Ho Chi Minh City Social Insurance (BHXH) and Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training have just issued Inter-departmental Guidance No. 7364/HDLS/BHD-GDĐT detailing the implementation of health insurance (HI) for students in the 2026 - 2027 school year.
The most notable point in the new regulation is that students in Ho Chi Minh City are not required to pay health insurance contributions, while the contribution level for students has been adjusted according to the new reference level.
According to the above guidance, compulsory health insurance participants include all students studying at educational institutions in Ho Chi Minh City. The monthly health insurance contribution level is calculated at 4.5% of the reference level at the time of contribution. From July 1, 2026, the reference level is 2.53 million VND/month.
Based on Resolution No. 56/2025/NQ-HĐND of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council on policies to support health insurance contributions, the group of students receiving 100% support, of which 50% is supported by the State budget according to the provisions of Decree 188/2025/ND-CP and the Ho Chi Minh City budget supports an additional 50%. Thus, high school students in Ho Chi Minh City in the 2026 - 2027 school year do not have to pay health insurance contributions.
For students, the State budget supports 50% of the contribution level, and the remaining 50% is paid by students themselves. The specific contribution level for students is specified in detail according to flexible methods of 3 months, 6 months or 12 months.
With the 3-month payment method, the total cost of health insurance is 341,550 VND, of which the State budget supports 170,775 VND, and students pay 170,775 VND.
With a 6-month payment method, the total cost of health insurance is 683,100 VND, the State budget supports 341,550 VND, and students pay 341,550 VND.
As for the 12-month payment method, the total cost of health insurance is 1,366,200 VND, the State budget supports 683,100 VND, and students pay 683,100 VND.
The guidance also notes that students register and pay money directly at the educational institution where they are studying right from the beginning of the school year or course. In case the State adjusts the reference level during the validity of the health insurance card, participants do not have to pay additional fees and are also not refunded the difference for the remaining time.
In addition to stipulating the contribution level, the inter-departmental guidance clearly states that educational institutions will be deducted 5% of the health insurance contribution amount of students to serve primary health care at schools. This funding is used to purchase first aid medical equipment, essential medicines, medical room supplies and organize health education communication. To receive the deducted funds, schools must ensure the condition of having their own medical rooms and school medical personnel meeting professional standards according to regulations.
Ho Chi Minh City Social Insurance and Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training request schools to urgently review, propagate and strive to achieve the goal of 100% of students participating in health insurance in the 2026 - 2027 school year, ensuring maximum benefits for medical examination and treatment for school-age children.
