According to the revised law on health insurance, from 1 July 2025, patients will be paid 100% of the benefits when having an initial health check-up nationwide, regardless of administrative boundaries by province.
This means health insurance participants are no longer tied to the medical facility near their place of residence and they have the right to choose a facility that suits their needs, service quality, or convenience in daily life and work.
Further to that, from 1 July, patients with serious or rare diseases can now access medical exams and treatment without needing a referral.
Alongside expanded benefits, the revised Law on Health Insurance introduces a list of 12 medical cases that will no longer be eligible for coverage.
One significant change is the exclusion of treatment costs for refractive errors and strabismus in individuals aged 18 and over- conditions commonly affecting students and office workers.
Additionally, the revised law excludes coverage for non-medical reproductive support services, abortion, cosmetic procedures and alternative medical devices such as prosthetic limbs, dentures, and eyeglasses. These changes may disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, and single women.