Health Insurance for Students – A Solid Social Security “Shield” for the Young Generation
11/09/2025 10:20 AM
Health Insurance (HI) for students is not only a humane policy of the Party and the State but also a solid “shield” against health risks. With increasing levels of support, more practical benefits, and broader coverage, HI helps millions of students access comprehensive healthcare, ease the financial burden on their families, and develop the habit of protecting their health from an early age.
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In the school year 2024–2025, more than 20.8 million students nationwide participated in HI, reaching a coverage rate of 98.4%. Compared to the 2023–2024, the coverage rate increased by nearly 1%, equivalent to over 1.7 million additional students holding HI cards. This figure reflects the great efforts of the entire political system in safeguarding the health of the young generation.
The HI fund has become a true “lifeline” for millions of families. In the first half of 2025, the fund covered more than VND 2.075 trillion in medical expenses for over 4.3 million student visits, an increase of 17% and 7.4% compared to the same period in 2024.
Among them, there were many cases of serious illnesses such as kidney failure, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, with treatment costs reaching hundreds of millions dong to billions dong per case. Without HI, such enormous expenses could push many families into hardship and force students to drop out of school. Thanks to this humane policy, they can continue receiving treatment, recover, return to class, and pursue their unfinished dreams.
Under Government Decree No. 188/2025/ND-CP dated July 1st, 2025, the subsidy rate for student HI contributions has been raised from 30% to at least 50%. This allows each student to save approximately VND 252,720 per year, with a maximum contribution of around VND 631,800 annually—far lower than the actual medical expenses of illness.
In addition to State support, many localities have proactively allocated budgets or mobilized social resources to ease the financial burden on parents, ensuring universal student participation in HI. For example, Dak Nong province has provided up to 60% support, while Ca Mau province has covered as much as 70% for specific groups.
In recent years, many localities have made a concerted efforts to achieve 100% student HI coverage. The participation rate has steadily increased, with many provinces reaching targets ahead of schedule.
When enrolling in HI, students are entitled to 80–100% reimbursement of medical expenses at designated healthcare facilities. In cases of emergency or out-of-network treatment, benefits are still ensured at 40–80%, depending on the hospital level. This is a financial safeguard, giving families greater peace of mind against health risks.
HI allows students to access healthcare services from commune- and district-level facilities to central hospitals. Thanks to the referral mechanism, they can seek medical care at any convenient facility while still enjoying their full benefits. This creates opportunities to access modern medical technologies and ensures timely and high-quality treatment.
Beyond immediate health protection, participating in HI also helps students build the habit of regular check-ups and early detection of school-related conditions such as scoliosis, myopia, and obesity. At the same time, the policy nurtures a spirit of mutual support—“one for all, all for one”—contributing to instilling community awareness, compassion, and responsibility among the young generation./.
VSS
Sickness
Work Injury and Occupational Disease
Survivor’s
Old-age
Maternity
Unemployment
Medical (Health Insurance)
Certificate of coverage
VSS - ISSA Guidelines on Social Security