Vietnam clarifies health insurance benefits for five-year continuous participants

Under Decree 188/2025/NĐ-CP, the Vietnamese government has clarified the regulations regarding health insurance (BHYT) benefits for individuals who have participated in the program for five consecutive years or more.

Several specific scenarios are recognized as continuous participation. This includes interruptions of no more than 90 days. Additionally, time spent abroad is counted for those sent by competent authorities for work or study, or for family members (spouses and children under 18) accompanying them.

For Vietnamese laborers working abroad under contract, previous participation is maintained if they resume insurance within 30 days of re-entering the country. The regulations also cover workers applying for unemployment benefits and individuals transitioning from military or police service to retirement or other employment sectors.