Hanoi to Introduce Support Policies for Children with Serious Illnesses in 2027

Support for Medical Treatment, Meals and Travel Expenses

On October 28, 2026, the Hanoi People’s Council passed a resolution introducing several support policies in healthcare and social assistance. Under the resolution, children with serious illnesses or conditions requiring long-term treatment who belong to poor or near-poor households, or whose parents or caregivers receive monthly social assistance benefits, are eligible for support in accordance with the regulations.

Specifically, the city will cover 100% of the out-of-pocket co-payment for health insurance-covered medical expenses, up to a maximum of 200 times the standard social assistance amount per year.

Eligible children will also receive meal allowances of VND 100,000 per day, for a maximum of 15 days per treatment episode and no more than 75 days per year. Travel expenses for the child and one caregiver will be supported based on standard public transport fares. In cases of medical emergencies or hospital transfers, the full cost of transportation by a specialised ambulance will be covered.

These forms of assistance are intended to reduce the additional costs associated with treatment, particularly for families who need to take their children to healthcare facilities repeatedly or arrange long-term care.

Monthly Allowances for Children with Serious Illnesses Living in the Community

In addition to support during medical treatment, the resolution provides for monthly allowances for eligible children with serious illnesses who live in the community.

Children under four years of age will receive an allowance equivalent to 2.5 times the standard social assistance amount, while children aged four to under 16 will receive an allowance equivalent to 1.5 times that amount.

For children who begin a course of treatment before turning 16 but reach the age of 16 during treatment, the support policy will remain applicable until the end of that treatment episode.

By setting different support levels according to age and individual circumstances, the policy aims to strengthen assistance for children requiring long-term healthcare while helping families sustain their children’s treatment.

Strengthening the Social Safety Net for Children

Support for children with serious illnesses forms part of a broader package of healthcare and social assistance policies approved by the Hanoi People’s Council, targeting disadvantaged groups and children in need of special support.

To ensure these policies are effective, implementation must be accompanied by clear public information, guidance on application procedures and accurate identification of eligible beneficiaries. Families also need clear information about eligibility requirements, necessary documents and the relevant agencies responsible for receiving applications so they can access assistance when needed.

The resolution will take effect on January 1, 2027. It represents a further step in strengthening local social protection, helping ease the burden on families caring for children with serious illnesses and improving access to healthcare for disadvantaged children.