Vietnam Healthcare Market: A Guide for Expats

Vietnam Healthcare Market: A Guide for Expats

Blog Article

The Vietnam healthcare market whether private or public are not free. Both citizens and foreigners are typically expected to pay for it. Many expats particularly prefer private hospitals because they generally tend to have better facilities in comparison to public ones.

The Vietnam healthcare market size is evolving with the government striving to provide universal coverage. However public hospitals often struggle with limited resources and lower service quality.  UN agencies report that vaccination efforts in Vietnam have protected millions of children for more than four decades.

Vietnam has seen surging expats recently and if you are among them it is crucial to understand how the healthcare system works even though it can be somewhat confusing.

Vietnam is still developing and the government is actively working to enhance healthcare services across the country. Expats can be more at risk for certain illnesses. But by steering clear of tap water and practicing general hygiene you can enjoy a safe stay. Emergency response can be delayed. Additionally expats should not that paramedics may not speak English and might lack access to modern equipment.

Private hospitals in major cities generally provide quicker and more reliable ambulance services even though many expats still opt to take a taxi to get medical help quickly when emergencies arise.

Public Hospitals

Vietnamese public health facilities may not match the technological and medical capabilities like the ones in developed countries. That is largely owing to underfunding with many hospitals lacking resources. Medical staff often speak Vietnamese and healthcare services in rural regions generally face poor access and standards.

Some remote regions in Vietnam still lack any healthcare even though support from the World Bank is helping to improve the situation. If you are relocating to Vietnam it is wise to settle in more developed areas where hospitals are readily available.

Private Hospitals

Due of their superior services, private clinics are typically preferred by foreigners, particularly in large cities like Hanoi. Expats are more likely to find tailored care in private hospitals where medical staff often include international doctors from Japan or the United States. Many Vietnamese doctors have received training abroad.

Most staff are also able to speak English with expat patients. While private hospitals generally offer easy billing with international insurance the fees for consultations with specialists like dermatologists or dentists can differ greatly. Specialist consultations in Vietnam are generally cheaper than in most Western countries. But expat focused doctors often charge higher fees in comparison to those working with locals.

The Drug Sector

In the Vietnam healthcare market pharmacies are abundant particularly in cities like Hanoi. Expats can therefore easily find one in most shopping malls or on busy streets. In Vietnam you will find it surprising that many medicines are available without needing a prescription. That said it is a good practice to verify the expiry date since copyright medicines can occasionally be found in pharmacies across Vietnam.

For expats who have concerns about medicine quality bringing their own medications or sourcing them from private hospitals is better. Expats can also bring their prescribed medications provided they have the prescription to show at customs.

Health Insurance for Expats

It is wise for expats to get international insurance considering that the Vietnam healthcare market may not provide the best care for foreigners. It is mainly because local healthcare provides cannot speak English. The services can also differ significantly from what expats are used to in their country.

Private healthcare can be quite expensive. So it is a good idea for expats to arrange comprehensive insurance before arriving. Make sure to check with the insurance provider and private hospital to confirm the treatment coverage. Expats should also make sure that their insurance provides coverage for care outside Vietnam before purchasing the policy.