Falling ill abroad, picking the wrong hospital wastes money and patience. Vietnam’s healthcare has 3 tiers: public hospitals (cheap, crowded, little English), private hospitals (mid-price, better service), international hospitals (English, expensive). This guide matches the tier to the situation.
The 3-tier hospital map
- Tier 1 — Public: Bach Mai, Cho Ray, Viet Duc, National Children’s… Deepest expertise, cheapest (good HI coverage). Downsides: crowded, long waits, complex procedures, little English (except international departments). Best for: serious illness needing top specialists, complex surgery, low cost.
- Tier 2 — Private: Tam Anh, Thu Cuc, Hong Ngoc, Hoan My… Mid–high prices, good service, short waits, some English-speaking doctors. Best for: check-ups, common illnesses, service childbirth.
- Tier 3 — International: FV (HCMC), Vinmec (nationwide), Raffles, City International… Full English, international standards (JCI), direct billing with international insurers. Highest prices (VND 1–3M/visit). Best for: new expats, conditions needing detailed English discussion, international-insurance cover.
Choose by 4 situations
- Emergency: nearest facility — all hospitals must provide emergency care (HI treats emergencies as in-network). Call 115.
- Serious/complex illness: top public hospitals (Bach Mai, Cho Ray, Viet Duc) — the deepest specialist benches.
- Check-ups, minor illness: international clinics (Family Medical Practice, Raffles Medical…) or nearby private hospitals — fast, English, book ahead.
- Childbirth: private/international hospitals with maternity packages (Tam Anh, Vinmec, FV, Hanh Phuc…) — book from weeks 12–16.
3 tips for using HI at public hospitals
- Register first care at hospitals with international departments: HI benefits plus English support when needed.
- Book via hotline/app: major public hospitals now offer online appointments — cutting hours of waiting.
- Bring an interpreter when needed: serious illness, complex procedures — hire a medical interpreter or bring a Vietnamese colleague; misunderstanding instructions is worse than the cost.
FAQs
Do international hospitals accept HI?
Mostly no — international hospitals usually don’t contract HI care. Use private/international health insurance there, or pay out-of-pocket.
HI coverage in another province?
Yes — since 1/7/2025 boundaries are erased: any first-registration facility nationwide pays full HI benefits.
Medical emergency numbers in Vietnam?
115 — national medical emergency. Also save your nearest international hospital’s ambulance line (usually 24/7).
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.
