New Health Insurance Policy: No Referral Needed from July 1
Starting July 1, 2026, individuals with health insurance in Vietnam will no longer need a referral to

From July 1, 2026, patients in Vietnam will be able to receive 50% reimbursement from the health insurance fund for outpatient treatments at designated central hospitals, even if those hospitals are outside their assigned network. This new policy is designed to improve healthcare accessibility for individuals who require specialized medical services that may not be available within their local healthcare facilities.
The implementation of this policy is expected to alleviate some of the financial burdens on patients who often face high out-of-pocket expenses when seeking care at central hospitals. By allowing a partial reimbursement for out-of-network visits, the government aims to encourage patients to seek necessary medical attention without the fear of prohibitive costs.
Patients are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the list of central hospitals eligible for this reimbursement to ensure they can take full advantage of the benefits offered. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reform the healthcare system in Vietnam, making it more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the population.
The health insurance fund will cover 50% of the treatment costs, which is a significant step towards making healthcare more affordable for many citizens. This policy is anticipated to lead to improved health outcomes as patients are more likely to seek timely medical care when financial barriers are reduced.
As the rollout date approaches, health authorities will provide further details and guidelines to ensure a smooth implementation of this new policy.