Guidelines for using the electronic social security book and the electronic health insurance card

The Social Insurance Agency in Vietnam has issued guidance on how participants can receive and use the electronic social security book and the electronic health insurance card through the National Digital Identification application (VNeID) level 2, the Social Insurance Number app (VssID), or via an email inbox.

Electronic social security book and electronic health insurance card: what they are used for

According to Vietnam Social Security, the electronic social security book is used to resolve social insurance and unemployment insurance benefits in accordance with the law. In benefit-related procedures, participants only need to present the electronic social security book; paper copies do not need to be submitted.

For the electronic health insurance card, participants use it when receiving medical examination and treatment at medical facilities and as a basis for paying medical costs.

Circular 09/2026/TT-BTC: no additional paper documents after correct presentation

Under Circular 09/2026/TT-BTC, when participants present the electronic social security book and the electronic health insurance card correctly in line with the guidance, authorities, organizations, and medical facilities are not allowed to require additional paper copies.

This regulation confirms that the electronic social security book and the electronic health insurance card have valid use for resolving insurance benefits and for medical examination and treatment and health insurance claim payment within the scope of the participant’s benefits.

Registration and activation requirement from February 13, 2026

From February 13, 2026, participants are required to actively register and activate their VNeID level 2 account, or use the VssID app to receive and use the electronic social security book and electronic health insurance card when carrying out related procedures.

How to register for voluntary social insurance online

Citizens can register online for voluntary social insurance (including health insurance) via the National Public Service Portal or the Vietnam Social Security Public Service Portal:

1. Register and log in to the National Public Service Portal at https://dichvucong.gov.vn or the Vietnam Social Security Public Service Portal at https://dichvucong.baohiemxahoi.gov.vn/.
2. Select the service “Register for voluntary social insurance”.
3. Fill in information as guided to complete the voluntary social insurance registration.
4. Choose payment and complete the payment as guided.
5. Receive notification: an electronic receipt from the banking intermediary system.
6. Receive notification of the deadline for payment of the social insurance.
7. Receive the electronic social security book or the paper booklet according to the chosen method.

How to update social insurance on VNeID

1. Log in to the VNeID app with your personal identification number.
2. On the main interface, select “Document wallet”, then select “Social insurance”.
3. Enter the 10-digit social security number.
4. Tick the box “I want to integrate information on my social insurance participation into my electronic identity account”.
5. Send the integration request.

After a successful integration request, citizens can access the social insurance function to monitor the processing status. For records with the status “Update failed”, citizens enter the social security number and resend the integration request.

How to pay health insurance online

1. Register and log in to the National Public Service Portal at https://dichvucong.gov.vn or the Vietnam Social Security Public Service Portal at https://dichvucong.baohiemxahoi.gov.vn/.
2. Choose the service (such as registering to pay health insurance).
3. Online health insurance payer fills in information as guided to complete registration to pay health insurance.
4. Online health insurance payer selects payment and completes payment.
5. Receive electronic receipts from the banking/intermediary system.
6. Receive notification of the card’s expiration or continued use.
7. Receive the electronic health insurance card or the paper card according to the registered method.