Over 93% of Population Covered by Health Insurance

After nearly three decades of development (February 16, 1995, to 2024), the Vietnam Social Security (VSS) has made significant strides in the realm of social security. Entrusted by the Party and the State, VSS has contributed to social progress and justice, thereby ensuring political and social stability for national development.

The rate of health insurance policyholders has sustainably developed, surpassing the target set by the Party and the Government

In line with the objective of achieving universal coverage for social insurance and health insurance, the number of policyholders for social insurance, health insurance and unemployment insurance has consistently increased over the years, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups. Notably, the rate of health insurance policyholders has sustainably developed, surpassing the target set by the Party and the Government.

Currently, approximately 18.26 million individuals, or 39.25% of the active labor force, are enrolled in social insurance. This includes about 1.83 million voluntary social insurance policyholders, accounting for 3.92% of the active workforce. This represents a 305-fold increase since 2008, the inaugural year of voluntary social insurance implementation (rising from 6,000 to 1.83 million policyholders). The number of unemployment insurance policyholders stands at 14.7 million, nearly 31.6% of the active workforce, marking a nearly 2.5-fold increase since 2009, the first year of unemployment insurance adoption (rising from 6 million to 14.7 million policyholders).

The number of health insurance policyholders has reached over 93.3 million, accounting for 93.35% of the population. This is a 13.1-fold increase compared to 2015 (rising from 7.1 million to 93.3 million policyholders), bringing us closer to the goal of universal health insurance.

Moreover, significant progress has been made in settling benefits of social insurance, health insurance and unemployment insurance. From 1995 to 2023, the social security sector processed more than 144.8 million claims for sickness, maternity and health recovery benefits. From 2010 to 2022, it coordinated the handling of nearly 9.7 million claims for unemployment insurance benefits. At present, more than 3.3 million individuals are receiving monthly pensions and social insurance benefits.

Additionally, from 2003 to 2023, the sector collaborated with medical facilities to ensure health insurance benefits for over 2,542.8 million policyholders. It also worked diligently to address issues related to drug and medical supply shortages, promptly pay medical expenses covered by health insurance, and create favorable conditions for medical facilities to serve insured patients.

In the face of the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on livelihoods and employment from 2020 to 2022, Vietnam’s social security sector demonstrated remarkable proactivity and determination. Collaborating closely with relevant agencies, the sector provided crucial advice to the Party, the State, the Government, and the Prime Minister, leading to the issuance of numerous mechanisms and policies aimed at supporting pandemic-stricken businesses and workers.

Simultaneously, the sector prioritized the mobilization of all available resources to swiftly launch support packages. These packages, funded by social insurance and unemployment insurance funds, were directed towards the rightful beneficiaries. This initiative aided millions of workers and employers in overcoming hardships, stabilizing their lives, and reviving business activities.

The results achieved underscore the political resolve of the Vietnamese social security sector at all stages to safeguard the rights and interests of social insurance and health insurance policyholders. This has further solidified the trust of all societal classes in the social security policies of the Party and the State.

Since its inception in 1995, the Vietnamese social security sector, through its continuous efforts, has surmounted numerous challenges and achieved significant milestones.

Looking ahead, to successfully realize the goals of universal social insurance and health insurance, the sector will continue to implement innovative and inclusive solutions. These efforts aim to ensure social security and a stable life for the people, marking an impressive milestone in the sector’s 30-year journey of development by 2025.

Source: Vietnam Business Forum