Travel Insurance for Vietnam
Vietnam is generally safe for travelers, but accidents happen, flights get cancelled, and phones get stolen. Good travel insurance turns a potential trip-ruining disaster into a manageable inconvenience.
Why You Need Travel Insurance for Vietnam
While Vietnam is a relatively affordable country, medical costs for tourists can escalate quickly -- especially if you need hospital treatment, surgery, or medical evacuation. Without insurance, you could face bills in the tens of thousands of dollars.
🏥
Hospital Stay
$500-2,000/night at international hospitals
🚁
Medical Evacuation
$10,000-100,000+ to home country
🏍️
Motorbike Accident
$2,000-20,000 for treatment
✈️
Trip Cancellation
Lost flights, hotels, tours
What to Look For in a Policy
Must-Have Coverage
- Medical coverage: Minimum $100,000 -- $250,000+ recommended. Covers hospitalization, surgery, doctor visits
- Emergency evacuation: Minimum $100,000. Covers air ambulance to nearest adequate hospital or home country
- Trip cancellation/interruption: Reimburses non-refundable costs if your trip is cancelled or cut short
- Personal belongings: Covers theft or loss of luggage, electronics, and valuables
- 24/7 assistance hotline: English-speaking support for emergencies
Vietnam-Specific Considerations
- Motorbike/scooter coverage: Many policies exclude motorbike injuries. If you plan to ride, confirm your policy covers it -- ideally even without an IDP
- Adventure activities: Trekking, kayaking, diving, rock climbing -- check if your standard policy covers these or if you need an add-on
- Natural disaster coverage: Typhoons can disrupt travel September-November. Ensure weather-related cancellations are covered
- Theft/pickpocketing: Bag snatching from motorbikes is common in HCMC. Check theft coverage limits and reporting requirements
- Flight delays: Domestic flights in Vietnam are frequently delayed, especially during rainy season
Healthcare in Vietnam
Hospitals
Vietnam has a two-tier healthcare system. Public hospitals are affordable but often crowded, with limited English-speaking staff. Private and international hospitals offer Western-standard care with English-speaking doctors, but at significantly higher prices.
International Hospitals (Recommended for Tourists)
- FV Hospital (HCMC): French-Vietnamese hospital, widely regarded as the best in southern Vietnam
- Vinmec (Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang, Nha Trang): Modern hospital chain with international standards
- Hanoi French Hospital: Well-established international hospital in Hanoi
- Family Medical Practice: Expat-focused clinics in Hanoi and HCMC, excellent for non-emergency care
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (nha thuoc) are on nearly every street in Vietnam. Many medications that require prescriptions in Western countries are available over the counter. Pharmacists can often recommend treatments for common ailments. Prices are very affordable -- antibiotics might cost $2-5, and common painkillers pennies.
Important: Bring any prescription medications you need with you, along with a copy of the prescription. Some specific brands or formulations may not be available in Vietnam, and counterfeit medications exist (buy from reputable pharmacies only).
Most Common Insurance Claims in Vietnam
Motorbike Accidents
The number one cause of insurance claims for Vietnam travelers. From minor scrapes to serious injuries. Road rash, broken bones, and head injuries are common. Always wear a helmet, and ensure your policy covers motorbike use.
Typical claim: $500-15,000
Food Poisoning & Illness
Stomach issues are common, especially in the first few days. Most cases are mild, but severe food poisoning or infections like dengue fever can require hospitalization. Travel diarrhea is extremely common.
Typical claim: $100-3,000
Theft & Bag Snatching
Phone snatching from motorbikes is unfortunately common in HCMC and tourist areas. Keep phones in secure pockets, avoid using your phone while walking near busy roads, and use a crossbody bag held away from the street side.
Typical claim: $200-1,500
Flight Delays & Cancellations
Domestic flights are frequently delayed, especially during monsoon and typhoon season. Delays of 2-6 hours are not uncommon. International flight connections can be missed as a result.
Typical claim: $100-500
Lost or Delayed Luggage
Luggage issues can occur on domestic flights and especially on budget airlines. Keep essentials (medications, electronics, change of clothes) in your carry-on.
Typical claim: $200-1,000
Dengue Fever
Mosquito-borne dengue is present in Vietnam, especially during wet season. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and joint pain. Most cases resolve in a week, but severe dengue requires hospitalization.
Typical claim: $500-5,000
Recommended Coverage Amounts
| Coverage Type | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Medical expenses | $100,000 | $250,000+ |
| Emergency evacuation | $100,000 | $300,000+ |
| Trip cancellation | $2,000 | Total trip cost |
| Personal belongings | $1,000 | $2,000-3,000 |
| Flight delay (per 6-12 hours) | $100 | $200-500 |
Tips for Filing Claims
Document Everything Immediately
Take photos of injuries, damaged property, accident scenes, and receipts. The more documentation you have, the smoother the claims process will be. Keep all medical reports, police reports, and receipts in both digital and paper form.
File a Police Report for Theft
For any theft claim, you need a police report. Go to the nearest police station within 24 hours. The report does not need to be in English -- your insurance company will accept the Vietnamese document. Ask for the report number and a stamped copy.
Contact Your Insurer ASAP
Most policies require you to notify them within 24-48 hours of an incident. For medical emergencies, call the 24/7 assistance hotline before going to the hospital if possible -- they can direct you to a network hospital and guarantee payment directly.
Keep All Receipts
Save every receipt -- medical bills, pharmacy purchases, taxi rides to the hospital, replacement items for stolen belongings, extra hotel nights due to delays. Even small amounts add up and are typically reimbursable.
Get Written Medical Reports
Before leaving the hospital or clinic, request a detailed medical report in English (international hospitals provide these automatically). Include diagnosis, treatment given, medications prescribed, and follow-up recommendations.
Popular Travel Insurance Providers
Here are some well-known providers that offer policies covering Vietnam. Compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best coverage for your specific trip.
World Nomads
BackpackersPopular with backpackers and adventure travelers. Good coverage for activities like trekking and motorbiking. Can buy and extend while already traveling. Two plan levels.
SafetyWing
Digital NomadsSubscription-based travel insurance ideal for long-term travelers and remote workers. Monthly payments, no end date required. Covers 185 countries. More affordable for extended stays.
Allianz / AXA / Generali
TraditionalMajor international insurers with comprehensive policies. Often available through comparison sites. Good for families and those wanting maximum coverage limits. Check local availability in your country.
Final Tips
Before Your Trip
- Buy insurance as soon as you book your trip (covers pre-departure cancellation)
- Read the policy document carefully -- especially exclusions
- Save the emergency assistance number in your phone contacts
- Keep a digital copy of your policy in cloud storage and email
- Check if your credit card provides any travel insurance benefits
- Declare any pre-existing medical conditions
During Your Trip
- Carry your policy number and emergency number at all times
- Keep receipts for all expenses that might be claimable
- Report incidents to police/airlines within required timeframes
- Take photos/videos as evidence for any incident
- Do not admit liability in any accident before speaking to your insurer
- Use the insurer's network hospitals when possible for direct billing
Protect Your Vietnam Adventure
Compare travel insurance policies from multiple providers to find the best coverage for your trip. The small cost of insurance is nothing compared to the peace of mind it provides.
Research providers like World Nomads, SafetyWing, Allianz, or check comparison sites like Squaremouth or InsureMyTrip for quotes tailored to your trip.