Notably, Law No. 51/2024/QH15, which amends and supplements certain provisions of the Health Insurance Law, will take effect on July 1, 2025, bringing a "fresh breeze" to ensure greater benefits and encourage public participation in health insurance. However, expanding participation to achieve universal health insurance remains challenged.

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According to statistics, the health insurance participation rate in Vietnam has significantly increased each year. By 2024, more than 94.2% of the population, equivalent to approximately 95.5 million people, were covered by health insurance, nearing the goal of universal health insurance coverage. The amended Law on Health Insurance introduces eight key changes aimed at ensuring the rights of the insured individuals and healthcare facilities, addressing existing challenges, and shall take effect on July 1, 2025. Under the new regulations, insured individuals can register for primary medical examinations and treatments at any primary or basic-level healthcare facility nationwide, without administrative boundary restrictions. Additionally, the list of health insurance medicines will no longer be categorized by hospital ranking but will include all medications within the covered list, appropriate to the facility’s scope of practice and treatment guidelines, without limitations based on hospital classification or technical expertise levels.

A notable change in the new law is the revision of referral procedures for medical examination and treatment, allowing patients to be directly transferred to higher-level hospitals without prior referral procedures in cases of rare diseases, critical illnesses, or surgeries requiring advanced techniques. Furthermore, health insurance participants will receive 100% coverage for primary medical examination and treatment nationwide, inpatient treatment at basic-level insured medical facilities, and treatments at any basic or specialized-level facility that, before January 1, 2025, was classified as a district-level facility by the authorities.

Additionally, the proportion of the health insurance fund allocated for medical examination and treatment will increase to 92%, while the preventive care and administrative expenses will decrease to 8%, with at least 4% contingency reserve funds. The health insurance fund will also cover services such as remote medical consultations, family medicine, home health treatment, rehabilitation, prenatal checkups, and childbirth.

Starting July 1, four additional groups will receive financial support for health insurance premiums, including individuals from multidimensional poor households, near-poor households, recipients of the "People’s Artist" and "Meritorious Artist" titles, and victims as defined by the 2011 Anti-Human Trafficking Law.

Despite significant efforts, achieving universal health insurance requires a comprehensive approach. According to Associate Professor, Dr. Đào Xuân Cơ, Director of Bạch Mai Hospital, participating in health insurance benefits both individuals and society. As more people enroll, the health insurance fund strengthens, ensuring sustainability and improving the healthcare system.

Health insurance participation also provides citizens with financial security in case of health issues or serious illnesses. The regular health check-ups helps detect and treat diseases early are encouraged, reducing severe conditions and high treatment costs in the future. Health insurance coverage also promotes social equity is encouraged, equal rights and responsibilities in healthcare are ensured.

One major obstacle to universal health insurance is limited public awareness. Many individuals hesitate to enroll due to a lack of information or misunderstandings about their rights and obligations. Some even consider health insurance unnecessary, especially when they are young and healthy.

Financial constraints also pose a significant challenge, particularly for informal workers and low-income individuals in rural and remote areas who may struggle to afford health insurance premiums payment. Thus, financial support policies are essential to encourage participation among disadvantaged groups.

Deputy Minister of Health Trần Văn Thuấn emphasized the need to enhance public communication and education on health insurance benefits. Regular awareness campaigns, particularly in remote areas where information is scarce, should be conducted. Outreach programs using a "door-to-door" approach can help inform and persuade residents to participate.

Additionally, the Government should consider adjusting health insurance premiums to align with income levels across different groups. Encouraging businesses and social organizations to pay health insurance premiums for employees would not only boost participation rates but also contribute to stable  and a wholesome employment.

Moreover, authorities should regularly review and categorize potential participants, especially vulnerable groups who have yet to participate. Collaboration among political parties, government agencies, political - social organizations, and community groups is essential in mobilizing officials, party members, and citizens to actively promote health insurance participation. Expanding health insurance coverage is a crucial step toward building an equitable healthcare system. Equal access to medical services for all is vital for a healthier and more developed society.

The implementation of health insurance policies reflects the government’s commitment to healthcare equity and social welfare. Effective execution of these policies will contribute to poverty alleviation, social justice, and uphold the ethical and humanitarian values of society. Universal health insurance presents an opportunity for equal access to healthcare, but achieving it requires the collective effort of the political system, community responsibility, and the Vietnam Social Security industry to reinforce the value of health insurance as the "golden card" safeguarding individual and family health.