How does healthcare work in Vietnam, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

What is the quality of healthcare in Vietnam?

• Vietnam has a rapidly developing health care system that has improved greatly in recent decades. 
• Still, there are major differences between urban and rural areas. Cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer access to modern facilities and English-speaking doctors, while rural areas are less well equipped. 
• A universally accessible healthcare system is also still in the works. 
• Buying medicine is pretty easy (even without a prescription), but make sure the drugs are genuine and that the date has not expired. You will find the best pharmacies attached to the private institutions. 
• In case of an emergency you can call 115 (public care), but ambulances are often very slow. Private hospitals often have faster ambulance services. 
• You must have a health certificate to get a work visa. 

How does the public healthcare system work in Vietnam?

• Public healthcare in Vietnam is available to residents and registered foreigners, but quality can vary widely. Costs are relatively low. But most foreign residents often prefer international insurance, with access to private care (better standards), repatriation, and medical evacuation.
• Public care is generally adequate for basic treatments, but more complex treatments can be challenging due to limited resources and personnel. Also, hygiene often does not meet Western standards. 
• There is a severe shortage in the public sector, leading to long waiting times. 
• English is rarely spoken in public hospitals, which can make communication difficult for expats.

How does the private healthcare system work in Vietnam?

• Private healthcare is more accessible to expats and offers a higher standard of care with modern equipment and English-speaking doctors. 
• Major cities have excellent international hospitals such as FV Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi Family Medical Practice.
• Costs are significantly higher than in the public sector but still lower than in many Western countries.
• For specialty treatments, private hospitals are usually better equipped than public institutions. 

How is the family doctor or general practitioner arranged in Vietnam?

• Vietnam does not have a traditional general practitioner system like in other countries. Patients visit a specialist or a hospital directly, depending on the severity of the situation.
• However, for basic medical care or initial diagnosis, there are clinics where you can get a sort of general practitioner feel.

How is the dental care and dentist arranged in Vietnam?

• Vietnam is known for its high-quality dental care at relatively low cost, which has even led to “dental tourism.” Cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have many well-regarded dental clinics.
• In private dental clinics, many dentists speak English.
• Hygiene standards in reputable clinics are generally high, comparable to Western standards.

How is pregnancy and maternity care arranged in Vietnam?

• Private hospitals offer excellent prenatal care with English-speaking doctors. International hospitals such as FV Hospital have extensive maternity wards.
• Still, communication and care can vary from one facility to another. So be sure to visit several (private) clinics before choosing one. Among other things, you can pay attention to hygiene standards and available facilities in addition to language. 
• Women in Vietnam often have more ultrasounds than in other countries. This is partly because substances used during the Vietnam War had many side effects on pregnant women. 
• Infant mortality rates are relatively low in Vietnam and continue to improve because of better access to health care.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Vietnam?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Vietnam?

• Vietnam is generally safe for expats and emigrants. Petty crime such as pickpocketing is common in tourist areas, especially in cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
• Large-scale political unrest is rare, but when it happens, avoid large crowds or demonstrations.
• Adhere to local norms, such as respecting cultural symbols and dressing conservatively when visiting temples.
• Vietnam is one of the most susceptible countries to natural disasters in the world: typhoons, tropical storms, floods, drought, landslides, and forest fires. If you live in Vietnam, it is good to be regularly informed through local sources and know what to do and what not to do when these occur.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Vietnam?

• Many tropical diseases are common, especially mosquito-borne. Therefore, always make sure you protect yourself well by clothing and spray and sleep under a mosquito net at night. 
• Various vaccinations are also required: it's good to find out in advance.
• Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled water or boil water before using it. Ice cubes are also best avoided if you are at a cheap joint.  
• It can get pretty hot in Vietnam. Many people burn, get sunstroke, or dry out.  

What should you pay attention to in terms of traffic in Vietnam?

• The quality of roads in Vietnam varies widely. In urban areas they are generally in reasonable condition, but in rural areas the roads are often poorly maintained.
• Scooters dominate traffic and are often unpredictable. If you take part in traffic, then pay attention, or use alternatives such as cabs.
• Traffic rules are often ignored, leading to a high number of traffic accidents.
• It is not recommended to drive in rural areas after sunset due to poor visibility and road safety.
• Public transportation is limited, but cities have various cab apps that are reliable and affordable.

What are the best insurance options for backpacking, traveling, doing an internship, studying, volunteering, or working in Vietnam?

• Is the trip to Vietnam and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity?
• Insurance for backpacking and traveling in Vietnam
• Insurance for studying in Vietnam
• Insurance for internships in Vietnam
• Insurance for volunteering in Vietnam
• Insurance for digital nomads or paid work in Vietnam

What types of insurance should you get if you're planning to emigrate, work as an expat, or live in Vietnam?

• Insurance is not mandatory, but it is important to cover the cost of private care. 
• International health insurance for Vietnam
• International travel insurance for Vietnam
• International life insurance for Vietnam
• International income protection insurance for Vietnam