16/10/2026
🏥 Health insurance in Vietnam: what you need to know
Living in Vietnam for several months or years? Standard travel insurance might not be suitable for you. Medical treatment after a traffic accident, emergency surgery or hospitalization can be very expensive.
Let’s look at what to consider when choosing health insurance 👇
🔹 Length of stay. Check how many consecutive days you can stay abroad. Even an annual policy may limit the duration of each trip.
🔹 Policy eligibility. If you’re already in Vietnam, check whether you can purchase insurance while abroad and when the coverage begins. Some policies have a waiting period.
🔹 Medical coverage. Check whether hospitalization, surgery, doctor visits, medical examinations and medical evacuation are included. Pay attention to coverage limits, deductibles and exclusions.
🔹 Chronic conditions. Previously diagnosed illnesses and flare-ups of existing conditions may not be covered.
🏍 Riding a motorbike? This is especially important!
Not all insurance policies cover injuries from motorcycle or scooter accidents. Check the requirements for a driver’s license valid in Vietnam, vehicle category, engine capacity, and helmet use. Violating the policy terms may result in a denied claim.
⚠️ Three more important things to remember.
1️⃣ A visa run does not automatically extend your health insurance. Even if you leave Vietnam and return on a new visa, your coverage period is determined by the terms of your insurance policy.
2️⃣ Insurance purchased after an illness or injury will not cover an incident that has already occurred.
3️⃣ Some clinics require upfront payment. Check whether your insurer pays the medical provider directly or whether you’ll need to pay out of pocket first.
🚑 If you need medical assistance.
Contact your insurance provider first and follow their instructions. If you go to a hospital on your own, you may end up receiving treatment that your insurance won’t cover.
🤍 Our main advice: Don’t choose insurance based on price alone. Pay attention to what the policy actually covers. Keep your policy number and your insurer’s contact details easily accessible.
Take care of yourself and save this post — hopefully, you’ll never need to use your insurance!