Healthcare and insurance in Vietnam

Healthcare in Vietnam is affordable, and the big cities have modern private and international hospitals with English-speaking doctors. The public system is very cheap but crowded, and it mostly works in Vietnamese. Most expats rely on private care backed by good health insurance.

How the system works

Vietnam has a public healthcare system and a fast-growing private sector. The public system is funded through the national health insurance scheme, which covers most Vietnamese citizens and foreigners working here on a local contract.

In practice, most expats use private care for almost everything, with the public system as a back-up.

Public healthcare through your employer

If you work for a Vietnamese employer on a contract of 12 months or more, you are generally required to join the national health insurance scheme:

• The contribution is 4.5% of salary: 3% paid by your employer and 1.5% by you.
• Your employer registers you with a primary healthcare facility, printed on your health insurance card.
• At that facility, or with a referral from it, insurance usually pays 80% of covered costs.
• Going elsewhere without a referral reduces or removes the cover, except in emergencies.

Public hospitals are busy and staff often speak little English, so bring a Vietnamese speaker for anything complex. Public cover also does not pay for treatment at international hospitals, which is why most expats with a local contract still buy private insurance.

Private hospitals and clinics

The big cities have international hospitals such as FV Hospital and Vinmec, international clinics such as Family Medical Practice, and many local private hospitals. Many have English-speaking doctors, direct billing with major insurers and 24-hour emergency departments.

A consultation at an international hospital typically costs around $60 to $120, and less at a local private hospital. Outside the big cities, private options are more limited, and serious cases are usually transferred to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.

Choosing health insurance

There are generally three options: Vietnamese insurance, regional Asia plans and international plans with worldwide cover.

For many expats living full-time in Vietnam, a local or regional plan from insurers such as Bao Viet, PVI or Pacific Cross is the most practical choice. It covers the main private and international hospitals, often with direct billing, for less than worldwide cover. If you travel a lot or want the option of treatment in Singapore, Bangkok or at home, an international plan is worth the extra cost.

Cheaper plans often cover inpatient care only. Before you buy, check:

• Annual and per-visit limits for outpatient care
• Limits on maternity, dental and medical evacuation
• Whether pre-existing conditions are covered

Premiums depend on your age and medical history. A good regional plan often costs around $50 to $120 per person per month for a healthy adult. Worldwide cover can cost several times more, particularly after age 60.

Insurance and your visa

Vietnam does not generally ask for proof of health insurance for an e-visa or a temporary residence card. But foreigners pay for treatment themselves, and hospitals may ask for payment or a guarantee before treating you. If you apply for a work permit, you will need a health certificate from an approved medical facility, issued within the last 12 months.

Pharmacies, medication and emergencies

Pharmacies (nhà thuốc) are everywhere, including chains such as Long Châu and Pharmacity. Foreign prescriptions are generally not accepted, so you will need a doctor in Vietnam to prescribe any regular medication. If you bring medication, keep it in its original packaging with your prescription. Controlled medicines, including some ADHD, sleep and pain medications, are strictly limited, so check the rules first.

In an emergency, dial 115 for an ambulance, 113 for police and 114 for fire. Ambulances can be slow in city traffic, so save the number of your nearest international hospital too.

How XploreVietnam can help

Choose your health insurance before you move, and know which hospital you will use in an emergency. Read our healthcare guide for more detail, and use Navigator, our free planning portal, for your pre-arrival checklist and cost of living calculator. If your situation is not covered here, check with us.