Best Expat Health Insurance in Vietnam

Reviewed 2026-11-01. General independent information; check current official immigration, financial and medical guidance before acting.

Expert take — Cost of Asia editorial team If you hold a Vietnamese labor contract of one month or more, your employer must enroll you in Vietnam's state health insurance, but that scheme pays at public-sector rates and won't settle a bill at FV or Vinmec. Treat it as a floor, not your cover. Budget for a private plan that bills those hospitals directly, and buy it before 60. That's when most insurers' entry ages start to close.

Commercial transparency: Cost of Asia has no contracted partner in this category. Providers are compared on published criteria, and no provider has paid for inclusion. If this changes, affiliate links will be labelled.

Most expats in Vietnam use private international hospitals: FV Hospital and Vinmec Central Park in Ho Chi Minh City, the Hanoi French Hospital, Family Medical Practice clinics, and Vinmec branches in Da Nang and Nha Trang. Those hospitals price at international levels, and a stay ends up on your card unless your insurer pays them directly.

The main trade-off is age against scope. Regional plans issued for Asia cost less but often stop taking new members in their mid-50s to 70. Global plans cost more but some accept applicants up to 79 and guarantee renewal for life. Pacific Prime, a broker, puts the average 2024 individual international premium in Vietnam at USD 4,547. That's a market average, not a quote.

At a glance

How we chose

• Published annual limit and coverage area
• Maximum entry age and renewal terms
• Medical evacuation included or available
• Treatment of pre-existing conditions
• Direct billing with named Vietnamese hospitals

Insurers' own Vietnam pages weren't available to us, so check the policy wording before you buy. Checked on 1 November 2026.

1. AXA Global Healthcare — best for joining in your 70s

Pacific Prime lists five AXA tiers, from Foundation (USD 400,000) to Prestige Plus (USD 8 million). Its July 2026 retiree guide says AXA accepts new applicants under 80 and guarantees lifetime renewal. Medical evacuation and repatriation are included. The catch: pre-existing conditions are generally not covered, depending on underwriting.

2. Cigna Global — best if you have managed chronic conditions

Cigna's Silver, Gold and Platinum plans carry annual limits of USD 1 million, USD 2 million and unlimited. Pacific Prime notes that Cigna may cover conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes and arthritis, subject to underwriting, and offers lifetime renewal. Evacuation is an optional add-on. The broker lists Vinmec, FV Hospital, Family Medical Practice and the Hanoi French Hospital among direct-billing partners. Close Care (USD 500,000) is a cheaper option limited to your country of residence and your home country.

3. Bupa Global — best for very high limits

Bupa's five plans run from £1 million (Select) to unlimited (Ultimate), with evacuation and repatriation on all of them. You choose between full medical underwriting and a moratorium. Under a moratorium, an old condition can become eligible once you've gone two years without symptoms or treatment. Leaving out the USA reduces the premium. For direct billing, Bupa asks you to request a guarantee of payment before you're admitted, for example at Vinmec.

4. APRIL MyHEALTH Vietnam — best for lower premiums with an Asia focus

MyHEALTH Vietnam is issued with a local insurer and administered by APRIL International. It offers Essential (USD 100,000 or 500,000), Extensive (USD 1 million) and Elite (USD 2 million) levels. Coverage-area options include worldwide, worldwide excluding the USA, and Europe plus ASEAN excluding Singapore. Pacific Prime reports cashless access at around 4,500 facilities in Asia.

5. Luma Asia Care Plus Vietnam — best for under-70s based in Vietnam

Luma's Vietnam plan pays up to USD 1.6 million, according to Pacific Prime. It includes evacuation and direct billing within Luma's network, and pays cancer treatment in full. Adults aged 18 to 70 can apply, and children can be added to a parent's policy.

What to check before you decide

• State insurance: if you're employed locally, PwC confirms that health insurance applies to foreign staff on labor contracts of at least one month. Ask HR which hospital you're registered with.
• Entry age and renewal: Tuoi Tre News reported retirees being refused renewal at 65 by a local insurer. Look for "guaranteed lifetime renewal" in the wording.
• Direct billing list: confirm your nearest hospital is on it, and how to get a guarantee of payment.
• Evacuation: check whether it's included or an add-on, and whether it covers Bangkok or Singapore.
• Addresses: Vietnam merged and renamed many districts and wards in 2025. Hospital listings may show either the old or the new names.

FAQ

Is health insurance mandatory for expats in Vietnam?

For foreign staff on Vietnamese labor contracts of at least one month, state health insurance is compulsory. Remote workers and retirees have no general requirement, so private cover is up to you.

Can I get expat health insurance in Vietnam after 65?

Yes, though options narrow. Pacific Prime lists AXA and NOW Health as accepting applicants under 80, and Allianz and Bupa under 75. Expect pre-existing conditions to be excluded or underwritten.

Is local Vietnamese insurance enough?

Local plans cost less but often have lower limits, co-payments and earlier age cut-offs. Compare the hospital list and the renewal age before relying on one.

Related guides

• Vietnam cost of living
• Expat health insurance explained
• Best hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City
• Vietnam family cost of living
• Budget calculator