Ho Chi Minh City is taking steps to regulate the cost of medical examinations and treatments at local health stations, a move designed to ensure transparency and accessibility for residents relying on health insurance. The new regulations, effective January 1, 2026, establish specific price ceilings for a range of services, from routine check-ups to more intensive care, aiming to standardize costs and prevent overcharging. This initiative comes as the city restructures its healthcare system to a two-tiered local government model.
The move to regulate health station pricing is intended to maintain professional quality and ensure compliance with legal stipulations regarding health insurance payments. Authorities emphasize that the reorganization of the health station system will not disrupt access to covered medical services or diminish the rights of citizens. Some initial registration points for medical examinations and treatments will be relocated to suitable hospitals, but the core services will remain available.
Standardized Fees for Common Procedures
According to the new guidelines, a medical examination covered by health insurance at a health station will cost 36,500 Vietnamese Dong (VND). For more intensive care, the cost is set at 327,900 VND per day for a stay in the intensive care unit. A day in a general internal medicine ward will range from 156,300 to 248,700 VND. Costs for treatment wards will be calculated at 0.3 times the daily rate of the respective ward and room category. These standardized fees aim to provide clarity for both patients and healthcare providers.
FOTO: DUY TINH
Services Not Covered by Insurance
The Health Department has as well compiled a list of technical services that are not covered by health insurance and should not be requested at health stations. This is intended to streamline the process and ensure that patients are directed to the appropriate facilities for specialized care. Fees for specific services not covered by insurance have also been established.
For example, medical examinations for issuing accident certificates, medical reports, and comprehensive health checks for workers and drivers will cost 160,000 VND. Comprehensive health checks for individuals traveling abroad for work, excluding tests and X-rays, will be priced at 450,000 VND. These fees provide a clear framework for services outside of standard health insurance coverage.
Ensuring Transparency and Compliance
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health is requiring health stations to update the prices of medical services within the system in coordination with the Social Insurance Agency. They are also mandated to publicly display information about the prices for medical examinations and treatments and to organize fee collection according to the established rates. This emphasis on transparency is a key component of the new regulations.
the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health and Social Insurance is issuing guidelines regarding the regulations for the registration and duration of professional practice for personnel in health stations. This includes the approval of technical procedures and the organization of medical examinations and treatments covered by health insurance. The guidelines also cover the bidding and supply of medicines to health stations and the calculation and payment of costs for medical examinations and treatments covered by health insurance.
Impact on Healthcare Access and Quality
According to the Ministry of Health, the synchronized implementation of health insurance-covered medical examinations and treatments across 168 health stations will not only alleviate the burden on higher-level facilities but also ensure that the population has convenient access to medical services in accordance with regulations and their rights. This aligns with the city’s broader goal of improving the quality of primary healthcare in the region. The restructuring aims to build healthcare more accessible and convenient for residents, while also ensuring full coverage of health insurance benefits.
The changes are expected to impact a significant portion of the population in Ho Chi Minh City, particularly those who rely on public health stations for their primary care needs. The standardized pricing structure will provide greater financial predictability for patients, while the emphasis on transparency will help to build trust in the healthcare system. The city’s health authorities are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and minimizing any disruption to patient care during this period of reorganization.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about healthcare regulations in Ho Chi Minh City and should not be considered medical or financial advice. For personalized guidance, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional or financial advisor.
The next step in this process will be the full implementation of the new pricing structure across all 168 health stations in Ho Chi Minh City, with ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure its effectiveness. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new regulations and to report any concerns to the Department of Health. Share your thoughts on these changes in the comments below.
