Vietnam health ministry plans free annual health check-ups for seniors, chronic patients

The proposition is part of a draft decree detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Law on Disease Prevention, which is currently open for consultation.

According to the draft, the ministry outlines the scope of eligible groups, implementation timelines, medical facilities providing free check-ups, and policies for free periodic health check-ups or screenings.

In particular, the draft decree specifies two main groups eligible for the policy of free periodic health check-ups and screenings at least once a year, including workers covered by labor safety regulations and those not.

The ministry put forward a two-phase approach.

From 2026, priority will be given to seniors, people with disabilities, individuals from poor and near-poor households, war veterans, chronic patients, and residents in ethnic minority areas, mountainous regions, economically disadvantaged or extremely difficult areas, islands, and special zones.

The program will expand to cover all remaining eligible individuals from 2028.

Local authorities will use the results of these check-ups to plan and organize free medicals or screenings for residents at least once a year.

Depending on local socio-economic conditions and budget capacity, provincial People’s Councils may expand the eligible groups and the range of services offered under the free annual health check-up program, according to the ministry’s proposal.

Free medical check-ups will be conducted at licensed health facilities or through mobile clinics at workplaces or other organizations, following professional guidelines issued by the Minister of Health.

The draft decree proposes that the state budget cover the costs of health check-ups for priority groups without health insurance.

Specifically, in 2026 and 2027, the state budget will cover costs for all priority groups, regardless of insurance status, until the health insurance fund assumes payment responsibilities.

For insured individuals, the health insurance fund will pay for check-ups within the scope of benefits and coverage levels of their policies.