and pay at the educational institution where they participate from the beginning of the school year or course, for a period of 3 months, 6 months or 12 months (recommended to participate for 12 months to ensure continuous benefits).

In case the health insurance card is still valid for 10 days, students should contact the educational institution to register to pay the renewal fee.

Educational institutions are responsible for urging, making lists, collecting money and submitting documents to the HCM City Social Security. Upon receipt, the Social Security will promptly record the participation process to ensure the rights of students.

Students at job fair in Ho Chi Minh City

PHOTO: PHAN DIEP

Notably, students whose health insurance cards expire in 2025 or have never participated before will only pay for the remaining months until December 31, 2025. After that, they will continue to participate for the whole year 2026.

Students from near-poor households must participate in local health insurance (70% budget support). If they have not participated locally, they can participate as students at school. When they are issued a new group card, they will be refunded according to regulations.

Students with health insurance cards from other groups (relatives of police, military, key personnel; poor and near-poor households...) whose cards expire without renewing them according to the old group will immediately join the student group at the school.

Parents and students can look up the validity of their health insurance card via the VssID application or the website of Vietnam Social Security, address: https://baohiemxahoi.gov.vn/tracuu/pages/tra-cuu-thoi-han-su-dung-the-bhyt.aspx

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hoc-sinh-sinh-vien-o-tphcm-dong-bao-hiem-y-te-nam-hoc-moi-bao-nhieu-185250905092537636.htm