Vietnam Ministry of Health proposes expanded health insurance coverage

The Vietnamese Ministry of Health has proposed a new roadmap to expand health insurance coverage and increase benefit levels. Under a draft decree, the Ministry suggests that starting in 2030, health insurance funds will cover the costs of screening and early diagnosis for hypertension and diabetes. This move aims to address the rising prevalence of these conditions, noting that a significant portion of the approximately 7 million people with diabetes in Vietnam remain undiagnosed.

The proposal also outlines a phased increase in benefit levels for various groups. For elderly citizens over 75, minors, people with disabilities, and those from average-income households, coverage for medical examination and treatment costs is proposed to rise from 80% to 85% by July 2027, to 90% by July 2029, and eventually to 95% for primary and basic care levels by July 2030. Other groups would see a similar phased increase, reaching 90% coverage by 2030.

The implementation period between the decree's expected effective date in April 2027 and 2030 will serve as a preparation phase to establish specific regulations, including priority risk groups, service catalogs, and payment rates for various tests.