Vietnam increases direct payment caps for health insurance patients

From 1 July, Vietnam’s base salary for social insurance calculations rose from VND 2.34 million to VND 2.53 million per month. Using this higher base, the Ministry of Social Insurance raised the maximum direct payments for certain patients without a BHYT contract.

The highest increase is VND 475,000, allowing a maximum payout of VND 6,325,000 (2.5 times the new base salary) for inpatient care at specialised facilities. At basic‑level facilities, outpatient payments rise to VND 379,500 (up VND 28,500) and inpatient payments to VND 1,265,000 (up VND 95,000). For provincial‑level basic facilities, the inpatient ceiling is VND 2,530,000 (up VND 190,000).

The Social Insurance agency will reimburse actual costs up to these limits, with any excess paid by the patient. The adjustment aims to protect beneficiaries’ rights following the salary increase.