China’s national healthcare security administration has announced that from 2026 it aims to fully cover all policy-approved medical expenses related to childbirth. This includes prenatal checkups and delivery costs, with the goal of ensuring there are no out-of-pocket expenses for families. Several provinces have already introduced similar measures, making childbirth nearly free in some regions.
Why It Matters
The policy is part of Beijing’s broader effort to reverse China’s declining population. The country’s population began shrinking in 2022 and has continued to fall through 2024, driven by low birth rates. Rising healthcare, childcare and education costs have been major deterrents for young couples considering starting families, making financial relief a key policy lever.
Young couples and families stand to benefit most from reduced medical costs. Local governments will play a central role in implementing reimbursements, while the national healthcare system will bear increased financial responsibility. The policy also ties into broader demographic and economic planning affecting China’s workforce and elderly population.
What’s Next
China is expected to roll out nationwide reimbursement standards ahead of 2026, building on pilot programmes in individual provinces. Authorities have signalled that this move will be complemented by childcare subsidies, expanded maternity leave and free preschool education as part of a wider strategy to address long-term demographic decline.
With information from Reuters.
