Recently, the Ministry of Health consulted on the draft Decree regulating the increase in the level and scope of health insurance benefits, which is expected to take effect from April 1, 2027.
Notably, the draft proposes to support at least 70% of the health insurance premium for students specified in Point b, Clause 4, Article 12 of the Health Insurance Law.
This proposal has received the attention of many worker families, especially households with two children going to school.
Mr. Tran Van Thang (Ninh Binh) - a leather shoe factory worker - said that his family currently has two children in elementary school. At the beginning of this school year, besides books, uniforms and contributions, health insurance for his children is also an expense that his family has to consider.
Although the State has supported 50%, my family still has to pay nearly 700,000 VND/year for each child. Health insurance money is calculated according to the base salary, so when the base salary increases, the amount to be paid also increases. For the two children, this is a not small amount" - Mr. Thang shared.
According to Mr. Thang, if the support level is increased to 70%, his family will only have to pay more than 400,000 VND/year for each child, thereby saving nearly 600,000 VND per year for two children.
For workers, a few hundred thousand VND saved is also very practical. At the beginning of the school year, there are too many expenses to worry about, so whatever expenses are reduced, the family lightly bears that expense" - Mr. Thang said.
The male worker said that in addition to compulsory health insurance, in the 2026-2027 school year, the family still buys additional student health insurance at a rate of about 150,000 VND/year to have more support when their child unfortunately has an accident or has to be treated.
When my child has an accident or has to be hospitalized, health insurance supports medical examination and treatment costs according to regulations, but the family can still incur more expenses. Therefore, I buy more health insurance for my child to have an additional layer of protection, limiting financial risks" - Mr. Thang said.
Similarly, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai - a garment worker in Ninh Binh - said that her child is in 1st grade. In the new school year, the family has spent a lot on books, uniforms, school supplies and expenses for studying.
At the beginning of the school year, there are many expenses, reduced items are good items. If the health insurance support level increases to 70%, my family can save nearly 300,000 VND to pay for our children. The amount is not too large, but for workers it is also very significant" - Ms. Hoai shared.
According to the female worker, the saved money can help the family cover a part of the daily living expenses for their children.
Ms. Hoai also believes that reducing health insurance contributions for students not only helps workers reduce financial pressure but also encourages families to maintain full insurance for their children.
Primary school children are hyperactive, prone to accidents in daily life, and their health is also not as stable as adults. With health insurance, families will be more assured when their children need medical examination and treatment," Ms. Hoai said.
