Stroke, accident, crushing chest pain at 2 a.m. — abroad, the first question isn’t “which hospital” but “will emergency care demand money first?”. The reassuring answer: healthcare facilities may not refuse emergency care — even if you’re a foreigner with no HI and empty pockets.
The golden rule: emergency first, paperwork later
- No refusing emergencies: under the 2023 Law on Medical Examination and Treatment, facilities must receive and provide emergency care — no refusal for lack of money, HI or Vietnamese nationality.
- HI treats emergencies as in-network: even in another province, unregistered there — emergencies are HI-paid as in-network. Keep every invoice and discharge paper.
- National emergency number: 115 — call for ambulances. In big cities, international hospitals run private 24/7 ambulances (save the numbers).
Paying emergency bills: 4 scenarios
- Have HI: show your HI card (VssID/chipped CCCD) — the fund pays at your benefit rate; you co-pay the rest within coverage.
- Have international health insurance: network hospitals with direct billing → no cash advance; off-network → advance, collect invoices, reclaim.
- No insurance: hospitals must still provide emergency care; bills come later — public hospitals charge regulated rates, international hospitals charge service price lists (much higher).
- Traffic accidents: the causing vehicle’s TNDS insurance pays victims (VND 150M/person/accident under Decree 67/2023) — keep the police accident report.
Foreigners and emergencies: 5-item checklist
- 1. Save 115 + nearest hospital addresses (public and international) in your phone — in Vietnamese for taxi directions.
- 2. Carry HI/international insurance cards (digital on phone) + passport (photo).
- 3. Medical info card: blood type, drug allergies, chronic conditions, emergency contact — in your wallet, Vietnamese + English.
- 4. Emergency contact: a Vietnamese colleague/friend who can come interpret and handle paperwork.
- 5. After stabilising: for long treatment, consider transferring to a hospital with an international department or repatriation (international plans often include evacuation).
FAQs
Do private/international hospitals demand deposits before emergency care?
No — emergency care is unconditional. Deposits apply only to non-emergency (planned) admissions. If asked to pay before emergency care, report to the Department of Health.
Emergency in another province — HI pays?
Yes — emergencies count as in-network at your benefit rate. Since 1/7/2025 erased administrative boundaries, this flows even smoother.
My companion speaks no Vietnamese?
International hospitals have 24/7 interpreters. Public hospitals: call the Department of Health hotline or ask the 115 operator to connect. Prepare the bilingual medical card above.
Contact us
FLAT Law Firm advises foreign nationals and their families on inheritance, wills, driving licences, health insurance and money transfers in Vietnam. Contact us for advice on your specific case.
