Vietnam: Nine Cities Achieve 100% Health Insurance Coverage for Students

According to the Vietnam Social Security, 12 localities have achieved very high levels of health insurance coverage for students. Among them, nine provinces and cities reached 100%, and three provinces achieved 99.9%. The agency noted that in recent years, the implementation of health insurance policies for students has yielded certain results through the active involvement of all levels of agencies, local governments, and the support of parents. Many provincial social security agencies have actively advised provincial party committees and governments to direct strong measures for the development of health insurance in general, and for students in particular. In the 2023-2024 academic year, approximately 19.1 million students nationwide participated in health insurance, with a coverage rate of about 97.8%. However, by the end of June 2026, 21.55 million students nationwide had joined health insurance, increasing the coverage rate to 99.39% of the total student population. Notably, nine provinces and cities, including Cao Bang, Ca Mau, Ha Tinh, Lang Son, Tay Ninh, Tuyen Quang, Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, and Son La, achieved 100% coverage. Additionally, three provinces, Quang Tri, Hai Phong, and Gia Lai, recorded 99.9% coverage. This achievement indicates that with the attentive guidance of provincial party committees and governments, close coordination between the education sector, social security agencies, and schools, and a full understanding of their children's rights by parents, the goal of comprehensive coverage is entirely achievable. It is also noteworthy that many localities have proactively supported students' health insurance enrollment by allocating budgets and mobilizing social resources for additional contributions. In the 2025-2026 academic year, 19 provinces and cities provided additional support from their local budgets, with Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Tuyen Quang, An Giang, and Quang Ngai implementing significant support measures. For example, Ho Chi Minh City supports 50% of the insurance premium for student groups, while Tuyen Quang provides an additional 50% of the remaining premium for students. Hanoi offers 50% of the health insurance premium for students from farming, forestry, and fishing households with average living standards. These support policies not only reduce the financial burden on families but also demonstrate effective ways to mobilize social resources to bring welfare policies closer to every student. Furthermore, in the 2026-2027 academic year, student health insurance premiums will increase following the new base salary applicable from July 1, 2026. The 12-month premium for students is set at 1,366,200 VND, with the student's contribution being 50% (683,100 VND), and the remaining 50% to be supported by the state budget.