Vietnam to offer free annual health check-ups from 2026, waive hospital fees from 2030

The resolution, signed by Party General Secretary To Lam on Tuesday, introduces sweeping reforms to improve health protection, care, and well-being for the population.

It outlines key goals to boost physical fitness, intelligence, stature, and healthy life expectancy by the end of the decade.

One of the central measures is the rollout of free yearly health check-ups.

Each citizen will also receive a digital health record for lifelong tracking and management, and access to quality healthcare services will be expanded nationwide.

The health sector will also cover emergency transportation costs for disadvantaged groups.

From 2030, hospital fees that fall within health insurance coverage will be fully waived.

The policy will be introduced gradually, starting with vulnerable populations, social policy beneficiaries, and those with low incomes.

Other goals for 2026–30 include increasing the average height of children and adolescents aged 1 to 18 by at least 1.5 centimeters, raising average life expectancy to 75.5 years with at least 68 of those years in good health, and ensuring that essential immunization rates remain above 95 percent.

Authorities also aim to boost the share of people who exercise regularly by 10 percent.

By 2027, every commune-level health station must be equipped with adequate infrastructure, medical equipment, and at least four to five doctors.

The proportion of medical visits covered by health insurance at these stations should exceed 20 percent.

Health insurance coverage nationwide is expected to reach 95 percent in 2026 and full coverage by 2030.

The resolution also calls for tighter control of major health risks, including alcohol and tobacco use and environmental pollution.

By 2045, Vietnam aims to offer a high-quality living environment, align key health indicators with those of developed countries, raise life expectancy to more than 80 years with over 71 healthy years, and build a modern, equitable, and sustainable healthcare system that focuses on prevention.

To support the goals set in the resolution, the Politburo tasked the health sector and related agencies with specific duties and responsibilities to ensure effective implementation.

It also designated April 7, which is World Health Day, as Vietnam’s official All-People Health Day.