Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, where he focuses on helping people compare health plans for life abroad. He emphasizes clear information, neutral analysis, and practical decision support.
Overview
Vietnam has emerged as a popular destination for digital nomads, retirees, and long-term expats. The extremely low cost of living, rich culture, and growing expat infrastructure make it increasingly attractive.
Healthcare in Vietnam is affordable compared to Western countries, with quality private hospitals in major cities. However, for serious conditions, evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore may be necessary. International health insurance is strongly recommended for expats.
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Vietnam Healthcare System
Vietnam has a developing healthcare system with significant differences between public and private facilities.
Public Healthcare
Vietnam's public hospitals are affordable but often crowded with limited English-speaking staff:
- Quality: Variable—good for basic care, limited for complex procedures
- Cost: Very low (consultations under $10)
- Language: Vietnamese only at most facilities
- Wait times: Often long, especially at major hospitals
Most expats avoid public hospitals except for emergencies and use private facilities instead.
Private Healthcare
Private hospitals in major cities offer much better care:
- Ho Chi Minh City: FV Hospital, Vinmec Central Park, Columbia Asia
- Hanoi: Vinmec Times City, Family Medical Practice, Hanoi French Hospital
- Da Nang: Vinmec Da Nang, Family Medical Practice
Vinmec is Vietnam's largest private hospital chain with modern facilities and English-speaking staff. FV Hospital in HCMC is the top international-standard hospital in the south.
Medical Evacuation
For complex procedures or serious conditions, evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore is common. Thailand is typically the first choice due to proximity and excellent hospitals (Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital).
Important: Medical evacuation from Vietnam can cost $20,000-50,000+. Ensure your insurance includes adequate evacuation coverage to Thailand or Singapore.
Visa Insurance Requirements
Vietnam doesn't mandate health insurance for most visa types, but coverage is strongly recommended:
Tourist Visa / E-Visa
No insurance requirement. E-visa allows 30-90 days depending on type. Travel insurance recommended.
Business Visa (DN)
No mandatory insurance. Many business visa holders stay long-term and should have comprehensive coverage.
Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
For long-term residents (work, investment, family). No insurance mandate, but essential for quality healthcare access.
Work Permit
Employers must provide social insurance for employees, which includes basic health coverage. However, this public coverage is limited—most expats supplement with private international insurance.
Retirement
Vietnam doesn't have a formal retirement visa. Retirees typically use long-term business visas or investor visas. No insurance requirement, but strongly recommended given age-related health needs.
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Recommended Plans
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Vietnam:
| Provider | Type | Best For | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| SafetyWing | Travel Medical | Digital nomads | $45/mo |
| Pacific Cross Vietnam | Local | Long-term residents | $60/mo |
| IMG Global | International | Budget expats | $75/mo |
| Allianz Care | International | Flexible coverage | $110/mo |
| Cigna Global | International | Comprehensive | $150/mo |
| BUPA Global | International | Premium coverage | $190/mo |
For Digital Nomads
SafetyWing is popular among Vietnam digital nomads. At $45/month, it provides basic travel medical coverage. Limitations: no pre-existing conditions, limited coverage, no routine care. Fine for healthy nomads on shorter stays.
For Long-Term Expats
International insurers offer comprehensive coverage:
- Cigna Global — Strong overall choice with good Vietnam network
- Allianz Care — Flexible modular plans, good value
- IMG Global — Budget international option
- BUPA Global — Premium coverage with excellent mental health
Local Options
Pacific Cross Vietnam offers local plans for long-term residents. Good value but limited to Vietnam coverage only. Bao Viet is the largest Vietnamese insurer with affordable options.
Key Coverage Considerations
- Regional evacuation: Ensure coverage to Thailand/Singapore
- Direct billing: Important at Vinmec, FV Hospital
- Outpatient care: Affordable in Vietnam—consider inpatient-only plans
- Dental: Very affordable out of pocket ($30-50 for cleaning)
Expected Costs
Vietnam offers some of the most affordable healthcare in Asia:
Insurance Costs
- Travel medical (SafetyWing): $45-70/month
- Local plans: $50-120/month
- Budget international: $75-150/month
- Comprehensive international: $150-300/month
- Premium coverage: $250-400/month
Out-of-Pocket Costs (Private Hospitals)
- GP consultation: VND 300,000-800,000 ($12-35)
- Specialist visit: VND 500,000-1,500,000 ($20-65)
- Emergency room: VND 1,000,000-3,000,000 ($40-130)
- Hospital stay: VND 3,000,000-8,000,000/day ($130-350/day)
- Surgery: VND 20,000,000-100,000,000+ ($870-4,350+)
Public vs Private
Public hospital costs are 70-90% lower, but quality and language barriers make private facilities preferable for most expats.
Dental and Vision
Dental care in Vietnam is extremely affordable at quality clinics. Most expats pay out of pocket:
- Cleaning: $25-40
- Filling: $30-60
- Crown: $150-300
- Eye exam: $20-40
Common Questions
Is health insurance mandatory in Vietnam?
No. Vietnam doesn't mandate health insurance for expats (except through employer social insurance for work permit holders). However, private insurance is strongly recommended given limitations of public healthcare.
Is SafetyWing enough for Vietnam?
For healthy digital nomads on shorter stays, SafetyWing provides adequate emergency coverage. For longer stays, pre-existing conditions, or comprehensive coverage needs, international health insurance is better.
Do I need evacuation coverage?
Yes. While Vietnam's private hospitals handle most issues, complex surgeries and serious conditions often require evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore. Evacuation costs can exceed $20,000-50,000.
Which city has the best healthcare?
Ho Chi Minh City has the best healthcare infrastructure with FV Hospital and multiple Vinmec locations. Hanoi is second with Vinmec Times City and French Hospital. Da Nang is improving but more limited.
Can I pay out of pocket in Vietnam?
Yes, and many expats do for routine care given low costs. A high-deductible international plan for catastrophic coverage plus out-of-pocket routine care is a common strategy.
What about pharmacies?
Pharmacies in Vietnam sell many medications without prescription at very low prices. However, quality can vary—stick to reputable pharmacy chains in major cities.
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare regulations and visa requirements change. We are not insurance brokers or immigration consultants. Always verify information with Vietnamese authorities and insurers.
