Vietnam’s health ministry reveals roadmap toward free universal healthcare

Eliminating healthcare fees is a major and humanitarian policy that reflects the government's commitment to public well-being. The directive is not only a long-term strategic vision, but also a deeply resonant goal that the health sector is determined to realize, Thuan said.

According to Thuan, universal access to free healthcare would significantly improve population health, boost labor productivity, and support GDP growth while promoting social equity and reducing the risk of economic stagnation.

Providing free care, especially in remote and ethnic minority communities, would also close access gaps and help reduce income-based disparities in health outcomes.

Targets and funding

For the 2026–30 period, the ministry aims for 90 percent of the population to have access to comprehensive preventive healthcare, including annual check-ups for all citizens.

"We estimate the cost of providing one annual health check-up for each of Vietnam's 100 million people at around VND250,000 [US$9.60], which totals roughly VND25 trillion [$963 million] annually," Thuan said.

The government will increase budget allocations to help more people obtain health insurance, with the ultimate goal of achieving 100 percent health insurance coverage nationwide.

The range of services covered under health insurance will also be expanded to include preventive care, early screening, and prompt treatment. Out-of-pocket spending by patients is expected to drop below 20 percent, and the co-payment rate under insurance is set to fall below 10 percent.

By 2045, Vietnam aims to build a healthcare system that fully meets the population's needs—without requiring citizens to pay extra fees—placing the country among the global leaders in health-related social security.

Phased implementation

From 2026 to 2030, the Ministry of Health plans to pilot several new policies. These include increasing the value of the basic health service package from 15 percent to 20–30 percent of the base salary, and expanding preventive screenings and early diagnosis services for high-risk groups based on age or occupation.

Insurance coverage will also be raised. Citizens currently receiving 95 percent coverage will be moved to 100 percent, while those receiving 80 percent will see gradual increases.

Vietnam's current health insurance system offers three benefit levels: 80, 95, and 100 percent.

The ministry is also evaluating options to expand insurance reimbursements for technical services, medication, and equipment—especially for the poor, near-poor, and individuals with certain diseases or lower living standards.

New financial mechanisms are being considered, such as creating sub-funds within the national health insurance system. These would include dedicated funds for medical treatment, preventive care, and support for serious illnesses.

Strict oversight measures will be introduced to prevent the misuse of free healthcare services, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and medical facilities do not become overcrowded.

From 2030 to 2035, the ministry plans to draft comprehensive amendments to the Law on Health Insurance to support a sustainable, long-term rollout of universal free healthcare. Currently, the law does not include provisions for payments related to screening and preventive services.