Vietnam has no mandatory travel insurance requirement at the border, but the private clinics recommended to foreign visitors charge high rates payable on admission, with no reimbursement from French national health insurance. A consultation at an international medical centre already costs between 65 and 130 €, while a hospital stay or medical evacuation can run to tens of thousands of euros. Yupwego helps you choose a policy sized to cover these real risks.
Get my quoteIs travel insurance compulsory in Vietnam?
Travel insurance is not required to enter Vietnam. That does not change the financial reality: care at private clinics must be paid on admission, with no direct billing arrangement, and French national health insurance covers nothing outside Europe. The right policy means you never have to pay out of pocket on the spot, or worse, go without treatment you actually need.
Why take out travel insurance for Vietnam?
- High costs at private facilities: A consultation at an international clinic costs between 65 and 130 €, a CT scan or MRI between 325 and 650 €, and a surgical admission can exceed 1,800 € for a single night. Everything is settled at the door, with no upfront payment from the hospital.
- Medical evacuation at your expense: If you fall seriously ill or have an accident, a medically assisted evacuation from South-East Asia carries an enormous price tag that neither French national health insurance nor most bank cards cover in full.
- Public hospitals poorly suited to foreign visitors: Vietnamese public hospitals often lack French-speaking staff and the equipment needed for complex cases. Transfer to a private facility, sometimes as a matter of urgency, is regularly required.
- Real health risks: Dengue, malaria in certain rural areas of the highlands, hepatitis A, typhoid: falling ill in Vietnam is a genuine risk. Your insurance covers emergency treatment for these conditions.
- Theft and lost luggage: Theft of bags and electronics does occur in tourist areas. A baggage guarantee reimburses you in the event of theft with forced entry or loss by your airline.
What your Vietnam travel insurance covers with Yupwego
For a trip to Vietnam, Yupwego recommends a minimum coverage of 450,000 € to protect you against medical costs, evacuation and the main travel emergencies.
- Medical expenses and hospitalisation: Yupwego settles the bill with the clinic or hospital directly, so you pay nothing on the spot.
- Medical evacuation: If something serious happens, Yupwego organises and funds your return to France by air ambulance.
- Trip cancellation and curtailment: Available as an option: Yupwego reimburses your flights and accommodation if you have to cancel or cut your trip short for a medical or family reason.
- Baggage and personal belongings: Theft with forced entry or loss by your airline: your policy compensates your belongings up to the limits set out in your contract.
- Third-party liability: If you cause damage to someone else in Vietnam, your insurance covers the costs in accordance with your policy terms.
Healthcare in Vietnam
International private clinics, such as the Hôpital Français de Hanoï and medical centres in Ho Chi Minh City, provide quality care, but their fees are high and payment is required on admission. Public hospitals are not recommended for foreign visitors, as they lack appropriate equipment and French-speaking staff. The main health risks are dengue, malaria in the central and southern highlands (Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Gia Lai and Kon Tum provinces), hepatitis A and typhoid. See a travel medicine specialist 4 to 6 weeks before departure to tailor your vaccinations to your itinerary.
Entry requirements for Vietnam
French nationals can enter Vietnam without a visa for stays of up to 45 days, with a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of arrival. For longer stays, the Vietnamese e-visa (up to 90 days) can be obtained online before departure through the official Vietnamese visa portal. If you plan to stay for several months or relocate there, a long-stay travel insurance policy is a better fit than a standard contract; holders of a Working Holiday Visa (PVT) or students will find a dedicated plan with youth, student and WHV travel insurance.
Vehicle hire and road accidents in Vietnam
Traffic in Vietnam is heavy and accidents involving tourists, particularly on motorbikes, are common. If you hire a vehicle, take out the collision damage waiver (CDW) offered by the rental company: Yupwego policies do not cover physical damage caused to a hired vehicle. However, if you are injured in a road accident, your travel insurance covers your medical costs and evacuation (personal injury). Third-party liability towards others is also covered under the terms of your policy.
