The proposal, designed in three phases, is part of broader efforts to ease financial pressure on households and strengthen long-term social welfare, as healthcare costs continue to rise alongside an ageing population and changing disease patterns.

Under the draft roadmap, from 2026 to 2027, Vietnam will prioritise free annual health check-ups or medical screenings for citizens, implemented by target groups and phased priorities. During this period, near-poor households and people aged 75 and older receiving social pensions would be entitled to 100% reimbursement for medical treatment within the scope of health insurance benefits.

From 2028 to 2030, the focus will shift to reducing patients’ out-of-pocket healthcare spending to 30% or less, while increasing health insurance reimbursement rates and expanding coverage. Preventive healthcare services will be progressively included, a move authorities say is critical to improving public health and lowering long-term treatment costs.

Beyond 2030, the health sector aims to achieve universal health insurance coverage, paving the way for free health care for all citizens within a basic service package, with further expansion depending on state budget capacity and the balance of the national health insurance fund.

Tran Thi Trang, head of the Health Insurance Department under the Ministry of Health, said adjusting health insurance contribution rates is necessary regardless of the free healthcare plan.

“Vietnam’s health insurance premiums are still relatively low compared to actual treatment costs,” Trang said, noting that the growing burden of chronic diseases has driven higher out-of-pocket spending by patients.

Currently, 11 groups of people already receive full coverage for medical expenses under the national health insurance scheme. For other groups eligible for 80–95% reimbursement, the fund still covers 100% of costs in specific cases, according to existing regulations.

Health officials say the proposed roadmap marks a significant step toward universal health care, aligning Vietnam’s social security policies with international development goals and public health standards.

Party chief calls for universal free healthcare by 2030–2035

VOV.VN - Party General Secretary To Lam has called for a roadmap to gradually reduce the financial burden of medical expenses on the public, with the goal of achieving universal free hospital care between 2030 and 2035.