Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Social Health Insurance benefits and payment procedures.

Payments & Benefits

What is a "Co-payment"?

A co-payment is the percentage of medical expenses that you are required to pay after Social Health Insurance has paid its share according to your entitlement.

For example, if your treatment costs VND 1,000,000 and your Social Health Insurance entitlement is 80%:

Social health insurance pays: VND 800,000 (80%).
Your co-payment: VND 200,000 (the remaining 20%).

I have 100% coverage; why do I still have to pay extra?

Social Health Insurance pays 100% of eligible medical expenses based on the official Social Health Insurance fee schedule. You are still responsible for:

The difference between FV’s fees and the Social Health Insurance reimbursement rates.
Medical services that are not covered by Social Health Insurance.
Costs arising from medicines, medical supplies or medical services requested by the patient that are outside the scope of Social Health Insurance coverage.

In other words, 100% Social Health Insurance coverage applies only to the services and reimbursement rates specified under Social Health Insurance regulations. Any costs outside that scope remain the patient’s responsibility.

I heard that after contributing to Social Health Insurance for five years, all medical costs are covered. Is this true?

Under Point c, Clause 1, Article 22 of the Law on Health Insurance, patients receiving care at the appropriate healthcare facility are entitled to 100% Social Health Insurance coverage if both of the following conditions are met:

You have participated in Social Health Insurance continuously for five years or more.
Your total co-payments for eligible treatment during the year exceed six times the statutory reference amount.

Are medicines covered by Social Health Insurance of the same quality?

All medicines prescribed at FV meet strict standards for quality, safety and clinical effectiveness before they are used for patient care. There is no difference in the quality of medicines or prescribing practice between medicines covered by Social Health Insurance and medicines that are not covered.

How it works at FV Hospital:

Your doctor prescribes the most appropriate treatment based on your medical condition.
Your Social Health Insurance benefits are then applied to medicines that are covered and meet the reimbursement criteria.
Social Health Insurance is a payment mechanism. It helps reduce treatment costs in accordance with Government regulations and does not influence your doctor’s choice of medication.

Conditions & usage of social health insurance at FV

I have both social and private health insurance. Can I use both?

Yes. You may use your Social Health Insurance together with private or international health insurance that participates in FV’s direct billing programme to maximise your benefits and reduce your medical expenses.

Benefits are applied in the following order:

Social health insurance: Your Social Health Insurance is applied first to cover medical expenses included in the Social Health Insurance scheme, according to your entitlement and the applicable regulations.
Private/international insurance: After your Social Health Insurance has been applied, your private health insurance (Vietnamese or international) will be used to cover the remaining costs, subject to your policy benefits and approval.
FV Membership Card: If you are an FV Member, your membership benefits or discounts will be applied last to the remaining balance after all eligible insurance benefits have been processed.

What level of healthcare facility is FV Hospital? Can the hospital assist me in checking my primary care facility?

FV is classified by the Ministry of Health as a basic-level healthcare facility.
Your registered primary care facility is printed on your Social Health Insurance card and can be checked by you at any time.
If you need assistance, the Social Health Insurance Services Desk at FV can help you verify your registered primary care facility.

At public hospitals, my insurance covers the costs so I don’t have to pay, but at FV I incur additional charges. What are the advantages of selecting FV as my primary facility?

FV Hospital offers high-quality healthcare delivered by expert doctors using state-of-the-art equipment. In 2025, FV was awarded JCI international accreditation for the fourth consecutive time. By choosing FV as your primary facility, you benefit from safe, effective and well-coordinated care on par with the region’s leading hospitals.

Although there may be additional costs not covered by social health insurance, you will receive professional medical services, a clean and comfortable environment, and efficient procedures, all of which help to enhance your treatment outcomes and care experience

Do I need a referral document to use social health insurance at FV Hospital?

A referral is not always necessary to use your insurance at FV. This depends on whether you are seeking outpatient or inpatient care:

For outpatient care: A referral is required unless you fall into one of these categories:

FV is your registered primary care facility: If you have already selected FV as your primary facility on your card, no referral is needed.
Emergency cases: If you arrive at FV in an emergency, you receive benefits without a referral.
Specific conditions under Circular 01/2025/TT-BYT: If your diagnosis and condition match those in Appendices 1 & 2 of Circular 01/2025/TT-BYT, no referral is needed.

For inpatient care: No referral is required to apply social health insurance for inpatient treatment at FV Hospital.

Why is a referral document needed?

For outpatient care, a referral is needed unless you fall under the following exceptions:

FV is your registered primary care facility: If you have already selected FV as your primary facility on your card, no referral is needed.
Emergency cases: If you arrive at FV in an emergency, you remain entitled to social health insurance benefits.
Specific conditions under Circular 01/2025/TT-BYT: If your diagnosis and condition match those in Appendices 1 & 2 of Circular 01/2025/TT-BYT, no referral is needed.

The purpose of a referral is to ensure you seek care at the appropriate facility level, allowing the fund to be used effectively and ensuring you receive the highest benefit level. If you do not meet one of the exemption conditions above and attend FV without a valid referral letter, you may not be covered for outpatient care at FV.

My child is seriously ill and cannot wait for a referral. Will the hospital provide support?

In serious cases where you cannot wait, please come to our Accident & Emergency Department. Any person with social health insurance can seek emergency care at any facility and still receive full benefits without a referral.

Additionally, under Circular 01/2025/TT-BYT, individuals with critical or rare diseases on the specified list can go directly to specialized facilities for treatment and receive full benefits without a referral.

In summary, for emergencies or critical conditions listed in Appendices 1 & 2 of Circular 01/2025/TT-BYT, the hospital will provide immediate treatment and ensure your benefits are secured without requiring a referral.

What are my options if I am currently registered with another hospital or do not hold social health insurance, but wish to receive care at FV Hospital immediately?

If you haven’t purchased a social health insurance card, contact your local social insurance agency or use the National Public Services Portal, and register FV Hospital as your primary care facility.

If you already have a social health insurance card registered elsewhere and wish to seek outpatient care, you will receive benefits at the correct level if you meet one of the following:

Registering FV as your primary healthcare facility.
Providing a valid referral document (if seeking care via transfer).
Seeking medical care in an emergency.
Matching a diagnostic code and condition specified in Appendices 1 & 2 of Circular 01/2025/TT-BYT.