HÀ NỘI ­— People who caught novel coronavirus (nCoV) would be offered free tests, treatment and medicine, according to the Ministry of Health.

The health ministry is working with the Việt Nam Social Insurance to complete medical expenses plans for nCoV patients, said Nguyễn Nam Liên, director of the ministry's Planning and Finance Department.

Those who were suspected of carrying the virus and needed quarantine would have to pay their medical fees as per health insurance regulations if their test results were negative, said Liên.

The health insurance fund would pay for check-ups and tests for those who displayed symptoms such as high fever, coughing and shortness of breath, said Lê Văn Phúc, head of the Policy Department at Việt Nam Health Insurance.

“All tests and treatment for nCoV-positive patients would be covered by the State Budget,” said Phúc.

Previously, the Việt Nam Health Insurance had sent official letters to provincial health insurance agencies regarding medical treatment payments for nCoV-positive patients.

In the letter, provincial health insurance agencies were asked to co-operate with local hospitals and clinics to offer quick diagnosis and treatment to insurance cardholders when they were suspected of being infected with the virus. — VNS