According to current regulations, the Social Insurance Agency will refund Health Insurance contributions in the following four scenarios.
First, switching to a new Health Insurance group. If an individual is enrolled in Health Insurance under one category and later receives a Health Insurance card under a higher-priority category (as per Article 12 of the 2008 Health Insurance Law), while reporting the reduction in the value of the old card, the refundable amount is the unused portion of the contribution, calculated from the effective date of the new Health Insurance card.
Second, an increase in state subsidies for Health Insurance contributions. If an individual’s Health Insurance contribution receives an increased state subsidy, the corresponding paid amount for the unused period will be refunded, starting from the effective date of the adjustment decision.
Third, the insured individual passes away before the card becomes valid. In this unfortunate situation, the deceased’s dependents should be aware of their rights. If the insured individual passes away before the card’s effective date, the full amount paid (from the card’s start date) will be refunded to the dependents.
Fourth, duplicate Health Insurance contributions. Under Decision 595, if an individual pays duplicate Health Insurance contributions due to enrollment in multiple categories, the Social Insurance Agency will refund the amount corresponding to the overlapping, unused period, starting from the effective date of the new Health Insurance card.
Four scenarios for Health Insurance contribution refunds in 2025
Health Insurance Contribution Refund Procedures for 2025
Decision 896/QĐ-BHXH of 2021 outlines the procedures and documents required for Health Insurance refunds. Depending on the case, individuals can choose to process the refund through a collection agent or directly at the Social Insurance Agency.
Refunds for duplicate contributions or group changes
Individuals can choose one of the following methods:
Via collection agent or school: The individual submits Form TK1-TS to the agent. The agent will compile List D03-TS and submit the documents to the Social Insurance Agency via the Public Service Portal, postal service, or in person. Within 5 working days, the Social Insurance Agency will issue a Refund Decision (Form C16-TS) and transfer the funds as registered.
Direct submission by the individual: The individual submits Form TK1-TS to the Social Insurance Agency in their place of residence or management, either in person, by mail, or electronically. The process will also be completed within 5 working days upon receipt of valid documents.
Refunds in case of the insured individual’s death
Applicable to individuals enrolled in household Health Insurance (including average-income agricultural, forestry, fishery, and salt-making households) who pass away before the card becomes valid.
Via collection agent: Dependents submit Form TK1-TS along with a copy or photograph of the death certificate for verification. The agent completes the file and sends it to the Social Insurance Agency.
Direct submission to the Social Insurance Agency: Dependents prepare Form TK1-TS and the death certificate, submitting them via mail, electronic transaction, or at the one-stop service department.
For both methods, the Social Insurance Agency will process the request within 5 working days, providing a Refund Decision and the corresponding amount.
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