Hanoi Strengthens Social and Health Insurance Coverage Amidst Education Institution Restructuring

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is strengthening the enrollment process for social insurance (BHXH) and health insurance (BHYT) in conjunction with the ongoing restructuring and reorganization of its educational institutions. This initiative by the Hanoi Social Insurance Agency aims to guarantee the insurance coverage rights of faculty, staff, and students in the post-restructuring educational landscape and to promote the widespread adoption of student health insurance. Official Document No. 5969/BHXH-QLT from the Hanoi Social Insurance Agency mandates that each reorganized educational institution designate a responsible leader and relevant departments or personnel to handle insurance enrollment procedures. These designated individuals are required to coordinate with the respective social and health insurance offices where their institutions are currently enrolled, ensuring accurate enrollment for both employees and students in accordance with legal regulations. For newly established institutions, prompt initiation of social and health insurance registration and reporting of increased enrollment numbers from the date of establishment are stipulated. The document emphasizes that any delays in the enrollment process will hold the respective educational institutions accountable for late payment interest and potential impacts on the insurance benefits of participants. This measure is designed to ensure the smooth operation of the insurance system and the protection of insured individuals' rights. Regarding student health insurance, educational institutions are encouraged to proactively enhance their outreach and advocacy efforts to achieve 100% enrollment among their students. The rate of student health insurance participation is also set to become a criterion for evaluating school quality and for commendations and awards, thereby fostering improved health management. According to the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, the 2026-2027 academic year is projected to have approximately 2.3 million students, an increase of about 37,800 students from the previous year. Despite a significant reduction in the number of educational institutions from 2,344 to 1,093 due to restructuring, the trend of increasing student enrollment continues. In recent years, the health insurance participation rate among students and university students in Hanoi has shown steady growth, rising from 99.13% in the 2022-2023 academic year to 99.34% in the 2024-2025 academic year. During the 2025-2026 academic year, local government budgets provided additional support for health insurance premiums for students from middle-income households engaged in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. This support aimed to alleviate financial burdens and encourage participation in social security schemes. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the health insurance premium for students in Hanoi is set at 683,100 Vietnamese Dong per year, representing approximately 50% of the contribution. Under current regulations, the 12-month health insurance premium is calculated at 1,366,200 Vietnamese Dong, with students contributing 683,100 Vietnamese Dong and the state budget supporting the remaining 683,100 Vietnamese Dong. Source: Nhan Dan