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NOW Health International in Vietnam: Plans for Expats

NOW Health International’s WorldCare plans offer expats in Vietnam comprehensive coverage worldwide, with customization available through four tiers: Essential, Advance, Excel, and Apex. Each plan features copay options to help reduce premiums, making NOW Health ideal for budget-conscious buyers.

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Are you an expat looking for the best health insurance coverage for Vietnam? Are you looking for a simple breakdown of plans and prices from providers that specialize in care across the Asia Pacific region, like NOW Health International? 

In this article, we will go over the benefits NOW Health International offers to expats in Vietnam. We’ll outline the company’s unique offerings compared to other top insurers, explain direct billing options, and more. Read on to see if NOW Health International is the right provider for you.

NOW Health International Plans for Expats in Vietnam in 2026

Image of Da Nang’s Modern Skyline Stretching Along Vietnam’s Scenic Coastline with text overlay of "NOW Health International Plans for Expats in Vietnam in 2026"

With its headquarters in Hong Kong, NOW Health International is uniquely suited to serving expats in the Asia Pacific area, including Vietnam. Their region-focused service, commitment to fast claims, and slightly lower prices than some providers makes NOW Health a favorite for expats in Vietnam.

NOW Health International’s WorldCare plans start with a maximum limit of USD $3,000,000 for the Essential tier, going up to USD $3,500,000 for the Advance tier, USD $4,000,000 for the Excel tier, and USD $4,500,000 for the Apex tier. 

Below is a table breaking down the benefits of NOW Health International’s WorldCare plans:

NOW Health International WorldCare Plans (USD)

 

Plan Essential Advance Excel Apex
Annual Benefit Limit USD $3,000,000 USD $3,500,000 USD $4,000,000 USD $4,500,000
Rehabilitation Subject to limits Subject to limits Covered Covered
Outpatient Medical Fees Subject to limits Covered Covered Covered
Maintenance of Chronic Medical Conditions Not covered Covered Covered Covered
Routine Dental Optional Optional Subject to limits Subject to limits
Routine Maternity Care Not covered Not covered Not covered Subject to limits
Outpatient Copays to Reduce Premiums Not covered Optional Optional Optional
Menopause Hormone Replacement Therapy Optional Subject to limits Subject to limits Subject to limits
Outpatient Psychiatric Treatment Optional Subject to limits Subject to limits Subject to limits

NOW Health International’s WorldCare plans also provide coverage for medication evacuation and repatriation. 

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Direct Billing and Filing Claims with NOW Health International

NOW Health promises quick turnaround times for all claims and direct billing for most plans at Vietnam’s top hospitals, including Vinmec International Hospital, FV Hospital HCMC, Family Medical Practice, and Hanoi French Hospital.

Direct Billing at Vietnam Hospitals

While NOW Health can provide direct billing for most services, some benefits such as maternity, dental, or wellness checks may not be covered. Deductibles also still apply. 

Here is more information about direct billing at top hospitals in Vietnam:

  • Vinmec International Hospital: Direct billing is available at Vinmec Hospital with most WorldCare plans but is not available for those who select the Essential plan with the Outpatient Charges option.
  • FV Hospital HCMC: Direct billing is available at FV Hospital for inpatient coverage on all WorldCare plans. Direct billing is available there for all outpatient coverage except on the Essential plan. 
  • Family Medical Practice: Direct billing is available at Family Medical Practice (FMP) for both inpatient and select outpatient services on WorldCare plans. FMP clinics in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang honor cashless billing.
  • Hanoi French Hospital: Direct billing is available at Hanoi French Hospital for all inpatient care. Direct billing is available for outpatient care on WorldCare plans that include a $0 deductible or those with the Outpatient Direct Billing option. 

For planned hospital visits, expats should always contact NOW Health to get a Guarantee of Payment (GOP).

NOW Health Claims Promises

NOW Health International promises quick turnaround times for all claims, seeking to respond to all inquiries directly and easily. Here is a breakdown of their guarantees:

  1. Individuals who have paid for treatment and have submitted a claim for their medical expenses will have their claim processed within five working days.
  2. Individuals seeking day-patient or inpatient treatment can have their claim pre-authorized, with guarantees of payment within five working days.
  3. All enquiries receive a response within one working day.
  4. Expats in Vietnam can speak to a representative at any time, 24/7, through telephone, online chat, or WhatsApp.

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Is NOW Health International the Best Fit for You?

NOW Health International offers a mid-market price tag for expats in Vietnam compared to pricier providers like Cigna or Bupa and low-cost local-only providers. This makes NOW Health ideal for young expats or those who travel in the APAC who still want comprehensive global coverage at lower prices.

International health insurance is preferred by most expats because it offers bespoke plans that are portable across borders.These plans grant expats the luxury of choosing from excellent facilities with services, like English-speaking doctors, that cater to the unique needs of those living abroad.

According to Pacific Prime’s Cost of International Health Insurance Report, individuals in Vietnam paid an average of USD $4,547 in 2024 for international health insurance, while families paid an average of USD $12,505. This comes from Pacific Prime’s proprietary data collected from real customers.

Please note that all insurance prices are highly individual, with costs depending heavily on factors such as health history, plan selection, deductibles, copays, and add-on benefits. For exact prices, please use our free quote tool.

Here is an average price comparison for international health insurance prices between NOW Health, Cigna, and Bupa, broken down by age:

International Health Insurance Price Comparison: NOW Health vs. Cigna vs. Bupa (USD)

Insurer Age 30 (Annual Estimate) Age 45 (Annual Estimate) Age 60 (Annual Estimate)
NOW Health International $1,500–$2,500 $2,200–$4,000 $5,000–$7,500
Cigna Global $1,800–$2,800 $3,200–$5,500 $6,500–$9,000
Bupa Global $2,500–$3,500 $4,500–$6,500 $8,000–$12,000+

Public Health Insurance Options for Expats in Vietnam

Expats who work in Vietnam and hold a temporary residence card must contribute to Vietnam’s Social Health Insurance (SHI) program, which allows them to use public health facilities at a discounted rate. These services come with exclusions but do offer coverage for: 

  • Hospitalization
  • Outpatient care
  • Prescription drugs
  • Maternity care
  • Pathology
  • Birth defects

Public healthcare is the basis of Vietnam’s healthcare system, so it is often strained. But for those who qualify for public care who do not need extensive care or the luxuries of worldwide coverage, public healthcare and regional options may be a better fit.

For expats in Vietnam who want access to private facilities without paying top dollar, NOW Health may hit the sweet spot. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best health insurance for expats living abroad?

Some of the top international health insurance providers include Cigna, NOW Health International, Bupa, GeoBlue, and Allianz. The right provider and plan will depend on your budget, location, and desired coverage level.

Can foreigners get health insurance in Vietnam?

Expats can get international health insurance for Vietnam before ever entering the country. Expats who want to get public health insurance must first work in Vietnam to qualify.

Does NOW Health provide direct billing in Vietnam?

NOW Health International does provide direct billing at many of Vietnam’s top medical locations, including Vinmec International Hospital, FV Hospital HCMC, and Hanoi French Hospital. Which treatments are covered through direct billing is dependent on which plan you choose.

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Conclusion

NOW Health International offers expats reliable comprehensive care in Vietnam at a lower cost than premium providers like Bupa. The company’s direct billing options, quick claims, and added knowledge of the region make it a top choice for expats on a budget who still want great worldwide coverage. 

If you’re still undecided on which provider to pick for your time in Vietnam, check out our article on the top 10 insurance companies in Vietnam for expats in 2026

For those who are ready to compare quotes, use our free, no-obligation quote tool or talk to one of our professional brokers. They can help you get the best deal on a NOW Health International plan, compare other top providers like Cigna and Bupa, and more. 

Serena Fung