Health Insurance in Vietnam

As a foreigner in Vietnam, it’s absolutely recommended to get a private health insurance in Vietnam. 

Here are the key benefits:

• Access to private healthcare facilities with English-speaking medical staff.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage including optional Outpatient care, Dental, Vision and even Maternity cover.
• Variety of choice of provider and medical provider.
• Shorter waiting times for appointments and procedures in private hospitals in Vietnam as opposed to public hospitals in Vietnam.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your preferences, lifestyle, health needs, and financial situation.

If you’re unsure about how to proceed and what option is best for you, feel free to reach out to LUMA’s team for guidance. Fill the contact form at the end of this page and we’ll get back to you.

The adequacy of local healthcare in Vietnam for foreigners living in Vietnam can vary. While the healthcare system has been improving, it’s essential to consider a few factors:

• Public healthcare facilities might have language barriers and longer waiting times as opposed to private hospitals in Vietnam.
• Public healthcare is more affordable than private care but expect much longer waiting times.
• Depending on your location and condition, emergency services might be more accessible in private facilities.

In summary, while local healthcare is improving, expatriates living in Vietnam often prefer private facilities due to better quality, convenience, and English-speaking staff. It’s recommended to have private health insurance and research healthcare options before relocating to Vietnam.

LUMA is an insurance service provider that has been operating in Vietnam since 2016. It is well-regarded for providing expat health insurance, not only in Vietnam but also across Asia. LUMA has established an office in Vietnam to cater to members residing in the country. While it is particularly popular among expatriates, LUMA’s services are available to both expatriates and Vietnamese citizens.

Read our Guide about Expat Health Insurance in Vietnam.

The cost of health insurance for foreigners living in Vietnam usually vary from 3 main factors:

• Level of benefits and zone of coverage
• Age
• Insurance provider

An “Expat Health Insurance” usually cost more than a local Health Insurance, mainly because an expat health insurance will typically cover more (higher limits and benefits, and wider zone of coverage) compared to a Vietnamese Insurance. 

An international health insurance in Vietnam can range from a few hundred to a few thousand US dollars per year, depending on the factors mentioned above.

For stays in Vietnam exceeding 6 months: Our health insurance plans offer comprehensive coverage that is ideal for your needs as a digital nomad in Vietnam.

For shorter stays in Vietnam: While our health insurance provides year-long coverage, it might be a better fit for longer residencies. If your stay is less than 6 months, consider our LUMA travel insurance for a more fitting solution.

LUMA offers health insurance options to expats and Vietnamese nationals residing in Vietnam.

Who can apply?

• Adults between 18 and 70 years old.
• Children under 18 can be included on a parent’s policy.
• All nationalities are welcome to apply.
• Need to reside at least 185 days a year in Vietnam.
• Note that some occupations are not accepted, please check with our consultants for your specific profile. 

The maximum age for application to a LUMA health insurance solution in Vietnam is 74 years old. Applications are accepted until the last day of the applicant’s 74th birthday.

Please note that all applications undergo full medical underwriting, which involves a comprehensive review of the medical declaration.

No, a health check-up is not mandatory. Application is based on the declaration and completion of a medical questionnaire. However, a health check-up may be requested on a case-by-case basis during the underwriting process.

Pre-existing conditions are usually not covered by insurance companies. Our current range of health insurance solutions unfortunately follows the same rule and do not cover pre-existing conditions.

Any conditions or symptoms existing before starting a plan would be considered as pre-existing. However, pre-existing conditions may be exceptionally covered if they are fully declared and accepted by the insurer.

General exclusions (what is typically not covered by the insurance):

• Pre-existing conditions
• Expenses incurred prior to the effective date of coverage or after termination of coverage.
• Travel and accommodation expenses in relation with medical care
• Any medical and surgical cost that is not prescribed by a competent medical authority in the country of care.
• Any product that is not considered as a  medicinal.
• Costs for aesthetic treatment, thalassotherapy, treatment for rejuvenation, weight loss or gaining treatment.
• Costs of non-direct medical nature i.e. personal expense, telephone expenses, television rental in case of hospitalization.
• Transport costs excluding ambulance, to the nearest adequate treatment facility.
• Costs for medical hospitalization or stay in a sanatorium or preventorium if the facilities where the covered person was treated are not approved by competent public authorities.
• Services in connection with infertility, pregnancy, childbirth, abortion or miscarriage, or any causes related to pregnancy, sterilization or investigation of sterilization. 
• Injury while the covered person is committing a felony or while the covered person is being arrested, under arrest, or escaping the arrest.
• Costs for psychomotility.
• Care provided in a retirement home, or expenses incurred for assistance to a person in their daily activities.
• Congenital abnormalities, growth development abnormalities, and genetic disorders.
• As well as consequences of:
  a. Intentional action by the covered person or the beneficiary.
  b. Civil or international wars, rioting, fights, irrespective of the place where these events
  happen and of protagonists.
  c. Terrorism.
  d. Covered person’s attempted suicide or use of non-medically prescribed narcotics.
  e. Covered person’s being in a state of inebriety or under the influence of alcohol.
  The term “under the influence of alcohol” in case of having a blood test refers to a blood/alcohol level of 150mg percent and over.
  f. Direct or indirect effects of disintegration of the atomic nucleus.
  g. Participating in any official sporting competition and training for these competitions. Official sports tournaments are sport competitions that are permitted and recognized by state agencies.
• Practicing any sport as a professional. However, an initiation into sports (excluding dangerous sports), such as “first-time sessions”, are covered if they are supervised by a professional instructor with state-required certificates and skills.
• Medical expenses, except for an emergency case, incurred outside of the geographical area of coverage.

To make informed decisions about your healthcare, please carefully review your coverage details, including both benefits and exclusions.

Your coverage begins on the date you are accepted into the insurance policy. 

Waiting periods apply for specific benefits, as listed in the terms of your insurance policy. This means that, for a period of time, there will be no coverage for particular benefits. 

The “best” hospital depends on your specific needs and location.

Read our article about Best Hospitals in Vietnam to understand the medical landscape of expat friendly hospitals in Vietnam. 

LUMA operates a large direct billing network for both inpatient and outpatient services.

This preferred network includes top hospitals and clinics in Vietnam and in South East Asia. This eliminates the need for members to pay upfront for their medical expenses at facilities included in this network. 

Note that providers in LUMA’s Medical Network simply facilitate the billing process by sending your medical bills directly to us for review and payment.

It’s crucial to understand that direct billing providers cannot define or confirm if a specific treatment is covered under your health plan. Factors like policy exclusions, underwriting terms, benefit limits, deductible and co-payments may result in charges not being covered by your insurance. In such cases, you may be billed directly by the healthcare provider. If we’ve already paid a claim on your behalf and it turns out to be ineligible, we may seek recovery from you.

If claiming outside LUMA’s direct billing network, or when direct billing is not available or not chosen; members can submit their claims via the LUMA mobile application. 

In doubt of coverage, members are welcome to contact our Customer Service team for clarification.

Read our guide about What to do in case of emergency in Vietnam, listing the main hospitals in the country equipped with Emergency Departments.