Illustrative image

Under Circular No. 09/2026/TT-BTC, issued by the Ministry of Finance and effective from February 3, 2026, SI partipants may receive and use electronic SI books and HI cards via Level-2 VNeID accounts, the VssID digital social insurance application, or email, except for individuals under the management of the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Public Security. The Circular stipulates that electronic SI books and HI cards are legally equivalent to paper versions. Its core objective is to establish a legal foundation for gradually replacing paper documents with electronic versions and synchronizing data within the national insurance database.

Pursuant to Article 6 of the Circular, when individuals present electronic versions, agencies, organizations, and healthcare providers are not permitted to request additional paper documents. This provision aims to reduce administrative procedures for beneficiaries while accelerating digital transformation in the social insurance and healthcare sectors.

For electronic SI books, social security agencieswill develop and manage them on the national insurance database platform, based on each individual’s unique SI number. The information displayed in the electronic book is comprehensive, consistent with the paper version, and continuously updated within the system.

Similarly, electronic HI cards are generated from the national insurance database and linked to the participant’s SI number. These cards are stored and used via the VssID application or integrated into Level-2 e-ID accounts. When seeking medical examination and treatment, participants may use electronic HI cards in place of paper versions. The cards contain all legally required information and can be used at healthcare facilities contracted to provide HI-covered medical services.

When carrying out procedures related to social insurance or unemployment insurance benefit settlement procedures, individuals may use the electronic SI book directly without submitting or presenting paper documents. Likewise, during medical visits covered by health insurance, participants need only provide their electronic HI card as the basis for health insurance payment and settlement according to entitled benefits in accordance with their entitlements.

The Circular also requires that the creation of electronic SI books and HI cards ensure accuracy and consistency with data in the national insurance database. Any changes related to participation, contributions, or benefits must be fully and promptly updated in the system.

In addition, social insurance agencies are responsible for receiving and processing electronic records, updating data, and verifying information on electronic SI books and HI cards before through electronic data storage systems or email.

Recently, a number of users have reported that their contribution histories displayed on the VssID application are are incomplete or not fully displayed, raising concerns about potential impacts on their benefits. According to Viet Nam Social Security, this is a relatively common issue, primarily due to delays in data updates submitted by employers; delayed insurance contributions by employers; or untimely reporting of workforce changes. In addition, ongoing data synchronization processes or discrepancies in personal information may also lead to such situations.

To address these issues, employees may coordinate with their company’s human resources departments to review and supplement records, or proactively contact the social insurance agency managing their accounts. Participants may also submit feedback via the National Public Service Portal. When doing so, they should prepare relevant documents, including screenshots of their insurance contribution history on VssID, citizen identification cards, SI numbers, and documents proving their employment and insurance participation history.

The rollout of electronic SI books and HI cards is expected to streamline administrative procedures, reduce paperwork for citizens, and enhance management efficiency in the fields of social and health insurance.