Vietnam travel insurance is essential for a serene stay and to avoid a financial nightmare. This complete guide compares the best offers on the market (Heymondo, ACS, Chapka) and helps you find the perfect travel insurance for your budget.
Which travel insurance should you choose for Vietnam?
Our Recommended Insurance for Vietnam
Here is our selection of the best insurance for traveling with peace of mind, based on our experience as expats in Asia.
- ✅ Heymondo: The best overall value for money (-5% via our link).
- ✅ ACS: The most economical plans, ideal for travelers under 40.
- ✅ Chapka: The specialist for long stays and adventure travel.
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Vietnam Insurance: Mandatory or Not?
Strong Recommendation from Authorities
Although travel insurance is technically no longer mandatory for tourist stays since 2022, Foreign Ministries and embassies classify it as imperative. This strong recommendation is based on several unavoidable realities of the Vietnamese healthcare system.
Key points highlighted by authorities include:
- Medical costs can be very high, especially in private Vietnamese clinics that offer international quality care.
- Embassies and consulates cannot cover these costs under any circumstances. Without insurance, you are solely responsible for all expenses.
- Failure to provide proof of financial coverage puts you at risk of being denied access to care, even in cases of life-threatening emergencies.
In summary, the lack of a social security agreement between most Western countries and Vietnam makes an insurance contract covering healthcare and repatriation essential.
Why Subscribing is Indispensable: The Risks Covered
Good insurance is not an expense, but an investment in your safety and peace of mind. Here are the guarantees that make all the difference.
Medical Expenses: Risk #1
This is the most important guarantee, as an unforeseen event can quickly become expensive. Concretely, here are some cost examples in Vietnam:
- Consultation for tonsillitis or ear infection: €75-150 in a private clinic.
- Hospitalization for Dengue fever: €3,000-7,000 for a few days.
- Motorbike/scooter accident: €10,000-25,000, including surgery and follow-up. This is the most frequent risk in Vietnam due to traffic.
🚗 Don’t take this risk: see insurances covering accidents
🏔️ Adventure in Vietnam: Check Your Coverage
If you plan activities like a Halong Bay cruise, riding a scooter, or climbing, check that your insurance covers these activities. Many policies exclude them by default.
Medical Repatriation: The Vital Guarantee
In case of a serious accident or severe illness, taking a standard commercial flight may be impossible. Medical repatriation involves transporting you in a medicalized aircraft, with a medical team on board. This operation, which can cost tens of thousands of euros, is a non-negotiable guarantee.
Trip Cancellation: Protecting Your Investment
This guarantee reimburses non-refundable expenses (flight tickets, hotels) if you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason (serious illness of yourself or a relative, visa issues, etc.).
Other Essential Guarantees
- Civil Liability: Covers you if you accidentally cause material damage or bodily injury to someone else.
- Loss or Theft of Baggage: Compensates you for the loss of your personal effects.
- Legal Assistance: Covers legal fees in case of problems with local justice.
Credit Cards: Limits to Know
Many travelers think they are covered by their credit card insurance (Visa Premier, Mastercard Gold). This is rarely sufficient for Vietnam:
- Limits often insufficient: Around €155,000 for medical expenses, which can be tight for long hospitalizations.
- High deductibles: Often €50 or more at your expense.
- Limited duration: Generally only covers stays of less than 3 months from the date of entry into the territory.
- Frequent exclusions: Risky sports, certain activities, advanced age.
For a serene stay, dedicated travel insurance remains the safest solution.
How to Choose Your Insurance for Vietnam?
To make the right choice, three criteria must be analyzed carefully.
✅ Before subscribing, verify:
- Medical limit (minimum €150,000, ideal €500,000+)
- Repatriation included (actual costs)
- Deductible (prefer no deductible or very low)
- Motorbike/scooter accidents covered
- Exclusions and age limits
- Duration: stay >/< 90 days
Analyze Guarantee Limits
The limit is the maximum amount the insurer will reimburse. For Vietnam, we recommend a minimum limit of €150,000 for medical expenses, but a limit of €500,000 or more is ideal for optimal coverage.
Check Deductibles
The deductible is the amount that remains at your expense in case of a claim. Prioritize contracts without a deductible or with a very low one (e.g., €30) to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Contract Exclusions: What to Read
Always read the fine print. Common exclusions concern unstabilized pre-existing conditions or the practice of certain risky sports. If you plan specific activities, ensure they are covered or subscribe to a dedicated option.
Our Selection of the Best Insurance for Vietnam
| Insurance | Ideal For | Trustpilot Score | Medical Limit | Price* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heymondo (Travel) |
Excellent value, no upfront costs | 4.6 / 5 | Up to €500,000 | ~ €42 | Quote -5% |
| Chapka (Cap Assistance) |
Short stays, families, cancellation option | 4.5 / 5 | Up to €200,000 | ~ €44 | See offer |
| ACS (Globe Partner) |
Most economical for under 40s | 4.2 / 5 | Up to €300,000 | From €15 | See offer |
*Estimated price for 2 weeks
Note: Although this guide uses Vietnam as an example, our recommended insurances (Heymondo, ACS, Chapka) offer international coverage. They are valid for Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, China, and the rest of the world.
Heymondo: Best Value for Money
Heymondo remains one of our top recommendations as it offers an excellent compromise for most travelers on short stays in Vietnam.
For whom: Stays < 90 days, families, couples, solo travelers.
Key strengths:
- 5% immediate discount by using our link.
- Very high medical expense limits (up to €500,000).
- No upfront payments in case of hospitalization, a major advantage.
- Responsive 24/7 assistance via a very practical mobile app.
Limits:
- Less competitive for stays of over 90 days (dedicated plan required).
ACS: Economical and Customizable Plans
ACS stands out with very competitive contracts, particularly adapted to young travelers and those looking for flexibility.
For whom: Travelers on a budget, young people under 40.
Globe Partner (< 40 years): The ultra-economical solution for essential coverage (medical expenses up to €300,000, repatriation). Perfect for young travelers focusing on the essentials.
Chapka: The Adventure and Long Stay Specialist
Chapka is a reference for travelers with specific profiles, whether for a short adventure trip or a long stay.
For whom: Ideal for short adventure trips and long stays.
Cap Assistance 24/7 (< 90 days): An excellent insurance for classic vacations. It includes very high medical limits, repatriation, and a very complete cancellation option.
👨👩👧👦 Advice for Families
Traveling with children implies specific needs (repatriation of an accompanying person, pediatrics, no deductible, etc.). Ensure your insurance contract covers them entirely.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Before leaving, make sure you have:
📋 To verify before departure
- ☐ Insurance certificate (printed version + smartphone)
- ☐ 24/7 assistance number accessible offline
- ☐ Copies of documents (passport, visa, license)
- ☐ International Driving Permit if scooter rental is planned
- ☐ Personal medications + prescriptions
- ☐ Vaccinations up to date according to recommendations
Don’t Leave for Vietnam Unprotected
Travel insurance for Vietnam is not just a line in a budget, it is the safety net that allows you to fully enjoy every moment without fearing the financial consequences of an unforeseen event (consultations €75-150, scooter accidents up to €25,000). It is a small investment for immense peace of mind, indispensable for discovering the magic of Vietnam in the best conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Vietnam Travel Insurance
How much does good insurance for Vietnam cost?
The price varies greatly depending on the length of stay, age, and guarantees. You can find basic coverage starting from €15 with ACS Globe Partner for a short stay. For comprehensive multi-risk insurance for two weeks, generally count between €35 and €75 per person.
Can I subscribe to insurance if I am already in Vietnam?
Yes, several specialized insurers allow this, often with a waiting period. This is the case for Heymondo and Chapka, for example. However, it is always advisable to check the conditions of each contract and to subscribe before departure.
Is my credit card insurance enough?
Unfortunately, often not. Credit card insurances have much lower medical expense limits (often around €155,000), high deductibles, and only cover stays of less than 90 days. Their guarantees are rarely sufficient for a country like Vietnam.
Which insurance for a long stay in Vietnam?
For stays of more than 90 days, specific “long stay” insurance is indispensable. The Cap Adventure contract from Chapka is a reference in this field, specially designed for world tours and extended trips.