Beijing: China is advancing with strategic plans to enhance its birth rate by initiating a nationwide “free childbirth” policy by 2026. This initiative, set to function under the national health insurance system, aims to alleviate the financial strain on parents, encouraging them to have more children. The declining birth rate poses a notable challenge to China’s demographic structure and economic future.
According to Thai News Agency, the new policy is expected to cover basic childbirth expenses, thereby reducing the financial burden on families. The plan includes coverage for a range of services from prenatal checkups to childbirth, all within the framework of the National Health Insurance Policy. However, parents opting for premium hospital services or non-covered medications and medical equipment will need to cover those additional expenses themselves.
In conjunction with the childbirth policy, Chinese authorities are also working on expanding maternity insurance coverage. This expansion aims to include more freelance workers, migrant workers, and individuals employed in emerging job sectors. Presently, at least seven provinces offer full maternity coverage, and the insurance system serves about 255 million people. This move is indicative of China’s proactive approach toward welfare policies designed to motivate younger generations to have more children.