15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Vietnam

"If you have a serious issue, travel to Bangkok or, Singapore for medical care. In Da Nang, there is a woman at the Pasteur Clinic who can treat women's issues but, I would go to BKK for more urgent/serious issues," said one expat.

"I don't have experience with a hospital stay, so I cannot give an opinion on that topic," remarked one expat in Da Nang.

"Healthcare services in Vietnam are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a good standard. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, however, they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in Vietnam often use the public healthcare system, as it is generally more affordable than private healthcare. However, some expats opt to use private healthcare due to the higher quality of care and services offered," remarked one expat living in Vietnam.

"In Vietnam, most medication can be purchased just by going to the pharmacy, no doctor visit needed. Cheap, high quality, and convenient. Dental care was extremely high quality and very cheap. Basic medical care was also very high quality and very good prices. Specialist care was difficult because of language barriers," wrote an expat living in Ho Chi Minh City.

"Medical services in Vietnam are generally of a high standard, with a wide range of modern facilities and equipment available. The country has a well-developed network of hospitals and clinics, staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. Many of the larger cities have international hospitals that offer a range of treatments and services, including specialist care. In addition, there are a number of private clinics and medical centers that provide quality care at an affordable price. Vietnam also has a number of traditional medicine practitioners, such as herbalists and acupuncturists, who offer alternative treatments," said an expat in Vietnam.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Vietnam can be expensive, depending on the type of care and coverage needed. Private healthcare is generally more expensive than public healthcare, and health insurance premiums can vary depending on the type of coverage and the provider. In general, healthcare costs in Vietnam are lower than in many other countries, but they can still be a significant expense for many people," remarked one expat in Vietnam.

"Cigna is expensive for us simply, because when we go to the USA we are not covered. So, we get a travel insurance and pay out of pocket for most heavy expenses. For example, I had to be hospitalized on a visit home and I didn't even reach the 5K deductible. It's frustrating. I get reimbursed for other expenses that I incur for example, dental emergencies etc. I am reconsidering how to deal with this situation in the next year," remarked one expat living in Da Nang.

"Emergency services in Vietnam are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial the national emergency number, 115. This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is free of charge. The operator will then dispatch an ambulance to the location of the emergency," said an expat in Vietnam.

"My Hoan is the hospital that I used for the medical clearance needed to get a work permit. Women have babies delivered at the Women's hospital. There is a Cancer Hospital (Da Nang Oncology Hospital) which is actually, brand new. There is an expat Medical Center called, Family Medical. You can use them and they organize evacuations for urgent care," commented one expat living in Da Nang, Vietnam.

"Most friends will travel to Bangkok if they need special care ie: surgery of any kind, cancer, dermatology etc," said one expat living in Da Nang.

"Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is widely considered to have the most comprehensive selection of medical specialists in the country. Hanoi has numerous hospitals, clinics, and medical research centers, offering quality medical care and access to a wide range of specialists. Ho Chi Minh City is another major hub for medical specialists in Vietnam, with top healthcare institutions such as Cho Ray Hospital, Hoan My Saigon International General Hospital, and Bhinh Phuoc International Hospital. The cities of Danang and Hoi An on the central coast of the country are also renowned for their comprehensive selection of medical specialists, with top-notch hospitals such as the Vinmec International Hospital in Danang and the General Health Center of Hoi An. Additionally, many towns and provinces across the country have access to a variety of medical specialists and quality healthcare services," mentioned one expat in Vietnam.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Vietnam. Many pharmacies in Vietnam carry a wide variety of medications, including both generic and brand-name drugs. Many of these medications are available over-the-counter, while others require a prescription from a doctor. In addition, some medications may be available in Vietnam that are not available in other countries," said an expat in Vietnam.

"Medicine is available over the counter. I have a good pharmacy I go to but, you need to ask around about pharmacy's because, not all medicine is real or unexpired. I have for example, purchased ibuprofen that simply did not work," commented one expat living in Da Nang, Vietnam.

"Perscription medicines are easily available here at the local pharmacies. I did not need a script for my thyroid condition," wrote one expat.

"Medical care in Vietnam is generally of a high-quality, with well-trained doctors and nurses available across the country. Medical facilities are well-equipped, often featuring current technology, with a wide range of specialized treatments available. Basic healthcare is also widely available and reasonably priced. The Vietnamese Government is continuing to invest significantly in healthcare with the aim of providing excellent care to all citizens," said an expat in Vietnam.

"Yes, foreigners living in Vietnam have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the facility, but generally the public healthcare system is considered to be of good quality. The cost of care is also relatively low compared to other countries, making it an attractive option for those living in Vietnam. Additionally, many public hospitals offer services in English, making it easier for foreigners to access care," commented one expat living in Vietnam.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Vietnam. The government has implemented a range of measures to ensure the safety of the population, including the closure of borders, the suspension of international flights, and the introduction of strict quarantine measures. The healthcare system has also been stretched to its limits, with hospitals and clinics struggling to cope with the influx of patients. Despite this, the healthcare system has managed to remain relatively stable, with the government providing additional resources and support to ensure that the system is able to cope with the increased demand. The government has also implemented a range of measures to ensure that the healthcare system is able to provide quality care to all patients, including the introduction of telemedicine services and the provision of free medical services to those in need," wrote an expat living in Vietnam.

"I have not required medical care for the last 1 1/2 years. I will return to the US for my annual physical once I can travel again. Why doesn't the US government vaccinate expats when so many in the US don't want it and foreigners travel to the US and are easily immunized," said an expat in Cao Lanh.