Travel insurance for Vietnam: is it required for entry and how it works at hospitals
Travel insurance isn't required to enter Vietnam, whether visa-free or on an e-visa. But foreigners pay for treatment, and big private hospitals such as Vinmec and FV only bill insurers directly when they're on the hospital's partner list.
Travel insurance isn't required to enter Vietnam: it isn't listed among the conditions for visa-free entry or for an e-visa from evisa.gov.vn, and border officers don't ask for a policy. Foreigners do pay for treatment, though, so medical cover is still worth having. Large private hospitals — Vinmec, FV — deal with insurers directly: if your insurer is on their partner list, the hospital bills it against a guarantee letter; otherwise you pay and claim the money back.
Is insurance required to enter Vietnam?
No, travel insurance isn't mandatory for entering Vietnam. Neither visa-free entry nor the e-visa of up to 90 days lists insurance as a condition. Separate requirements can apply to work visas and work permits, which is a different matter from tourism. More in Vietnam visa.
Why get insurance if it isn't required?
Because treatment in Vietnam is paid for by foreigners, and you may suddenly need help after a motorbike accident, food poisoning or an injury at sea. Make sure the policy covers medical care and evacuation, and check whether riding a motorbike or scooter is excluded. How to choose a hospital — hospitals in Nha Trang.
How does insurance work at Vietnamese hospitals?
Large private hospitals in Vietnam — Vinmec, FV — bill insurers directly if they're on the hospital's partner list: the insurer sends a guarantee letter and you don't pay on the spot. FV lists around 60 insurers; Vinmec publishes its own list. If your insurer isn't listed, the hospital asks you to pay and you claim back from the insurer with the paperwork. Before you travel, call your insurer and ask which Vietnamese hospitals it works with.
Which vaccinations are advised before the trip and where there's no malaria: vaccinations for Vietnam.
FAQ
Do I need travel insurance for Vietnam? Not for entry. But treatment is paid, so it's worth having.
Do border officers check insurance? No.
Can I be treated without paying upfront? At a hospital that partners with your insurer — yes, with a guarantee letter.
Does insurance cover riding a motorbike? Depends on the policy — check that motorbikes aren't excluded.