Hospitals in Vietnam for Visitors and Expats – Quality Care

Vietnam offers a mix of public and private healthcare options for expats. The private hospitals in Vietnam’s major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and a few medical centers in Da Nang are generally well-equipped and provide high-quality care comparable to Western standards. 

Many expats choose private facilities for their modern infrastructure, shorter wait times, as well as English and French-speaking staff. However, the quality can vary significantly between urban and rural areas, with rural healthcare often being less developed.

In this Pacific Prime article, explore everything you need to know about hospitals and healthcare in Vietnam. Whether it’s the busy medical hubs in Hanoi or the state-of-the-art facilities in Ho Chi Minh City, we’ve gathered all the key information you need.

Start by Comparing
Insurance Plans Online

Browse and Compare 50,000+
International Health Plans

Compare NOW

The Healthcare System in Vietnam

As of 2023, Vietnam has 1,531 hospitals, 86 percent of which are public and 14 percent are private. When assessing the quality of hospitals in Vietnam, knowing the difference between public and private facilities is crucial.

Vietnam’s healthcare system is split between the public and private sectors, with approximately 80% of the population currently covered. The government also provides full or partial healthcare coverage for certain low-income groups and specific professions.

This has resulted in a two-tiered system. Public hospitals cater to those receiving government-sponsored or subsidized healthcare, while private hospitals serve individuals who can afford them and find the public system lacking.

Public Hospitals in Vietnam

Those who are accustomed to healthcare in Western Europe or North America may find Vietnam’s public hospitals below their usual standards. Communication can be challenging, as medical staff primarily speak Vietnamese. 

Western visitors often perceive these facilities as overcrowded and lacking in several aspects compared to what they’re familiar with back home. The experience can be quite different from what they typically expect in a healthcare setting.

Private Hospitals in Vietnam

In contrast, private hospitals, especially in big cities, cater specifically to Western expats and tourists. These facilities often employ doctors from countries like Korea, France, Japan, and the United States, as well as Vietnamese physicians with international training. 

For English or French speakers, communication is typically much easier in these settings, reducing potential language barriers.

The Best Hospitals in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City International Hospital is recognized as the top international hospital in Vietnam. It has a capacity of 320 beds and offers 21 specialties, including general surgery, orthopedics, cardiology, and neurology interventions.

The hospital treats more than 400,000 patients annually through its outpatient services, with foreigners making up 25% of its patients.

City International Hospital

No. 3, Street 17A, Binh Tri Dong B Ward, Binh Tan Dist.,

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Tel: + 84 28 6280 3333

Fax: + 84 28 6290 8800

Meanwhile, Hoan My Medical Corporation, Vietnam’s largest and most respected hospital chain, operates seven hospitals and one clinic nationwide. Serving 1.8 million patients annually, their specialties run the gamut from gastroenterology, cardiology, obstetrics, and gynecology, to pediatrics.

Hoan My Medical Corporation

11th Floor, TNR Tower, 180-192 Nguyen Cong Tru Street

Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1,

Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

Tel: +84 028 3820 6001

Fax: +84 028 3820 7031

List of Recommended Hospitals in Vietnam for Expats 

Vietnam’s top private hospitals, especially those with the highest reputations, are primarily located in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. We’ve compiled a list of recommended hospitals in these cities specifically for expats.

Furthermore, we’ve added a dental clinic to each list, acknowledging that dental emergencies can occur as unexpectedly as medical ones.

Hospitals in Hanoi

Franco-Vietnamese Hospital

6 Nguyen Luong Bang St.

Saigon South (Phu My Hung) Tan Phu Ward

District 7

Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

Tel: + 84 8 411 3333

Fax: + 84 8 411 3334

Hanoi French Hospital (formerly Viet Nam International Hospital)

No. 1 Phuong Mai Road, Dong Da

Hanoi

Vietnam

Tel: + 84 4 574 0740

Fax: + 84 4 869 8443

International SOS Clinic Central Building

31 Hai Ba Trung

Hoan Kiem District Hanoi

Vietnam

Tel: + 84 4 934 0555

Fax: + 84 4 934 0556

Hanoi Family Medical Practice

Building A1, Van Phuc Diplomatic Compound Ground Floor, Suite 109-112 Kim Ma Road

Hanoi Vietnam

Tel: + 84 4 843 0748

Fax: + 84 4 846 1750

Hanoi Dental Clinic

Building A2, Van Phuc Diplomatic Compound Ground Floor, Suite 101-102 Kim Ma Road

Hanoi

Vietnam

Tel: + 84 4 823 0281

Hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City

Gia Dinh Hospital

425 – 427 – 429 No Trang Long, Ward 13,

Binh Thanh District, City.

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.

Tel: + 84 8 803 0678

Fax: + 84 8 803 0677

HCMC Family Medical Practice Diamond Plaza

34 Le Duan Street

District 1

Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

Tel: + 84 8 822 7848

Fax: + 84 8 822 7859

International SOS Clinic Hannam Building

65 Nguyen Du

District 1

Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

Tel: + 84 8 829 8424

Fax: + 84 8 829 8551

Maple Healthcare Dental Clinic

72 Vo Thi Sau

District 1

Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam

Tel: + 84 8 820 1999

Fax: + 84 8 820 4619

Hospital in Da Nang

Although we recommend visiting a private hospital in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City for major medical issues while in Vietnam, there’s a well-regarded clinic in Da Nang that’s part of a broader healthcare group, with additional facilities in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. 

This clinic offers a reliable alternative for quality care in the central region of the country.

Da Nang Family Medical Practice

50-52 Nguyen Van Linh Str. Nam Duong Ward

Hai Chau District

Da Nang City

Vietnam

Tel: + 84 511 583 699

Fax: + 84 511 583 049

Hospitals in Rural Vietnam Vs Hospitals in the Big Cities

In Vietnam, healthcare in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi has advanced significantly, offering high-quality private hospitals and medical facilities that meet Western standards.

This growth is particularly noticeable in private healthcare, which aims to provide the standard of care that Westerners expect. That said, the expansion of private hospitals and healthcare facilities is almost exclusively centered in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

However, the situation is quite different in rural areas, where healthcare is far less reliable. Access to both basic and specialized medical services is limited, making it essential for those in rural regions to be prepared to travel back to a major city for more dependable care.

If you’re planning to visit rural parts of Vietnam, it’s crucial to understand that you may need to return to one of these major cities to access the level of medical care you’re accustomed to. In some remote areas, even basic public healthcare services may be limited or unavailable.

For those traveling outside the major cities, public hospitals can adequately handle minor medical issues without the need for additional travel. However, if you don’t speak Vietnamese, it’s advisable to bring a translator with you when visiting a public hospital.

The Cost of Healthcare in Vietnam

Although healthcare costs in Vietnam are generally much lower than in the United States and other Western countries, expats and visitors should expect to pay considerably more than local residents, particularly for higher-quality private care. This makes having insurance crucial.

If you plan to spend extended time in Vietnam, whether traveling or living there, ensure your international health insurance is accepted by private hospitals. Also, make sure it includes coverage in nearby countries like Thailand and Malaysia, as many expats seek major medical procedures in these regions.

For both travelers and expats, having access to private hospitals in Vietnam is essential for a safe and pleasant experience. Since private healthcare comes at a cost, it’s vital to have the appropriate international health insurance to ensure you’re adequately covered while in Vietnam.

Let Us Get You Covered in Vietnam

Understanding healthcare options in Vietnam can be tricky, especially when comparing the public and private sectors. The public system offers free basic care, is often underfunded, and communication can be challenging, as medical staff primarily speak Vietnamese. 

In contrast, the private sector, though more costly, provides higher-quality care, better access to specialists, and a more international setting, making it the go-to choice for expats and travelers.

To access Vietnam’s premium private healthcare, it’s essential to have international health insurance. This coverage can help you manage the higher costs of private care, ensuring peace of mind during your stay.

With many insurance choices available, working with a renowned broker like Pacific Prime can make the process easier. With over 20 years of experience, our team of experts is skilled at finding international health insurance plans that match your unique needs and budgetary requirements.

Contact us today to begin your expat journey, or use our online quote tool for a free, no-obligation quote!

Kickstart Your Search for the Perfect Insurer

Compare over
50,000 Plans
from Top Insurers

Compare NOW

Frequently Asked Questions

Do doctors in Vietnam speak English?

Doctors and medical staff at private hospitals in Vietnam often speak English, or French which makes it easier for foreigners.

What disease is most common in Vietnam?

Vietnam has a high burden of tuberculosis (TB) and drug-resistant TB. Immunocompromised travelers to Vietnam, especially those living with HIV, are at increased risk for infection

Can foreigners buy health insurance in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s medical system is a combination of both private and public hospitals and medical services. Due to the lack of public facilities across much of rural Vietnam, most of the population opts for private healthcare. While not mandatory, expats are encouraged to have health insurance in Vietnam.

What vaccines do I need for Vietnam?

Courses or boosters usually advised: Diphtheria; Tetanus. Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Rabies; and Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines – only for those individuals at highest risk: Japanese Encephalitis.

What is the most famous hospital in Vietnam?

Ho Chi Minh’s City International Hospital is the highest-ranked international hospital in the country. With a capacity of 320 beds, it boasts 21 specialties, including general surgery, orthopedics, cardiology intervention, and neurology intervention.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Veerabhatr Sriyananda

Content Writer at Pacific Prime

Veerabhatr is a content writer with over 6 years of experience with a particular penchant for storytelling and marketing, both in print and online. He now works with an experienced team of writers at Pacific Prime, aiming to shed light on the essence and benefits of insurance for companies and individuals by creating engaging, informative content across multiple platforms.

After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, International Relations from Mahidol University International College, Veerabhatr has forged his career as a content writer in the travel, lifestyle, and real estate industries, writing in both English and Thai. He now continues to hone his skills as a writer at Pacific Prime, looking to engage and educate the audience by simplifying insurance.

Writer by day, and a DJ by night, Veerabhatr is a staunch music lover, and listens to all spectrums of genres available. He also loves to drink beer (moderately), eat all types of food, go to the beach, and learn about different cultures across the globe. He is also a die-hard fan of football and motorsports.

Latest posts by Veerabhatr Sriyananda (see all)

• Best Hospitals in Japan for Expats and Visitors – Top Recommendations - September 17, 2024
• Top 9 Insurance Companies in the Dominican Republic for Expats - September 17, 2024
• Hospitals in Brazil for Expatriates – Reliable Options - September 13, 2024