Vietnam Healthcare Guide
Everything you need to know about healthcare as an expat in Vietnam.
Healthcare System Overview
Vietnam operates a mixed public-private healthcare system. The government is working toward universal coverage (~90% of Vietnamese citizens have some insurance). For expats, private healthcare is strongly recommended. **Overall Quality Rating for Expats: 3.5/5** - Private Healthcare: 4-4.5/5 (excellent in major cities) - Public Healthcare: 2/5 (not recommended for expats)
Public Healthcare
Expats CAN access public hospitals but pay non-subsidized rates ($2-10 consultations). Working expats with work permits must contribute to Vietnam Social Security (VSS). **Reality:** Very long wait times, overcrowding at 200% capacity, outdated equipment, significant language barriers. **Not recommended for expats' primary care.**
Private Healthcare
**Quality:** Excellent in major cities, comparable to Western standards. Many doctors trained internationally (USA, France, Japan). JCI-accredited options available. **Top Hospitals by City:** **Ho Chi Minh City:** - FV Hospital (District 7) — JCI-accredited, 30+ specialties - Vinmec Central Park — Cleveland Clinic Connected - City International Hospital — 320 beds - Family Medical Practice — 24/7 emergency, expat-focused - Columbia Asia — 30-50% less expensive **Hanoi:** - Vinmec Times City — JCI-accredited flagship - Vietnam France Hospital — Long-established - Family Medical Practice — 24/7, pediatrics - Raffles Medical — 100% foreign-owned **Da Nang:** - Vinmec Da Nang - Family Medical Practice - Hoan My Da Nang **Prescriptions:** Many medications available OTC without prescription (antibiotics, statins, blood pressure meds). Controlled substances now require prescriptions. Use reputable pharmacy chains (Pharmacity, Long Chau, Medicare) or pharmacies attached to international hospitals. **Emergency Numbers:** - National Ambulance: 115 - HCMC Emergency (faster): 9999 - Police: 113 **Ambulance Reality:** Public ambulances often slow and poorly equipped. Many expats take taxis/Grab directly to private hospitals for faster response.
Healthcare for Expats
Access & Eligibility
Expats can access both public and private healthcare. For quality care, private hospitals are strongly recommended. Working expats with work permits must contribute to Vietnam Social Security which provides some coverage at public facilities.
Recommended Approach
Use private international hospitals for all but the most minor issues. Budget for comprehensive health insurance including medical evacuation coverage. Top hospitals in SE Asia: 22 in Thailand, 17 in Singapore, only 2 JCI-accredited in Vietnam—evacuation coverage is essential for serious conditions. **Recommended Vaccinations:** - High Priority: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis (long-term) - Moderate: Rabies (outdoor activities) - Routine: Tdap, MMR, Influenza, COVID-19
Typical Costs
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Health Insurance
Requirements
Health insurance not legally required for tourists but strongly recommended. Working expats with work permits must contribute to Vietnam Social Security.
Recommended Insurance Providers
- Bao Viet An Gia ($17-35/month) — Most affordable; direct billing at expat hospitals
- Bao Viet Intercare ($25-50/month) — Premium hospitals; FV, Vinmec accepted
- Liberty Insurance ($25-75/month) — English support; good for digital nomads
- Cigna Global ($125-275/month) — Worldwide, 2.2M providers
- Allianz Care ($100-250/month) — Worldwide, multilingual support
- LUMA Health ($50-150/month) — Best value for Vietnam specifically
- GeoBlue ($150-350/month) — BCBS network, US citizens
Medical Tourism
Medical evacuation insurance is essential. Top hospitals in SE Asia: 22 in Thailand, 17 in Singapore, only 2 JCI-accredited in Vietnam. Evacuation costs without insurance: $20,000-100,000+.
Popular Procedures
Recommended PartnerDon't skip health insurance
Cost estimates are great for budgeting, but real coverage protects you when something goes wrong.
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Compare Healthcare Systems
See how Vietnam's healthcare compares to other countries.