Healthcare in Vietnam: A Guide for Expats and Medical Tourists

Vietnam’s healthcare system has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last few decades, evolving from basic public health services to a mixed public-private model offering advanced treatments, high-tech facilities, and specialized care. With affordable pricing, growing international recognition, and increased investment in modern medical infrastructure, Vietnam is becoming not only a regional healthcare leader but also a top choice for international patients and medical tourists.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about healthcare in Vietnam, including hospital types, medical services, insurance, private vs. public care, language support, costs, and what to expect as a patient or visitor.

Table of Contents

1. Overview of Vietnam’s Healthcare System

2. Structure: Public vs. Private Healthcare

3. Major Cities for Quality Medical Care

4. Types of Medical Services Available

5. Health Insurance Options in Vietnam

6. Cost of Medical Care

7. Language & Communication in Hospitals

8. Medical Tourism in Vietnam

9. Top Hospitals for International Patients

10. Tips for Expats & Tourists

11. Future Outlook of Healthcare in Vietnam

12. Conclusion

1. Overview of Vietnam’s Healthcare System

Vietnam’s healthcare system is a hybrid of public and private healthcare, overseen by the Ministry of Health (MoH). The system provides comprehensive health coverage for citizens through public hospitals and growing access to private providers for those seeking faster or higher-tier services.

Over the past 20 years, the Vietnamese government has heavily invested in upgrading hospitals, launching telemedicine programs, expanding preventive care, and introducing universal health insurance.

Key Facts:

• Population: ~100 million

• Life expectancy: ~75 years

• Infant mortality: <15/1000 (improving annually)

• Hospital system: ~1,400 public hospitals, 250+ private hospitals

2. Structure: Public vs. Private Healthcare

🏥 Public Healthcare

Public hospitals form the backbone of the Vietnamese healthcare system. These facilities are state-funded and serve the majority of the population, especially in rural and suburban areas. Public care is:

• Affordable or free with national insurance

• Crowded in major cities

• Tiered (commune > district > provincial > central)

Central hospitals like Bach Mai Hospital (Hanoi) or Cho Ray Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City) provide advanced diagnostics, surgery, and specialized care.

🏥 Private Healthcare

Private hospitals have flourished in recent years, particularly in major urban centers. They offer:

• Shorter waiting times

• Modern facilities

• English-speaking doctors

• Personalized services

Examples include Vinmec, FV Hospital, City International Hospital, and American International Hospital (AIH). Many private facilities follow international standards and cater specifically to expats and medical tourists.

3. Major Cities for Quality Medical Care

Vietnam’s best healthcare infrastructure is concentrated in its largest cities:

✅ Hanoi

• Central hospitals: Bach Mai, Viet Duc, 108 Military

• Private options: Vinmec Times City, Thu Cuc, Hong Ngoc

• Medical universities and research hubs

✅ Ho Chi Minh City

• Cho Ray Hospital (top public referral hospital in the south)

• FV Hospital (JCI-accredited), Vinmec Central Park, AIH

• Excellent expat and international services

✅ Da Nang

• Rapidly expanding healthcare hub in central Vietnam

• Vinmec Da Nang, Hoan My Da Nang Hospital

• Popular with retirees and medical tourists

4. Types of Medical Services Available

Vietnam offers a full range of services including:

• Primary care (checkups, vaccinations, health screenings)

• Specialist care (cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, dermatology)

• Emergency & trauma services (available 24/7 at most central hospitals)

• Advanced diagnostics (MRI, PET-CT, genetic testing)

• Surgery (general, laparoscopic, robotic-assisted, cosmetic)

• Fertility treatment (IVF, IUI)

• Rehabilitation and physiotherapy

• Dental and cosmetic procedures

• Mental health services (still developing)

5. Health Insurance Options in Vietnam

🩺 National Health Insurance (VSS)

• Covers ~90% of citizens

• Subsidizes treatment at public hospitals

• Limited coverage at private hospitals

• Foreigners with work contracts are often enrolled

🛡️ Private Health Insurance

• Local and international providers (Bao Viet, AIA, Allianz, Pacific Cross)

• Covers private hospital treatment, international care, and second opinions

• Often required by expats, international students, and retirees

🧾 Travel Insurance for Tourists

Short-term visitors are advised to purchase travel health insurance, especially for:

• Emergency care

• Medical evacuation

• Hospitalization abroad

6. Cost of Medical Care

Medical costs in Vietnam are extremely affordable compared to Western countries and even neighboring nations like Singapore or Thailand.

Note: Prices may vary depending on hospital, city, and patient condition.

7. Language & Communication in Hospitals

Language can be a challenge in public hospitals, where English is not widely spoken. However, in major private hospitals:

• Doctors and staff are fluent in English

• Interpreter services are often available for Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Russian, Thai, and Khmer

• Bilingual signs, apps, and documentation support international patients

MedicalTourism.vn and similar services help bridge the language and cultural gap by offering full patient navigation in English and other languages.

8. Medical Tourism in Vietnam

Vietnam has emerged as a competitive medical tourism destination thanks to:

• Low cost of treatment

• High-quality hospitals (some JCI-accredited)

• Skilled doctors trained in Europe, the US, Japan, Korea

• Easy visa policies for tourists

• Beautiful travel destinations for recovery

Popular Medical Tourism Services:

• Cosmetic surgery (facelifts, tummy tucks, breast augmentation)

• Dental implants and veneers

• IVF and fertility services

• Orthopedic procedures (joint replacement, spine surgery)

• Cancer treatment and diagnostics

• General surgery and health screenings

A Vietnamese nurse assists an elderly patient at a hospital in Hanoi, reflecting the professional and compassionate care available in Vietnam’s public healthcare system.

9. Top Hospitals for International Patients

Here are some of the top-rated hospitals that cater to expats and medical tourists:

🏥 Vinmec Healthcare System (Nationwide)

• 7 hospitals, JCI-certified in Hanoi

• High-end facilities, full English support

• Services: Oncology, cardiology, IVF, general surgery

🏥 FV Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City)

• JCI-accredited

• French-Vietnamese joint venture

• Multidisciplinary care with French and English-speaking staff

🏥 City International Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City)

• JCI-accredited

• International-standard private hospital

• 21 specialties and diagnostic excellence

🏥 108 Military Central Hospital (Hanoi)

• Public hospital with advanced technology

• Strong in oncology, cardiovascular, and surgery

• Offers private VIP rooms and international support

🏥 Hanh Phuc International Hospital (Binh Duong & HCMC)

• Leading in women and children’s health

• IVF, maternity, pediatric surgery

• JCI-accredited, part of TMG Singapore

10. Tips for Expats & Tourists Seeking Healthcare

• 📞 Always call ahead for appointments, especially in private hospitals

• 📄 Bring medical records in English (or translated)

• 💳 Credit cards accepted in most private clinics

• 🗣 Use interpreters when visiting public hospitals

• 📱 Use apps like Medigo or Doctor Anywhere to book consultations

• 🧳 Use MedicalTourism.vn for full-service assistance: from doctor selection to visa help

11. Future Outlook of Healthcare in Vietnam

Vietnam’s healthcare system is on a fast development track with:

• Increased private-public partnerships

• Hospital upgrades across provinces

• Telemedicine integration and AI diagnostics

• Growing number of JCI-accredited hospitals

• Focus on preventive care and insurance coverage

By 2030, Vietnam is expected to be a leading medical tourism hub in Southeast Asia, rivaling Thailand and Malaysia, especially in affordability and access.

12. Conclusion

Healthcare in Vietnam is no longer a basic, developing system—it is a modern, diverse, and expanding network of hospitals and clinics that serve millions of citizens, expats, and medical tourists every year. Whether you’re seeking a routine health check-up, complex surgery, or fertility treatment, Vietnam offers high-quality care at a fraction of the global cost.

With ongoing investments, international partnerships, and improved patient services, Vietnam is fast becoming a trusted healthcare destination in Asia.