Vietnam’s Health Ministry unveils a plan to eliminate healthcare fees, aiming for 100% insurance coverage and equitable access to services by 2045.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to make universal, free healthcare a reality by 2045. In a recent press conference, Deputy Minister Tran Van Thuan confirmed the plan was drafted following a directive from Party General Secretary To Lam, who emphasised healthcare as a human right and national priority. The initiative aims to eliminate user fees entirely, with services funded by the state. This reform is expected to improve population health, reduce income-based health disparities, and stimulate economic growth through enhanced labour productivity.
Between 2026 and 2030, the government plans to ensure 90% of citizens receive annual preventive check-ups. Increased budget allocations will boost health insurance enrollment, with the long-term goal of reaching 100% coverage. Benefits will be expanded to include early diagnosis and preventive services, while patient out-of-pocket expenses will be reduced to under 20%. Pilot policies will gradually shift partial coverage tiers to full insurance, targeting underserved and high-risk populations.
To support this transition, legal reforms and new financing mechanisms will be introduced, including dedicated sub-funds within the national health insurance system. Vietnam’s vision is to become a global leader in health equity by building a truly inclusive system, free at the point of care.
