Increasing health insurance support: More support for students

Practical support

In late August, as the atmosphere of the new school year was bustling throughout the schools, Ms. Nguyen Thi Doan, a self-employed worker in Van Mon commune, was still busy managing the educational expenses for her four children. Two are attending university; two are in junior high school. For her, the biggest worry each year is not only tuition and textbooks but also the cost of health insurance for her children. “A few million dong a year, it seems small, but it’s a heavy burden for a family like ours. Now that I hear the government is increasing the support from 30% to 50%, it’s a huge relief,” Ms. Doan expressed.

Students at Bac Ninh Industrial Technical College have access to new policies and benefits when participating in health insurance.

That joy also came to the family of Mr. Nguyen Cao Son, a farmer in Son Dong commune, who has a two-year-old child (already covered by free health insurance), a child in 8th grade, and a child in 5th grade. Now, with a 50% health insurance subsidy, the burden on the family has been reduced. Mr. Son shared: "With half of the health insurance subsidy for our two children, my wife and I feel more at ease going into the new school year."

According to Government Decree No. 188/2025/ND-CP detailing and guiding the implementation of several articles of the Health Insurance Law, from July 1, 2025, the state budget will support at least 50% of the health insurance premium for students. This is the highest level of support ever provided to this group, replacing the old regulation of 30%.

Mr. Nguyen Cong Phuong, Head of the Propaganda and Participant Support Department of the Bac Ninh Provincial Social Insurance, emphasized: “This policy not only reduces the financial burden on parents but also affirms the concern of the Party and the State for the care and protection of the health of the younger generation. The important goal is to maintain 100% participation of students in health insurance, moving towards universal health insurance coverage.”

Based on the current basic salary of 2,340,000 VND/month, the health insurance contribution for students is 4.5%, equivalent to 105,300 VND/month. With a 50% subsidy from the budget, each student only has to pay 52,650 VND/month, equivalent to 631,800 VND/year if paid in 12-month installments. Compared to the ever-increasing cost of education, this is a practical support that helps many families reduce the financial burden at the beginning of the school year.

Spreading the humanitarian significance of the policy.

Beyond its economic value, health insurance is also considered a "safety net" for students in case of illness or accident. By participating in health insurance, students receive primary healthcare right at school and medical treatment at healthcare facilities nationwide according to the prescribed benefit levels.

For many years, Bac Ninh has maintained 100% health insurance coverage for its students. This result affirms the synchronized and effective efforts of all levels of government, departments, schools, and parents. It also serves as a foundation for the locality to continue providing healthcare for the younger generation, contributing to improved public health and strengthening social security.

Notably, 12th-grade students still receive state-supported health insurance until September 30th of their final year, ensuring continuous benefits and preventing interruptions when transitioning to higher education. For first-year university students, health insurance cards are valid from the date of enrollment, unless they still have a valid card issued in 12th grade. For final-year university students, benefits are maintained until the end of the month their course concludes, creating continuity in participation and enjoyment.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan, Deputy Head of the Admissions and Student Affairs Department at Bac Ninh Industrial Technical College, stated: “The school considers disseminating information about health insurance benefits as a responsibility alongside education. We will closely coordinate with the provincial Social Insurance agency to ensure 100% student participation, as this is a significant preferential scheme provided by the State for them.”

During a health insurance outreach event held by the provincial Social Insurance agency at this school in August, over 700 new vocational students received information about their rights, participation procedures, and how to use the VssID application to check their health insurance payment history and replace paper cards when seeking medical treatment. Many students expressed interest, asking questions about choosing their initial registration location and the level of coverage for inpatient and outpatient treatment. This lively atmosphere shows that health insurance is no longer a foreign concept, but has gradually become a conscious effort to protect one's health among young people.

Student health insurance is a crucial step in the universal health insurance strategy. This target group is large, easily accessible, easy to promote, and has the potential to develop an awareness of health insurance participation from an early age. To ensure the new policy is implemented effectively, the provincial Social Insurance agency has issued a directive to all grassroots units, requiring the simultaneous implementation of various forms of communication. Accordingly, in addition to direct consultations at schools, promotional booths during the opening ceremony or parent-teacher meetings, the insurance sector is also utilizing digital platforms through livestreaming, short clips, infographics, fan pages, and Zalo OA. Online competitions to learn about student health insurance policies have also been launched to increase interaction and attract a large number of students to participate.

Many organizations and individuals have also been encouraged to donate health insurance cards to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, contributing to spreading the spirit of compassion. "Donating health insurance cards is not only about providing material support, but also a way of sharing and helping students feel secure in their studies," Mr. Nguyen Cong Phuong emphasized.

With the new policy and the coordinated efforts of the entire sector, health insurance for students is becoming a solid support for parents and students on the eve of the new school year, as reflected in the message disseminated by the Social Insurance sector: "Health insurance for students - Peace of mind for studying, lighting up dreams."

Text and photos: Viet Hoa

Source: https://baobacninhtv.vn/tang-ho-tro-bao-hiem-y-te-them-diem-tua-cho-hoc-sinh-sinh-vien-postid425047.bbg