Healthcare in Vietnam

Public healthcare in Vietnam is administered by the Ministry of Health and delivered through a nationwide network of hospitals, clinics, and community healthcare centres. Vietnamese citizens are covered by the country’s social health insurance scheme, which subsidises the cost of treatment at these facilities.

Foreign residents employed under a Vietnamese labour contract may also be enrolled in the national social insurance scheme through their employer. This was formalised more recently through Law No. 41/2024/QH15, which came into full effect in July 2025 and extended compulsory social insurance, including health benefits, to eligible foreign nationals. Expats who are not enrolled can still access public facilities but will generally be required to pay for treatment directly.

The quality of public healthcare in Vietnam varies significantly by location. Major hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer specialist care and more advanced medical services, and the government has been making continued efforts to raise standards with the support of international investment. However, public hospitals are frequently overcrowded and understaffed. Outside major cities, facilities can be considerably more basic, and access to specialist treatment is often limited.

Many expats find the long waiting times, limited English-language support, administrative barriers, and variable standards between facilities are among the most common challenges. For these reasons, the majority of foreign residents choose private healthcare in Vietnam and arrange comprehensive health insurance before they arrive.

Private healthcare in Vietnam has expanded rapidly and is now the preferred choice for expatriates. International hospitals and private clinics in major cities generally meet standards that expats from Europe, North America, Australia, and Singapore will find familiar – with modern equipment, shorter waiting times for non-emergency care, and a much higher likelihood of English-speaking doctors and nursing staff.

Beyond clinical standards, private facilities also offer a more personalised experience. Appointment booking is straightforward, privacy and comfort levels are significantly higher, and many hospitals have dedicated international patient departments. For families, retirees, and professionals planning a long-term stay, these facilities can make a considerable difference when managing your health abroad.

Costs at private hospitals are higher than at public facilities, though Vietnam remains relatively affordable by international standards*. The following figures are drawn from published price lists from Vinmec International Hospital, and are provided in Vietnamese dong (VND). Costs at other private and international hospitals will vary:

For current pricing, contact your chosen hospital directly.

Surgery, serious illness, or extended inpatient stays can become expensive quickly, which is why comprehensive health insurance in Vietnam remains highly advisable even when day-to-day private costs appear manageable on paper. Most private and international hospitals in Vietnam require upfront payment before treatment unless you hold approved health insurance, so carrying your insurance card and documentation at all times is essential.

Some of the most well-regarded private and international hospitals used by the expat community include Vinmec International Hospital in Hanoi, Vinmec Central Park International Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vinmec Da Nang International Hospital in Da Nang and International Hospital Vinmec Phu Quoc in Phu Quoc.

Whilst not legally required for most expats, health insurance in Vietnam is strongly recommended. Expats employed under a Vietnamese labour contract are generally required to enrol in the country’s social insurance system through their employer, a requirement extended to eligible foreign nationals under 2025 legislative changes. However, this coverage is limited and does not provide meaningful access to the private hospitals that most expats rely on. For retirees, digital nomads, and others not working under a Vietnamese contract, there is no state coverage.

When it comes to private health insurance, expats in Vietnam have a few options to consider. Some choose a local plan, which provides coverage within Vietnam at a lower premium but offers no protection if you travel or relocate. Others opt for an international health insurance plan, which covers treatment in Vietnam and beyond – a particularly useful consideration for expats who travel frequently or may move again in the future.

When it comes to private health insurance, expats in Vietnam have a few options to consider. Some choose a local plan, which provides coverage within Vietnam at a lower premium but offers no protection if you travel or relocate. An international health insurance plan is a particularly useful consideration for expats who travel frequently or may move again in the future, covering treatments in Vietnam and beyond. Coverage areas vary by plan, so it is worth checking which territories are included before committing. Expatriate Group’s plans are available across three areas of cover: worldwide including the USA, worldwide excluding the USA, and Europe/Middle East/Africa/Asia/Oceania excluding China, Hong Kong and Singapore. 

Most comprehensive plans cover hospitalisation, surgery, specialist treatment, diagnostic tests, prescription medication, emergency medical care, and medical evacuation. Common exclusions include pre-existing conditions (unless accepted by the insurer), cosmetic procedures, experimental treatments, and certain dental and optical services. It is always worth reviewing the terms of any policy carefully before committing, particularly if you have ongoing health needs.

The quality of private and international hospitals in Vietnam’s main cities is consistently high and a number of Vietnam’s leading private hospitals have pursued or achieved international accreditation, including certification from the Joint Commission International (JCI) – a meaningful benchmark indicating compliance with internationally recognised standards of clinical care, patient safety, and hospital management. FV Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most prominent JCI-accredited facilities in the country and is widely regarded as among the best hospitals in Southeast Asia for international patients.

English-speaking doctors and nursing staff are common at private and international hospitals in Vietnam’s main cities, and some facilities also offer French-speaking staff. Language barriers become more common in public hospitals and outside major urban centres, which is one of the practical reasons most expats choose private facilities.

The most respected hospitals used by the expat community are concentrated in Vietnam’s three main cities. In Ho Chi Minh City, well-regarded facilities include FV Hospital, Vinmec Central Park International Hospital and AIH International Hospital. In Hanoi, the leading options include Hanoi French Hospital, Vinmec Times City International Hospital and Family Medical Practice Hanoi.

Across both private and international facilities in Vietnam’s major cities, you will find a broad range of medical services, typically including emergency care, surgery, specialist consultations, maternity services, oncology, intensive care, rehabilitation, laboratory testing, and diagnostic imaging. Public hospitals offer many of the same services, though access to specialist treatment can be limited outside of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Most private hospitals in Vietnam accept walk-in patients and direct appointments without a referral. Public hospitals may require referrals for certain specialist services, though self-referral is often possible in practice. For emergency care, private hospitals accept patients directly at any time.

Costs vary considerably depending on the type of facility, the level of care required, and the room type selected. Based on Vinmec International Hospital’s published price lists, a standard private room costs 3,000,000-4,000,000 VND per night, while premium and VIP suites range from 13,000,000 VND per night upwards – all excluding the costs of excluding procedures, diagnostics, and medication. Surgery or serious illness could result in bills running into the tens of thousands of dollars, highlighting the importance of having appropriate health insurance in place before you need it. For current room rates at your chosen hospital, contact the facility directly or visit their official website.

In terms of comfort and facilities, private hospitals offer a notably superior experience to public wards. Private and semi-private rooms are standard at most facilities, with many hospitals also offering VIP suites that include en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, television, and concierge assistance.

Many international hospitals in Vietnam have direct billing arrangements with major international insurers, meaning your bills are settled between the hospital and your provider without requiring upfront payment from you. If you do not hold approved insurance, you will generally be required to pay before treatment begins. Always carry your insurance card and policy documentation with you, and confirm your insurer’s preferred hospital network before an emergency arises.

Vietnam presents a number of health risks that expats should be aware of before and after relocating. Dengue fever is present throughout the country and transmitted by mosquitoes, with cases increasing during the rainy season. Unlike some other mosquito-borne illnesses, there is currently no widely available vaccine for dengue, making prevention through repellents, appropriate clothing, and screened accommodation important lines of defence.

Food and waterborne illness is another common concern, particularly in the early months after arrival. Tap water in Vietnam is not considered safe to drink without treatment, and improperly prepared street food can lead to food poisoning or traveller’s diarrhoea. Taking sensible precautions, sticking to bottled or filtered water, eating freshly cooked food, and being selective about street food vendors, will significantly reduce your risk.

Road traffic accidents are one of the most serious health risks facing residents and visitors alike. Vietnam has one of the highest rates of road fatalities in Southeast Asia, with motorbikes accounting for the majority of serious injuries. Whether you are riding, cycling, or travelling as a passenger, caution on Vietnamese roads is essential at all times.

Air quality is a recurring issue in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where pollution levels can reach unhealthy concentrations, particularly during dry season. Those with asthma or other respiratory conditions should monitor air quality indices regularly and consider wearing a protective mask on high-pollution days.