In the 2025-2026 school year, more than 20 million students will officially enjoy a support policy of at least 50% of the health insurance premium from the state budget. This is an important new point in Decree No. 188/2025/ND-CP of the Government, effective from July 1, 2025.
In the 2024-2025 school year, the health insurance participation rate of students will reach 98.4%, equivalent to more than 20.8 million students. In the first 6 months of 2025 alone, the health insurance fund has paid over VND2,075 billion to 4.3 million students for medical examination and treatment. Many cases of serious illnesses such as cancer, kidney failure, cardiovascular failure, etc. have been funded with hundreds of millions to billions of VND, helping them continue their studies.
However, the previous 30% support level is still a burden for many low-income families, poor households, near-poor households or households with many children. Raising support to a minimum of 50% from the new school year not only reduces financial pressure on parents but also realizes the goal of "leaving no one behind".
According to the new regulations, each student must only pay a maximum of about 631,800 VND/year, a decrease of nearly 253,000 VND compared to before. This means that the state budget is sharing half of the cost with more than 20.5 million students nationwide.
Deputy Director of Vietnam Social Insurance Nguyen Duc Hoa said: The 2024 Law on Health Insurance and Decree 188/2025/ND-CP have added many new points, expanded benefits, increased support and simplified procedures for participants. Raising the minimum support level to 50% not only reduces the financial burden on parents but also creates many positive and long-term impacts.
First, speed up the goal of 100% health insurance coverage in schools. When the young and healthy force participates in large numbers, the health insurance fund is more sustainable and in line with the principle of risk sharing.
Second, ensure fairness in access to healthcare. Whether in urban or rural areas, whether in good or poor circumstances, all students have the opportunity to receive timely medical examination and treatment.
Third, this is a strategic investment for the future. A healthy generation both physically and mentally will become the foundation for the country's development.
From August 15, the health insurance contribution rate for students will be applied according to the new regulations. According to Clause 5, Article 6 of Decree 188/2025, the monthly health insurance contribution rate for students is 4.5% of the basic salary.
