Paper health insurance cards ending - A breakthrough in administrative reform

BHG - To implement the project on applying population data, identification and electronic authentication, towards national digital transformation, the Social Security Office of Region XIX (covering Tuyen Quang and Ha Giang provinces) has issued a document requesting to discontinue the use of paper health insurance cards from June 1. Citizens will use electronic health insurance via their chip-based Citizen Identification Card, the VNeID app, or the VssID app when seeking medical examination and treatment. This marks an important step towards simplifying administrative procedures and saving time and costs for the public and authorities.

Local medical facilities are fully equipped with devices and software to support the digital transformation.

At Ha Giang Provincial General Hospital – a pioneer in digital transformation in healthcare – training sessions for medical staff on digital software, data entry via chip-based Citizen Identification Card and the VNeID app have been organised since early 2022. By the first quarter of 2025, 93% of nearly 37,000 patient visits involved electronic health insurance. According to Deputy Director Nguyen Quoc Dung, digitising the procedures for patient admission, treatment, and health insurance payment not only shortens waiting times for patients but also reduces the workload for medical staff. Citizens now only need to present their identification card or use the VNeID or VssID app to access their health insurance benefits, without cumbersome paperwork. Ending paper health insurance cards also saves on printing and record-keeping costs.

Nevertheless, concerns remain, particularly among the elderly, those without smartphones, or individuals unfamiliar with technology. The Social Security Office of Region XIX has pledged maximum support, including assistance with installing and using the VssID app. In special cases where electronic health insurance cannot be used, people may be reissued a paper card to ensure their health care benefits.

The shift from paper to digital health insurance is expected to bring about more transparent and convenient healthcare services, enhancing service quality, reducing administrative costs, and building a modern, comprehensive and sustainable health management system.

DANG YEN