Expats in Vietnam can buy private health insurance or enroll in a public health insurance program if they are eligible. Many expats choose to purchase international health insurance plans to grant them access to higher-quality care in private health facilities.

International health insurance has global coverage and customizable benefits. This makes it a popular choice with expats. Unlike public insurance, expats can use international health insurance at private health facilities. Private facilities offer shorter wait times and multilingual staff.

At Pacific Prime, our insurance experts can help expats find the right international health insurance plan for their time in Vietnam. We offer free quotes and plan comparisons as well.

Keep reading to learn more about expat health insurance options in Vietnam.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Vietnam

Bupa Global International Private Health Insurance

• Extensive Network of Providers
• Direct Billing Options
• 24/7 Medical Help via Global Virtual Care
• Lifetime Renewal Options
• Maximum Annual limit up to USD $4,764,300

Plan Details Get a Quote

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

• Worldwide Coverage (excluding the US)
• Access to Cigna’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
• Numerous Deductible Options
• 24/7 Customer Support
• 4 Core Insurance Plans

Plan Details Get a Quote

The Healthcare System in Vietnam

Vietnam's healthcare system consists of both public and private health sectors. The Social Health Insurance (SHI) program works as a public health insurance system.  It covers most of the population, including eligible expats. Vietnam is working towards universal healthcare for all its citizens.

Expats who work in Vietnam with a permit and a temporary residence card are required to contribute to Vietnam's medical and social insurance plans. This will allow them to use public health facilities at a discounted rate.

There is a large gap between the standard of care in urban and rural regions. Vietnam hospitals have experienced overloading, with long wait times.

Public hospitals are not to Western standards and are often underfunded and understaffed. Staff in public hospitals usually only speak Vietnamese, meaning care can be a slow and frustrating process for expats who don't speak it. Meanwhile, private hospitals offer medical experts trained overseas who often speak English.

Prices can vary and are generally lower than Western costs, yet fees can build in expense. Having the right Vietnam health insurance plan is essential to avoiding costly medical bills.

Health Insurance Options for Expats in Vietnam 

Public and private health insurance are the two options available to expats in Vietnam. Not every expat will be eligible for public health insurance either as it's only for expats with work permits.

Private health insurance in Vietnam can be secured through the three following types of plans: travel, local, and international. Which specific plan is best for you will depend on your circumstances.

Public and Private Coverage for Expats in Vietnam 

Public health insurance has limited coverage compared to private health insurance in Vietnam. Coverage will depend on the choice of plan and provider, but most private plans can be tailored with additional benefits to the expat’s choice. 

A basic overview of public and private insurance coverage is demonstrated below.

Public insurance offers coverage for:

• Hospitalization
• Outpatient care
• Prescription drugs
• Maternity care

Private insurance offers coverage for: 

• In-patients treatments
• Out-patient services 
• Emergency care
• Evacuation and repatriation

There are different plan options among private insurance. Individual health plans are the most common, but there are also plans available to families, couples, and retirees. These all offer different policy features to ensure that your plan fits your situation.

Top International Health Insurance Options in Vietnam for Expats

The best international health insurance plan for expats in Vietnam will offer comprehensive coverage and customizable benefits. 

Here is a list of the best international health insurance providers in Vietnam:

• Aetna
• Luma
• Cigna
• Bupa 
• Liberty Insurance
• MSH International
• William Russell
• GeoBlue
• NOW Health
• AXA
• Allianz
• April International 

Pacific Prime negotiates with insurance companies for customers to find them the best possible plan for their needs. Because we aren’t tied to one specific insurer, we can give impartial advice as we help you compare plans. 

Cost of Health Insurance in Vietnam 

Health insurance plans vary in price in Vietnam due to several factors like geographical coverage and level of coverage. Local health insurance plans may be cheaper due to limited geographical coverage, but they won’t cover you on any traveling outside Vietnam’s borders. 

For more information on international health insurance costs, check out our Cost of International Health Insurance 2023 Report. 

Qualifying for Health Insurance in Vietnam 

Expats qualify for health insurance through their employers for the public health plan. For private health insurance, expats will need to apply on their own through their respective chosen companies.

International Health Insurance Providers

Expats have a wide selection of international insurance providers that offer coverage in Vietnam, such as Aetna, Luma Health, and more. We will cover each provider below with an overview of the features of their respective plans.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Vietnam

Bupa Global International Private Health Insurance

• Extensive Network of Providers
• Direct Billing Options
• 24/7 Medical Help via Global Virtual Care
• Lifetime Renewal Options
• Maximum Annual limit up to USD $4,764,300

Plan Details Get a Quote

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

• Worldwide Coverage (excluding the US)
• Access to Cigna’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
• Numerous Deductible Options
• 24/7 Customer Support
• 4 Core Insurance Plans

Plan Details Get a Quote

Aetna

Aetna is a Fortune 100 company in the United States of America and offers expats access to quality healthcare in Vietnam. They offer flexible and comprehensive benefits plans with additional options for medical, vision, dental, and pharmacy coverage. 

Some of the basic coverage for their plans includes:

• Inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment (up to 90 days)
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Rehabilitation up to 120 days
• Emergency dental and optical treatment

Plan Details Get a Quote

Luma Health 

Luma Health offers expats in Vietnam comprehensive and flexible health insurance solutions. They offer Asia Care Premier, Asia Care Pro, and Asia Care Plus plans. These are designed specifically for expats in South-East Asia. 

• Specifically designed for expats in South-East Asia
• 3 plan options
• Inpatient benefits up to $1,600,000 per person
• Outpatient benefits up to $6000 per person

Plan Details Get a Quote

Asia Care Premier 

This plan is the most affordable of the Asia Care categories and is perfect for expats looking for affordable and comprehensive healthcare while abroad.

Coverage includes:

• Inpatient benefits up to annual limit of $100,000 per person
• Outpatient benefits up to annual limit of $2,000 per person

Asia Care Pro

Asia Care Pro is perfect for working professionals in Vietnam who travel frequently. It comes in two plan options that differ in annual limits and coverage. 

Coverage includes: 

• Inpatient benefits up to annual limit of  $300,000-$500,000 per person
• Out-patient benefits up to annual limit of $3,000-$5,000 per person

Asia Care Plus

Luma’s Asia Care Plus plans come in five different options: essential care, balance care, superior care, premium care, and platinum care. These plans differ in annual limits and coverage benefits. 

Coverage includes:

• Inpatient benefits up to annual limit of $1,000,000-$1,600,000 per person
• Outpatient benefits up to annual limit of $6,000 per person

Cigna Global 

Cigna Global provides flexible insurance plans to expats in Vietnam. They offer their members 24/7 access to a customer care team and access to any private hospitals and private clinics. Their plans are both customizable and comprehensive. 

Cigna has a silver, gold, and platinum plan with different levels of coverage. All three of these plans share several common key coverage benefits:

• Hospitalization
• Inpatient and daypatient treatments
• Cancer treatments
• Physiotherapy
• Accidental death or total permanent disability compensation

Plan Details Get a Quote

Bupa Global

Bupa Global is one of the largest medical networks in Hong Kong, as well as the rest of the world. They offer their members tailor-made plans and guaranteed lifetime renewal. They provide high-quality service with a personal relationship manager available for their members.

Some of the features Bupa’s plans offer include:

• Inpatient coverage
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation
• 24/7 access to medical advice through the Bupa Global service center
• Direct access to specialists without referral

Plan Details Get a Quote

Liberty Insurance

A part of the Liberty Mutual group, Liberty Insurance offers coverage to expats and their families in Vietnam. They offer multiple comprehensive health insurance plans, with differing levels of coverage and additional customizable benefits.

Some of the shared features across their plans are:

• Inpatient treatment
• Hospitalization and surgeries
• Ambulance transport
• Accidents

Plan Details Get a Quote

MSH International

MSH has almost 50 years of experience in providing health insurance and offers top-quality care for expats and their families. With features like online claim reimbursement and medical teleconsultations, they are dedicated to their members' support and wellness. 

Their insurance plans come in differing levels from “quartz” to “diamond”, with the most expensive plan offering the highest coverage limits and additional benefits. Here are some of the basic features across their plans: 

• Inpatient treatment
• Hospitalization
• Cancer treatment
• Emergency evacuation

Plan Details Get a Quote

William Russell

William Russell offers insurance plans that are globally portable across countries, so expats can travel while protected. They also renew their contracts on an annual basis, so their members never feel like they’re locked into long-term contracts.

The basic features of all their plans are: 

• Hospitalization treatment
• Cancer treatment and care
• Emergency evacuations
• Diagnostics
• Post-hospital physiotherapy

Plan Details Get a Quote

GeoBlue

Geoblue offers an Xplorer health insurance plan that comes in essential or premier. These plans were created for expats traveling from the United States for business, leisure, or study trips. Expats can choose plans that include the United States in their coverage or not.

Both plans have several deductible options. The annual medical maximums are $1,000,000 for Xplorer Essential and unlimited for Xplorer Premier.

Some shared features across all levels of plans are: 

• Diagnostic lab work and X-rays
• Surgery
• Inpatient medical emergencies
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation
• Yearly physicals 

Plan Details Get a Quote

NOW Health

NOW Health International offers expats abroad comprehensive health insurance solutions, as well as providing plans for international students. They offer online claim processes through a mobile app and provide other prompt online support.

They have several different tiers of plans, but these are the shared features across all of them: 

• In-patient and day-patient care
• Organ transplant
• Evacuation and repatriation
• Cancer treatment
• Rehabilitation

Plan Details Get a Quote

AXA

AXA global health insurance is a great choice for expats in Vietnam. They offer short-term and long-term plans, with comprehensive coverage for any medical needs. 

Some examples of shared coverage by all AXA insurance plans include: 

• Hospital charges and surgery
• Emergency coverage
• Medical evacuation and repatriation
• Cancer treatment

Plan Details Get a Quote

Allianz

Allianz offers comprehensive insurance plans in Vietnam to cater to all expats’ needs. Riders are available to be purchased and attached to any basic policy that Allianz approves. These riders can offer coverage for accidents and other risks.

Some of the basic coverage for their plans includes: 

• Inpatient costs
• Diagnostics and laboratory tests
• Surgeries
• Ambulances transport
• Cancer treatment

Plan Details Get a Quote

April International 

April International has over 30 years of experience in the international health insurance market and provides both comprehensive and flexible plans to expats while in Vietnam. They provide varying levels of coverage, fully customizable policies, and a wide direct billing network. 

Some of the shared coverage across their plans are: 

• 24/7 Evacuation, repatriation, and assistance services
• Hospital and Surgeries
• Cancer treatments

Plan Details Get a Quote

Additional Benefits and Coverage 

Most insurance providers allow additional coverage options to extend your benefits. This could cover things like dental, optical, maternity, and more. 

• Dental: Dental check-ups, cleanings, and major dental procedures can be covered by additional benefits. 
• Maternity and family coverage: Expats looking to expand their family can customize international health insurance plans to cover prenatal care, childbirth, and postpartum care. There are also additional benefits to cover the newborn.
• Preventive care: Certain health insurance plans will offer regular health checkups, screenings, vaccinations, and wellness programs. These resources will help expats keep themselves healthy as they begin their new adventure abroad.

Pre-existing Conditions

Expats with pre-existing conditions may have fewer options when buying international insurance in Vietnam, but there are still other solutions available. You can choose a plan with a pre-existing condition exclusion, a moratorium, or coverage with loading.  

Here is a general overview of what each term means: 

• Exclusion: The insurer will not pay or reimburse the policyholder for medical bills related to the condition if they choose to buy a plan from them.
• Moratorium: The insurance company offers health insurance but excludes pre-existing condition coverage. The company then observes the pre-existing condition for a certain time known as the waiting period. This period is usually 24 months, and the insurance company reviews its decision.
• Coverage with loading: Insurance companies may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, but only with higher premiums. Not all pre-existing conditions are eligible for this kind of coverage, and not all companies offer this option.

Retirees Seeking International Healthcare in Vietnam 

Expats retiring in Vietnam should purchase an international health insurance plan that offers comprehensive and flexible coverage for their medical needs. This may include coverage for cancer screenings, chronic conditions support, and preventative health support. 

Reach out to Pacific Prime to hear all of our international insurance plans for retirees in Vietnam. We can help secure a plan that will provide excellent coverage for your needs, as well as provide access to all the best private hospitals and care.

How to Use International Health Insurance in Vietnam

Expats can use their international health insurance plan to gain access at private health facilities. Expats are more likely to find an English-speaking family Vietnamese physician at a private health clinic than a public one. 

Preventative care is not prioritized by most Vietnamese citizens, with most of them just going to the hospital or clinic in case of an emergency.

Travel Tips in Vietnam 

Expats in Vietnam can travel safely by following tips like only drinking bottled water and using mosquito repellent. Here is a list of some more travel tips for expats:

• Buy bottled water and don’t drink tap water as well as ice from public places
• Always wear sunscreen
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
• Countryside in Vietnam carries high risk of hepatitis A&B
• Use mosquito repellant to lower the risk of dengue and malaria

Conclusion 

Expats can choose international health insurance to provide them with the best care during their time in Vietnam and all over the world. There is a long list of providers Pacific Prime is partnered with that can offer the security that expats need during their global travels. 

With Pacific Prime, you don’t need to wait until you visit Vietnam to buy insurance; we can organize it for you now! Our expert staff can help you assess and clarify your health needs and provide you with options to choose from. 

We have over 19 years of experience in delivering robust insurance solutions to more than 500,000 members around the world. For a free quote or some helpful advice, contact our team today!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is healthcare in Vietnam cheap?

Medical costs are low in Vietnam, especially when compared to high medical costs in countries such as the United States. This low cost can come with its own disadvantages, as Vietnamese public healthcare can be lacking in resources. 

2. Will Vietnam accept Medicare?

No countries outside of the United States and its territories will accept Medicare. Retirees looking to live in or travel to Vietnam will want to secure their own private health insurance plan.