A trip to the hospital is horrifying, not least in a foreign country! Fortunately, the Vietnamese system of international hospitals is available to help you care for yourself easily. Here’s our comprehensive guide to international hospitals in Vietnam.
All About Healthcare In Vietnam
Health insurance
Do I really need travel insurance when visiting Vietnam? YES!
In Vietnam, there is no universal healthcare, meaning that the quality and price for medical treatments can vary significantly between medical institutions. Some can be very costly, and Vietnamese insurance doesn’t cover much, so travelers usually opt for international health insurance.
Hospitals
There are two types here: public and private.
Public hospitals are typically understaffed, and most employees can only speak Vietnamese, so despite their more economical price tag, they are not the best choice for foreigners.
On the contrary, private hospitals can provide professional experiences with English-speaking staff; nevertheless, check your insurance plan carefully as these places can be quite pricey.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are easy to find. Some of the household names include Pharmacity and Phano Pharmacity. You can buy medicines straight from the counter without a prescription in Vietnam, but always remember to check the expiration date.
Emergency
Vietnamese emergency numbers are 115, 113, and 114, but they’re notorious for being slow due to traffic. That’s why many choose to catch a taxi, use ride-hailing apps like Grab, or use private-owned emergency services.
Eastern medicine
Eastern medication is easy to find in major cities, especially Ho Chi Minh City (Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, District 5, or the Traditional Medicine Hospital) and Hanoi (Lan Ong Street, Hoan Kiem District, or the National Traditional Medicine Hospital).
Common diseases
Changes in weather and environment can cause irritating ailments, ranging from the common cold, stomachache, and heatstroke to serious ones like diarrhea and dengue fever. Make sure you know how to prevent common diseases and get necessary vaccinations.
Read more on Healthcare in Vietnam!
Why International Hospitals In Vietnam?
Avoid confusion due to the language barrier
Most public hospitals’ staff can only speak Vietnamese, which can be the biggest challenge to tourists, particularly those not on tour. Therefore, choosing international hospitals in Vietnam becomes more convenient since the staff is good in English, and some doctors who study overseas (or are foreigners) can help you avoid confusion.
Better service and modern equipment
Since international hospitals are not crowded, the staff can better assist you. What’s more, the equipment is generally up-to-date, so you can get newer types of treatment that take less time. Another bonus point is that they accept international health insurance and card payments.
Can assist you during your process of applying for a work permit
Foreign professionals must obtain a valid work permit to work legally in Vietnam. Most of the time, the process requires you to do a health check-up at one of the certified international hospitals in Vietnam. Getting familiarized with these hospitals will help you be better equipped to build your career in Vietnam.
5 Best International Hospitals In Vietnam
Franco-Vietnamese Hospital / FV Hospital
Address: 6 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Phu My Hung, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.
Working hours: 8 AM – 5 PM (Monday – Friday), 8 AM – 12 PM (Saturday).
Can speak English and French.
Centre Medical International / CMI
Address: 30 Pham Ngoc Thach Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Working hours: 7.30 AM—7.30 PM (Monday through Friday), 8 AM—6 PM (Saturday).
Can speak English and French.
French Hospital
Address: 01 Phuong Mai Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi.
Open 24 hours.
Can speak English and French.
Family Medical Practice
Can speak English, Filippino, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese, German, Italian, Hebrew, French, Dutch, Polish, Chinese and Malay…
*Ho Chi Minh City:
Address: 34 Le Duan Street, District 1.
Working hours: 8 AM – 7 PM (Monday – Friday), 8 AM – 4.30 PM (Saturday).
*Hanoi:
Address: 298, Kim Ma Street, Van Phuc Compound, Dinh District.
Working hours: 8 AM – 5.30 PM (Monday – Friday), 8.30 AM – 12.30 PM (Saturday).
*Da Nang:
Address: 96-98 Nguyen Van Linh Street, Hai Chau District.
Working hours: 8 AM – 5.30 PM (Monday – Friday), 8.30 AM – 12.30 PM (Saturday – Sunday).
Vinmec International Hospital
Opens 24 hours.
Can speak English.
*Ho Chi Minh:
Address: 208 Nguyen Huu Canh Street, Binh Thanh District.
*Hanoi:
Address: 458, Minh Khai Street, Hai Ba Trung.
*Da Nang:
Address: Residential area no.4, 30 Thang 4 Street, Nguyen Tri Phuong, Hoa Cuong Bac Ward, Hai Chau District.
*Nha Trang:
Address: 42A, Tran Phu Street, Vinh Nguyen.
*Ha Long:
Address: 10A Le Thanh Tong, Hong Gai.
*Phu Quoc:
Address: Bai Dai, Ganh Dau.
Must-Follow Tips For Choosing The Right International Hospital in Vietnam
- Check the hospital’s cleanliness.
- Choose ones with staff who can speak your language.
- Choose ones that your insurance can cover.
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions regarding your conditions.
- Give the doctor sufficient and accurate information on your health.
- Wear a mask to the hospital
- Ask whether their diagnosis or prescriptions can be valid in your home country (for example, US Board Certified health care professional can provide you proof on your well-being)
Summary On International Hospitals In Vietnam
Whether you want it or not, sickness is unavoidable, and accidents happen while traveling. That’s why prevention is key when it comes to ensuring your safety. With this guide on international hospitals in Vietnam, we hope you find a suitable medical institution for your trip. Check out other helpful articles:
How Not to Get Food Poisoning While Traveling in Vietnam
Dental Tourism in Vietnam