Health Insurance in Vietnam, Asia
Information expatriation
Capital City:Hanoi
Total area: 331,689 km2
Population: 87,375,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time Zones by Country
Calling Code: +84 XXX
Practical Information:
Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information
Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:
· Vietnam has a universal healthcare system that aims to provide basic care to all citizens. It is a dual-track system with both public and private options.
· On the public side, Vietnam has district-level and provincial-level hospitals. These public hospitals and clinics are funded primarily by the government budget and healthcare users pay minimal fees.
· Community health centers and stations are the primary points of care, especially in rural areas. They focus on preventative care like immunizations, pre/post-natal care and treating basic illnesses and injuries.
· People can also choose to go to private clinics and hospitals. These have grown in popularity in recent decades as Vietnam's economy has developed. Private facilities charge fees that are not reimbursed by the public insurance system.
· Vietnam has compulsory social health insurance. Employers and employees must contribute monthly to non-contributory and contributory funds that subsidize care costs. Coverage rates are around 80% of the population.
· The system struggles with unequal access between urban/rural areas and wealthier/poorer citizens. Resource allocation and funding is also an ongoing challenge given the government's limited healthcare budget.
· Medical education and standards have improved greatly but shortages of facilities, equipment and qualified doctors/nurses persist in rural communities.
Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:
· Vaccinations - Make sure all routine vaccines are up to date, and consider ones like hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid and rabies depending on location in Vietnam.
· Travel medical insurance - Acquire insurance that covers medical evacuation if needed. Vietnam's healthcare may not cover all costs so international insurance is important.
· Visit a travel clinic - Check for any additional vaccines, get prescriptions for antivirals/antibiotics in case of illness, and tips on health risks in Vietnam.
· Tropical illnesses - Be aware of diseases like malaria, dengue fever, Zika etc. and take proper preventative measures like insect repellent, nets, etc.
· Food and water safety - Drinking tap water is not advised. Eat thoroughly cooked food from reliable sources to avoid parasites.
· Local hospitals - Quality varies greatly so check guidelines on where to seek treatment. International clinics in major cities provide better care options.
· Traditional remedies - Some traditional Vietnamese treatments aren't regulated so be cautious of any herbal/folk cures.
· Air pollution - Poorer air quality than developed nations so those with existing conditions may require regular checkups.
· Expense of private healthcare - Most expats use supplemental private insurance on top of travel insurance due to costs.
· Proper planning and precautions are important for healthcare when living or traveling long-term in Vietnam.