Question:

I am in the hospital but the health insurance card issued by the school has expired. If the card expires while I am in the hospital, will I be able to pay the hospital bill? – (traanngalinh@gmail.com).

Hanoi Social Insurance replied:

Pursuant to the provisions of Clause 9, Article 27 of Decree 146/2018/ND-CP as follows: In case a person with a health insurance card is being treated as an inpatient at a medical examination and treatment facility but the health insurance card has expired, the health insurance fund will pay for medical examination and treatment costs within the scope of benefits and the level of benefits until discharge from the hospital, but not exceeding 15 days from the date the health insurance card expires.

The medical examination and treatment facility is responsible for notifying the patient and the social insurance agency where the health insurance examination and treatment contract was signed so that the patient can continue to participate in health insurance. The social insurance agency shall issue or renew the health insurance card for the patient during the time of treatment at the medical examination and treatment facility.

Thus, you will still be paid by the Health Insurance Fund for medical examination and treatment costs within the scope of benefits and benefit levels until you are discharged from the hospital, but not exceeding 15 days from the date the Health Insurance card expires.

In addition, you need to renew your health insurance card according to the instructions of the medical facility and social insurance agency if you are in the treatment period.