Ho Chi Minh City Announces Free Health Insurance for Students in 2026-2027 Academic Year

Ho Chi Minh City has announced that from the 2026-2027 academic year, students from kindergarten to high school within the city will receive full exemption from health insurance premiums (BHYT). This is a unique support policy for the city, implemented since late last year, where the city's budget subsidizes 50% of the premium, allowing students to effectively receive 100% support. University students will also receive a 50% subsidy on their insurance premiums from the state budget. The monthly BHYT premium is calculated at 113,850 VND (approximately $6.3 USD), which is 4.5% of the reference amount of 2.53 million VND (approximately $140 USD). With the 50% subsidy, students will only need to pay 56,925 VND (approximately $3.15 USD) per month. Universities can offer students payment options on a three, six, or twelve-month basis. University students from poor and near-poor households can receive a 70% subsidy by enrolling in BHYT in their locality. If they enroll at the university first, any overlapping payments will be refunded once they enroll locally. The validity period of BHYT cards is also detailed. First-graders entering elementary school will have their cards valid from October 1st of their first year, or from the first day of November or December following their 72nd month of age. High school seniors' cards will be valid until December 31st of that year. University freshmen's cards will be valid from their enrollment date, and final-year students' cards will be valid until December 31st of their expected graduation year. In cases where a student is hospitalized and their insurance card expires, the BHYT fund will still cover costs within the benefit scope until the patient is discharged, but this grace period will not exceed 15 days. This policy is seen as part of Vietnam's social welfare efforts under its one-party system, aimed at expanding universal health coverage and improving access to education and healthcare. While Vietnam continues to experience economic growth, widening income disparities are also noted, and strengthening social security is expected to contribute to the stability of citizens' lives. In particular, in relation to China, economic self-reliance and domestic economic stability are emphasized, and strengthening the foundation of people's lives can also lead to national stability.