Healthcare in Vietnam
Vietnam’s healthcare system combines aspects of eastern and western medical systems.
Government hospitals in Vietnam are not up to the standards westerners are used to. There are some excellent, modern hospitals specifically catering to the expat population in the country that are staffed by doctors from America, Korea, Japan, France and Vietnam. All of these hospitals willingly accept international health insurance.
Specialists like dentists and dermatologist vary in price range. A general rule of thumb is that if a specialist markets his or her practice to the expat community then the prices will be higher than those charged by other doctors. However, these prices are still lower than the rates you would have to pay in a first world country. The majority of these doctors will speak some English or French, but it is still helpful to ask a Vietnamese friend to help translate.
Many expats prefer to fly to Bangkok or Singapore for major medical issues. Both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi do have a number of good hospitals such as the Cho Ray Hospital, Hoa Hao Medical Diagnostic Centre and the Franco-Vietnam Hospital in HCMC and the Hanoi French Hospital and the International SOS Clinic in Hanoi.
Vietnam does not have a national health insurance plan so most expats organise a suitable plan from their home country or through an international medical insurance company. When going to a hospital in Vietnam it is best to check with both the hospital and your insurance providers that you are covered.
Pharmacies are well stocked, but when obtaining medicine always check the expiry date.
Government hospitals in Vietnam are not up to the standards westerners are used to. There are some excellent, modern hospitals specifically catering to the expat population in the country that are staffed by doctors from America, Korea, Japan, France and Vietnam. All of these hospitals willingly accept international health insurance.
Specialists like dentists and dermatologist vary in price range. A general rule of thumb is that if a specialist markets his or her practice to the expat community then the prices will be higher than those charged by other doctors. However, these prices are still lower than the rates you would have to pay in a first world country. The majority of these doctors will speak some English or French, but it is still helpful to ask a Vietnamese friend to help translate.Many expats prefer to fly to Bangkok or Singapore for major medical issues. Both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi do have a number of good hospitals such as the Cho Ray Hospital, Hoa Hao Medical Diagnostic Centre and the Franco-Vietnam Hospital in HCMC and the Hanoi French Hospital and the International SOS Clinic in Hanoi.
Vietnam does not have a national health insurance plan so most expats organise a suitable plan from their home country or through an international medical insurance company. When going to a hospital in Vietnam it is best to check with both the hospital and your insurance providers that you are covered.
Pharmacies are well stocked, but when obtaining medicine always check the expiry date.
