Employers that evade health insurance payments must reimburse workers’ medical costs, Vietnam says

Employers in Vietnam that delay or evade health insurance payments must reimburse workers for medical expenses they paid while they lacked health insurance cards, the Health Ministry said.

The ministry cited Article 49, Clause 4 of the Health Insurance Law in response to residents who asked for support mechanisms to protect workers from losing access to health coverage because of prolonged employer arrears. The reimbursement applies to medical treatment within the worker’s insurance benefits.

Workers, their relatives or lawful representatives can submit documents seeking repayment from the organization, individual or employer responsible for the delayed or unpaid contributions. Once it receives a complete application, the responsible employer or organization has 40 days to pay the medical costs.

Businesses and individuals that delay or evade payment must also pay all outstanding contributions, plus an amount equal to 0.03% of the unpaid sum for every day of delay or evasion. They may face administrative penalties, while evasion can lead to criminal prosecution under the law.

The Health Ministry said it would work with the Finance Ministry, social insurance agencies and other authorized bodies to strengthen checks on employment, wages and health insurance payments. Authorities will review companies with prolonged arrears, underreporting of employees or incorrect wage-based contributions, then pursue collection, inspections and enforcement to protect workers’ legal rights.