Healthcare is one of the reasons Vietnam works so well as a base: private care in the major cities is genuinely good and inexpensive by US standards. But it pays to know which hospitals expats trust, what things cost, and why nearly everyone carries private insurance.
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Where expats go
Expats rely on private and international hospitals rather than the crowded public system. The names that come up again and again are FV Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, the nationwide Vinmec chain (Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang and beyond), and Family Medical Practice clinics in all three cities. These have modern facilities, English-speaking doctors, and short waits.
What it costs
Out of pocket, care is affordable by American standards: a specialist consultation is roughly $40–$80, and an ER visit with basic tests runs a few hundred dollars. Bigger events add up — a multi-day inpatient stay can be several thousand dollars, and major surgery with ICU can reach $15,000–$30,000+ — which is exactly why insurance matters.
Insurance: buy it, and get evacuation cover
Most expats carry private insurance, roughly in three tiers: local plans ($200–$400/year), regional plans ($600–$1,200/year), and international plans ($1,500+/year). The important detail: for serious or complex cases, patients are often evacuated to Bangkok or Singapore, so an international plan that includes medical evacuation is the common recommendation for anyone settling in Vietnam.
The practical takeaway
For everyday health, Vietnam's private system is more than adequate and very affordable. For the rare emergency, your safety net is insurance with evacuation. Sort that out as part of your move, alongside where you'll live and how close you are to one of the good hospitals — proximity to a Vinmec or FV location is a legitimate factor when choosing a neighborhood.
Factoring healthcare into where you live?
Smart. I'll connect you — free — with a vetted local agent who can help you base yourself near the hospitals and services that matter to you.
This article is general information for people considering an international move — not immigration, visa, tax, legal, or financial advice. Rules, costs, and requirements change often and vary by nationality and situation, so always verify current details with official sources and a qualified professional. Stacey Scantlin is a REALTOR® with JBGoodwin who connects you with a vetted, independently licensed local real estate agent; she does not provide immigration or legal services.
Vietnam healthcare questions
Is healthcare good in Vietnam for expats?
In the major cities, yes. Private and international hospitals like FV, Vinmec, and Family Medical Practice offer modern care with English-speaking doctors. Public hospitals are cheaper but crowded and harder to navigate without Vietnamese.
How much does a doctor visit cost in Vietnam?
At a private hospital, a specialist consultation typically runs $40–$80. An ER visit with basic tests is a few hundred dollars. Major procedures cost far less than in the US but still justify insurance.
Do I need health insurance to live in Vietnam?
It's strongly recommended. Most expats carry private insurance, and for anyone settling long-term an international plan that includes medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore is the common choice.
Can I be treated in English in Vietnam?
Yes, at the main private and international hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, where English-speaking doctors and staff are standard.