Vietnam has a fast-growing economy and an increasingly lively expat and remote-worker scene in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang. Its public hospitals are crowded and access is limited for foreigners, so most Britons use private and international facilities.
Serious cases are still sometimes referred to Bangkok or Singapore, which is why international cover with medical evacuation is a common choice. This guide explains how UK citizens arrange health cover in Vietnam.
Healthcare in Vietnam: how the system works
Public system: Public hospitals and social health insurance (Bao Hiem Y Te).
Vietnam runs public hospitals alongside a social health insurance scheme (Bảo hiểm y tế) aimed mainly at registered workers. Public facilities are often crowded and quality is variable, with the best equipment concentrated in the largest cities. Foreign employees on local contracts may be required to join the compulsory social insurance system.
In practice, a UK expat will use private and international hospitals and clinics, as public access is limited and quality inconsistent for foreigners. Foreign staff on local contracts may have to join compulsory social insurance — check with your employer. There is no reciprocal agreement with the UK, so a GHIC is invalid, and a UK domestic policy will not cover you as a Vietnam resident.
Why British expats take out private cover
Public hospitals are limited for foreigners and the best international facilities charge accordingly, so cover matters. IPMI gives you direct access to private and international hospitals, higher cover limits and medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore for complex cases.
What expat health insurance costs in Vietnam
Private care in Vietnam is generally good value, though international hospitals in the big cities cost more. IPMI premiums are relatively modest and rise with age and the level of regional or worldwide cover and evacuation you add.
Good to know before you move
- Public hospitals are crowded and access is limited for foreigners, so expats use private and international clinics.
- Foreign staff on local contracts may have to join compulsory social health insurance — check with your employer.
- Serious cases are sometimes evacuated to Bangkok or Singapore, so evacuation cover matters.
- There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and Vietnam.
Private hospitals and where Britons settle
Vietnam's British community is smaller but growing, spread across Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang, alongside a lively remote-worker scene.
Private and international options include FV Hospital, Vinmec International, Family Medical Practice and City International Hospital.
Popular with British expats: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hoi An.
How a UK broker helps expats in Vietnam
International private medical insurance is a specialist market, and the right policy depends on your visa, your age, your medical history and how much time you spend outside Vietnam. A UK-based specialist broker can compare the international insurers available through its service, check that a policy meets any local or visa requirement, and explain what is — and is not — covered before you commit.
A broker can compare only the insurers and policies available through its service, and may receive commission or charge a fee. Ask for the insurer panel, the remuneration disclosure and the total price. Requesting a quote is free and puts you under no obligation to buy.
Expat health insurance in Vietnam: FAQs
Can expats use public hospitals in Vietnam?
You can, but public hospitals are often crowded and access is limited for foreigners, with variable quality. Most expats use private and international hospitals and clinics for day-to-day care.
Do foreign workers need social insurance in Vietnam?
Foreign employees on local Vietnamese contracts of a qualifying length may be required to join the compulsory social insurance system, which includes a health element. The rules change over time, so confirm the position with your employer. It is not a substitute for private cover.
Does my UK health insurance cover Vietnam?
A UK domestic policy is built for UK residents and will not cover you once you live in Vietnam, and a GHIC is invalid here. You need an international policy that includes Vietnam and, ideally, evacuation cover.
Why do expats in Vietnam want evacuation cover?
Complex or serious cases are sometimes best treated in Bangkok or Singapore, and evacuation is costly to arrange privately. Including it in your policy means a medical emergency can be handled without a large unexpected bill.
Other expat destinations
Visa, residency and insurance rules change and vary by individual circumstances. This guide is general information, not personal or regulated advice — always confirm the current requirements for your situation before you rely on them. Health Insurance UK is an information and lead-generation service, not an insurer or broker.