Increase in Health Insurance Spending in Vietnam and the Search for Financing
Rising health insurance expenditures in Vietnam in the first half of 2026 have raised concerns about the fund's sustainability, prompting experts to propose allocating additional resources from special consumption taxes.
In the first six months of 2026, health insurance spending in Vietnam reached 84.8 trillion VND, an 11.1% increase compared to the same period last year. Facing rising costs and an aging population, officials and experts are discussing new funding sources and oversight mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of health financing.
Rise in Health Insurance Expenditures
According to data from the Ministry of Health, total health insurance expenditures reached 84.8 trillion VND in the first six months of 2026. This represents an increase of more than 8.4 trillion VND, or 11.1%, compared to the same period last year.
Breakdown of Expenditure Items
Thirty percent of total expenditures went toward pharmaceuticals. Twenty percent of the budget was spent on laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging, 18% on surgeries and medical procedures, 16% on hospital bed fees, and 12% on medical equipment.
Future Coverage and Innovations
Speaking at a workshop organized by the Vietnam Medical Association, Hoang Trung Tuan, Deputy Director of the Health Insurance Department, announced that health insurance coverage will be gradually expanded. It was stated that priority will be given to disease prevention, chronic disease management, and routine health check-ups.
Due to rising expenditures from the fund, cost control has become critically important. In this regard, the implementation of innovations such as incorporating artificial intelligence and electronic auditing systems into the process was emphasized.
Fund and Financing Proposals from Experts
Dr. Ong The Due from the Institute of Strategy and Policy proposed transferring a portion of special consumption tax revenues collected from tobacco, alcohol, and sugary beverages to the Health Insurance Fund and disease prevention activities.
Dr. Jennifer Gill from the London School of Economics and Political Science noted that investments in health foster economic growth by increasing labor productivity. Increasing public revenue, reforming contribution mechanisms, and resource efficiency were presented as key goals for Vietnam.