Healthcare Costs in Vietnam 2026: Real Prices and Complete Guide
Introduction
Thinking about moving to Vietnam and wondering what healthcare really costs? It's a legitimate and crucial question when you're putting together your expat budget. Contrary to popular belief, Vietnam's healthcare system offers excellent value for money, with prices that can be up to 70% lower than in France for care of equivalent quality.
In this complete guide, I'll walk you through the real prices of doctor visits, hospital stays, medications and common procedures in Vietnam in 2026. You'll also learn how to navigate the local healthcare system, which hospitals to choose depending on your budget, and above all how to keep your healthcare spending under control while still getting international-standard care.
Whether you're a digital nomad, a retiree or an entrepreneur, understanding healthcare costs in Vietnam will let you budget your move with peace of mind and avoid nasty surprises. Ready to find out why so many expats choose Vietnam for its quality of life AND its accessible healthcare?
The Vietnamese Healthcare System: Understanding Your Options
Vietnam has a two-tier healthcare system that gives expats remarkable flexibility. On one side, there are the local public hospitals where Vietnamese people get treated for a few euros. On the other, international clinics and hospitals that rival the best European facilities in terms of equipment and staff training.
Vietnamese public hospitals are extremely affordable but come with a few challenges: staff rarely speak English, waiting times can be long, and hygiene standards vary from one facility to another. Prices are rock-bottom: a GP visit costs between 50,000 and 150,000 VND (€1.85 to €5.50), but the language barrier can make diagnosis harder.
International hospitals such as Family Medical Practice, Vinmec or Raffles Medical in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang employ foreign-trained doctors, have state-of-the-art equipment and offer service in English (sometimes even in French). Prices are higher but remain very competitive: expect 700,000 to 1,500,000 VND (€26 to €55) for a GP visit, which is 2 to 3 times cheaper than in France.
In between, local private clinics are an excellent compromise. They offer a good standard of care at mid-range prices: 300,000 to 800,000 VND (€11 to €30) per visit. Many expats find them a good fit, especially for routine care.
Tip: In Da Nang, Hoan My Da Nang Hospital offers excellent value for money, with English-speaking staff and prices 30% lower than the international clinics in Ho Chi Minh City. To learn more about planning your move, read our complete guide to moving to Vietnam.
Doctor Visit Prices in Vietnam (2026)
Here is a detailed table of the rates charged for common consultations in the different types of facilities:
| Type of visit | Public hospital | Local private clinic | International hospital |
|---|---|---|---|
| General practitioner | 50,000-150,000 VND (€1.85-5.50) | 300,000-800,000 VND (€11-30) | 700,000-1,500,000 VND (€26-55) |
| Specialist | 100,000-300,000 VND (€3.70-11) | 500,000-1,200,000 VND (€18.50-44) | 1,200,000-2,500,000 VND (€44-92) |
| Dentist (cleaning) | 200,000-400,000 VND (€7.40-15) | 500,000-1,000,000 VND (€18.50-37) | 1,500,000-3,000,000 VND (€55-111) |
| Ophthalmologist | 150,000-350,000 VND (€5.50-13) | 400,000-900,000 VND (€15-33) | 1,000,000-2,000,000 VND (€37-74) |
| Emergency room (no admission) | 300,000-800,000 VND (€11-30) | 800,000-2,000,000 VND (€30-74) | 2,000,000-5,000,000 VND (€74-185) |
These rates generally cover the consultation itself but not additional tests or medication. Note that prices vary by city: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are 15-20% more expensive than Da Nang or Nha Trang for private care.
Follow-up visits: Follow-up visits with the same doctor are often billed 30-40% less than the first consultation at private facilities.
Telemedicine: More and more international hospitals offer video consultations for 500,000-800,000 VND (€18.50-30), which are especially handy for prescription renewals or simple follow-ups.
To put these prices in the context of your overall budget, I recommend reading our guide to the cost of living in Vietnam, which breaks down every monthly expense.
The Cost of Hospital Stays and Surgery
Hospital stays are one of the areas where the savings compared with France are the most dramatic. For a common surgical procedure, you can save 60 to 80% compared with French prices, while getting comparable quality of care at the best facilities.
Standard hospital stay (per night):
- Shared room, public hospital: 200,000-500,000 VND (€7.40-18.50)
- Private room, local clinic: 1,000,000-2,500,000 VND (€37-92)
- Private room, international hospital: 3,000,000-8,000,000 VND (€111-296)
- VIP suite, international hospital: 8,000,000-15,000,000 VND (€296-555)
Common surgical procedures (all-inclusive):
| Procedure | International hospital, Vietnam | France equivalent (estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Appendectomy | 50-80 million VND (€1,850-2,960) | €4,000-6,000 |
| C-section | 80-150 million VND (€2,960-5,550) | €3,500-5,500 |
| Hip replacement | 200-350 million VND (€7,400-12,960) | €15,000-25,000 |
| Cataract surgery | 30-60 million VND (€1,110-2,220) | €1,500-3,000 |
| Dental implant | 20-35 million VND (€740-1,295) | €1,500-2,500 |
Childbirth:
- Vaginal delivery (private clinic): 30-60 million VND (€1,110-2,220)
- Vaginal delivery (international hospital): 60-100 million VND (€2,220-3,700)
- Scheduled C-section: add 30-50% to the base price
Tip: Vinmec hospitals (a national chain) offer all-inclusive pregnancy packages starting at 80 million VND (€2,960), covering all prenatal checkups, the delivery and postnatal follow-up. Excellent value for expat couples. And if you're planning on living in Vietnam as a couple, maternity care deserves special attention.
Intensive care: Expect 10-25 million VND (€370-925) per day in intensive care at an international hospital, compared with €50,000 or more in France for equivalent care.
Medication and Pharmacy Prices in Vietnam
Medication in Vietnam is generally 40 to 70% cheaper than in France, with one interesting twist: many drugs that are prescription-only in France are sold over the counter here. That accessibility makes it much easier to deal with minor health issues day to day.
Common medications (average pharmacy prices):
- Paracetamol (box of 20 tablets): 15,000-30,000 VND (€0.55-1.10)
- Ibuprofen 400mg (box of 20): 25,000-50,000 VND (€0.92-1.85)
- Common antibiotics (amoxicillin, one box): 50,000-120,000 VND (€1.85-4.44)
- Antihistamines (cetirizine, 30 tablets): 40,000-80,000 VND (€1.48-2.96)
- Omeprazole 20mg (30 capsules): 80,000-150,000 VND (€2.96-5.55)
Long-term medications:
- Blood pressure medication (monthly supply): 200,000-500,000 VND (€7.40-18.50)
- Statins (monthly supply): 150,000-400,000 VND (€5.55-14.80)
- Metformin (diabetes, monthly): 100,000-250,000 VND (€3.70-9.25)
- Birth control pill (monthly pack): 50,000-200,000 VND (€1.85-7.40)
Specialty and imported medications: Specialty treatments or imported European brands cost 2 to 3 times more than local generics, but are often still cheaper than in France. For example, an asthma treatment (Symbicort) costs around 800,000-1,200,000 VND (€30-44) per inhaler, compared with €50-70 in France.
Tip: The big pharmacy chains such as Pharmacity, Medicare or Guardian have standardized prices and English-speaking staff. They also run loyalty programs with 5-10% discounts. Avoid small neighborhood pharmacies for imported medications: counterfeits exist, especially for antibiotics and brand-name drugs.
Drugstore products:
- Vitamins and supplements: 30-50% cheaper than in France
- Sunscreen (Asian brands): 100,000-250,000 VND (€3.70-9.25)
- Feminine hygiene products: similar to French prices
- Condoms (box of 12): 80,000-150,000 VND (€2.96-5.55)
Most pharmacies accept foreign prescriptions, but some international hospitals have their own in-house pharmacies with a 20-30% markup. Always ask whether you can buy your medication elsewhere.
Medical Tests and Lab Work: Detailed Prices
Additional tests and lab work often make up a large share of the cost of care. In Vietnam, these services are remarkably affordable, even at international facilities.
Common lab tests:
| Test | Public hospital | Private clinic | International hospital |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard blood test | 50,000-150,000 VND (€1.85-5.55) | 200,000-400,000 VND (€7.40-14.80) | 400,000-800,000 VND (€14.80-29.60) |
| Full lipid panel | 100,000-250,000 VND (€3.70-9.25) | 300,000-600,000 VND (€11-22) | 600,000-1,000,000 VND (€22-37) |
| Diabetes test (HbA1c) | 150,000-300,000 VND (€5.55-11) | 350,000-700,000 VND (€13-26) | 700,000-1,200,000 VND (€26-44) |
| Thyroid test (TSH) | 200,000-400,000 VND (€7.40-14.80) | 400,000-800,000 VND (€14.80-29.60) | 800,000-1,500,000 VND (€29.60-55) |
| Full liver panel | 150,000-350,000 VND (€5.55-13) | 400,000-800,000 VND (€14.80-29.60) | 800,000-1,400,000 VND (€29.60-52) |
Medical imaging:
- Standard X-ray: 150,000-500,000 VND (€5.55-18.50) public, 400,000-1,000,000 VND (€14.80-37) private
- Abdominal ultrasound: 300,000-800,000 VND (€11-29.60) public, 800,000-1,800,000 VND (€29.60-66) private
- CT scan: 2-4 million VND (€74-148) public, 4-8 million VND (€148-296) private
- MRI: 4-7 million VND (€148-259) public, 8-15 million VND (€296-555) private
- Mammogram: 500,000-1,500,000 VND (€18.50-55)
Specialist tests:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): 200,000-600,000 VND (€7.40-22)
- Echocardiogram: 800,000-2,000,000 VND (€29.60-74)
- Upper endoscopy: 3-6 million VND (€111-222)
- Colonoscopy: 4-8 million VND (€148-296)
- Cardiac stress test: 1.5-3 million VND (€55-111)
Full checkup: International hospitals offer annual checkup packages that are very popular with expats:
- Basic package (blood work + ECG + consultation): 3-5 million VND (€111-185)
- Intermediate package (+ imaging + specialist tests): 8-12 million VND (€296-444)
- Premium package (+ MRI + in-depth testing): 15-25 million VND (€555-925)
Tip: Vinmec offers an annual "Health Care Package" subscription for 15 million VND (€555) that includes a full checkup, 4 free consultations and 30% off all care. Worth it if you see a doctor regularly.
Turnaround times for results are usually very short: 24-48 hours for blood work, immediate results for imaging. International hospitals often email results with an English translation.
Dental Care in Vietnam: An Expat Paradise
Vietnam has become a popular destination for dental tourism, and for good reason: the quality of dental care is excellent, especially in the big cities, with savings of up to 70-80% compared with France. Many Vietnamese dentists trained in Europe, the United States or Australia.
Routine dental care:
- Checkup + cleaning: 500,000-1,500,000 VND (€18.50-55)
- Simple filling (composite): 400,000-1,000,000 VND (€14.80-37)
- Root canal: 2-4 million VND (€74-148)
- Ceramic crown: 4-8 million VND (€148-296)
- Simple extraction: 300,000-800,000 VND (€11-29.60)
- Wisdom tooth extraction: 1.5-3 million VND (€55-111)
Implants and prosthetics:
- Dental implant (placement + crown): 20-35 million VND (€740-1,295) vs €1,500-2,500 in France
- 3-tooth bridge: 12-20 million VND (€444-740)
- Full braces (orthodontics): 40-80 million VND (€1,480-2,960) for 18-24 months
- Veneers (per tooth): 5-10 million VND (€185-370)
- Professional teeth whitening: 3-6 million VND (€111-222)
Cosmetic dentistry: Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City are home to excellent specialized dental clinics. Clinics such as Westcoast International Dental Clinic or Nhan Tam Dental meet international standards and offer warranties on implants (5-10 years).
Tip: If you have major dental work coming up, plan to have it done in Vietnam rather than in France before you leave. A complete implant will cost you €700-1,300 here versus €1,500-2,500 in France, even without supplemental insurance. Some expats time their trips back to France to coincide with their dental care, but that's often less cost-effective once you factor in the plane tickets.
Quality and safety: Choose clinics that:
- Use implants from recognized brands (Nobel Biocare, Straumann, Osstem)
- Sterilize instruments in an autoclave (ask to see it)
- Have English-speaking, foreign-trained dentists
- Offer digital panoramic X-rays
- Provide a written warranty on prosthetics
International clinics are 30-40% more expensive but sometimes offer service in French, and communication about complex treatment plans is smoother.
Health Insurance in Vietnam: Mandatory or Optional?
Health insurance is a crucial question for any expat in Vietnam. Although care is affordable, a long hospital stay or a medical evacuation can quickly cost tens of thousands of euros. Here's how to get the most out of your coverage.
Vietnamese national health insurance (BHYT): Vietnam has a mandatory national health insurance system for permanent residents. Expats with a work permit and their families must pay into it:
- Monthly contribution: about 4.5% of declared salary
- Coverage: public hospitals only
- Reimbursement: 80-100% of costs within the public network
- Limits: no international coverage, and public hospitals are often poorly suited to expats
In practice, most expats take out international insurance on top of it or instead of it, even if that means paying twice.
International health insurance (recommended):
Several options are available depending on your profile:
1. French insurance (CFE + supplemental plan):
- CFE (Caisse des Français de l'Étranger, the French fund for citizens abroad): €100-200/month depending on age
- Supplemental plan (April, Allianz, Henner): €80-300/month
- Total: €180-500/month
- Pros: reimbursements in France when you visit, continuity with the French system
- Cons: coverage caps are sometimes low, reimbursements are slow
2. Pure international insurance:
- Cigna Global: €150-400/month depending on coverage
- Allianz Care: €120-350/month
- AXA Global Healthcare: €180-450/month
- Pros: worldwide coverage, direct billing (cashless), 24/7 assistance
- Cons: more expensive, exclusions for pre-existing conditions
3. Local Vietnamese insurance (for tight budgets):
- Bao Viet: €50-150/month
- Prudential Vietnam: €60-180/month
- Pros: very affordable, suited to the local system
- Cons: limited coverage outside Vietnam, customer service varies
Tip: For digital nomads and freelancers without major health problems, a local Vietnamese policy (€100/month) plus an emergency fund of €10,000 can be enough. Routine care stays affordable when you pay out of pocket. For a full analysis, read our guide to health insurance in Vietnam.
What does a good expat policy cover?
- Hospitalization in a private room (international hospitals)
- Unlimited specialist visits
- Lab work and tests
- Prescription drugs
- Emergency dental care (at minimum)
- Medical repatriation
- Worldwide or regional (Asia) coverage
- 24/7 multilingual assistance
Deductibles and optimization: To cut your premiums by 30-40%, accept an annual deductible of €500-1,000. You pay for minor care out of pocket (very affordable in Vietnam) and the insurance kicks in for big claims. It's the most cost-effective strategy for most healthy expats.
A Realistic Monthly Healthcare Budget for an Expat
Now that we've covered every healthcare expense, let's put together realistic budgets for different expat profiles. These estimates include insurance AND routine monthly healthcare spending.
Profile 1: Healthy young professional (25-40, no children)
- Basic international health insurance: €120/month
- Occasional doctor visits (1-2/year): €10/month on average
- Common medications: €5/month
- Dental care (annual cleaning): €4/month
- Total budget: €140-150/month
This profile can opt for local insurance (€60-80/month) and bring the budget down to €80-100/month by taking on more risk.
Profile 2: Couple without children (30-50)
- Couple's health insurance (international): €250-300/month
- Regular doctor visits: €20/month
- Medications and contraception: €10/month
- Dental care: €8/month
- Annual checkup: €15/month
- Total budget: €300-350/month
Profile 3: Family with 2 children
- Family health insurance: €400-600/month
- Frequent pediatric visits: €40/month
- Children's medications and vaccines: €20/month
- Family dental care: €15/month
- Occasional emergencies: €20/month
- Total budget: €500-700/month
For more on family life in Vietnam, read our guide to living in Vietnam with children.
Profile 4: Retiree (60-75)
- Senior health insurance: €300-500/month
- Regular specialist visits: €50/month
- Long-term medications: €30/month
- Follow-up tests: €25/month
- Dental care: €20/month
- Total budget: €425-625/month
Profile 5: Chronic condition (diabetes, high blood pressure)
- Comprehensive health insurance: €200-350/month
- Monthly specialist visits: €40/month
- Daily medications: €50/month
- Quarterly lab work: €20/month
- Total budget: €310-460/month
Tip: These budgets represent 30-50% of what you would pay in France for equivalent coverage. A couple spending €500/month in France (supplemental insurance + out-of-pocket costs) can expect €250-350/month in Vietnam. The annual savings of €2,000-3,000 more than pay for your plane tickets home to France!
Ways to save:
- Choose a high deductible (€500-1,000): -30% on premiums
- Choose regional coverage (Asia only) rather than worldwide: -20%
- Exclude the USA from coverage: -15%
- Pay annually rather than monthly: -5 to 10%
To put these healthcare costs in the context of your overall expat budget, I invite you to read our complete guide to a monthly budget in Da Nang, which breaks down every expense.
Vietnam vs France: The Real Savings
To really understand the financial advantage of the Vietnamese healthcare system, let's compare actual costs in both countries for concrete situations. The French figures include out-of-pocket costs after reimbursement by the French national health insurance (Sécurité sociale) plus a standard supplemental plan.
Scenario 1: Acute appendicitis (3-day hospital stay)
- France: €500-1,000 out of pocket (with supplemental insurance) or €4,000-6,000 (without coverage)
- Vietnam (international hospital): €1,850-2,960 paying cash
- Vietnam (with insurance): €0-500 depending on the deductible
- Savings: 50-70% even without insurance
Scenario 2: C-section delivery
- France: €0-300 out of pocket (with coverage)
- Vietnam (international hospital): €2,960-5,550 paying cash
- Vietnam (with insurance): €0-1,000 depending on the deductible
- Note: Less advantageous than other types of care, but equivalent quality
Scenario 3: Dental work (2 implants + 3 crowns)
- France: €4,000-7,000 out of pocket (supplemental plans reimburse little)
- Vietnam: €2,200-4,000 all-inclusive
- Savings: 40-60%
Scenario 4: Annual treatment for a chronic condition (type 2 diabetes)
- France: €300-600 out of pocket (medications + doctor visits)
- Vietnam: €800-1,200 all-inclusive (without insurance)
- Vietnam (with local insurance): €200-400
- Note: Comparable if you have a good supplemental plan in France
Scenario 5: Annual full checkup
- France: €200-400 out of pocket
- Vietnam (international hospital): €300-500
- Note: Similar prices, but faster in Vietnam (no waiting)
The real advantage: access Beyond price, the Vietnamese system offers:
- Appointments within 24-48 hours (vs several weeks in France)
- No mandatory referral pathway (direct access to specialists)
- Fast additional tests (MRI within 3 days vs 3 months in France)
- Less red tape
Tip: The real savings depend on the coverage you currently have in France. If you have an excellent employer-sponsored supplemental plan, Vietnam won't necessarily be cheaper for routine care. But for dental care, eye care and non-urgent procedures, the savings are systematic. For an overall cost of living comparison, read our Vietnam vs France guide.
Beware of misconceptions: Vietnam is NOT a bargain-basement medical tourism destination where everything costs 10 times less. It is a country with a modern, effective healthcare system in its big cities, where you pay 30-70% less for equivalent quality. The difference is substantial but not miraculous.
FAQ: Your Questions About Healthcare Costs in Vietnam
Can I use my French Carte Vitale in Vietnam?
No, the French Carte Vitale does not work in Vietnam. You'll have to pay upfront and request reimbursement when you're back in France if you're still enrolled in French national health insurance (through the CFE, for example). International hospitals provide detailed invoices in English that French insurers accept. Allow 1-3 months for reimbursements from France. To avoid these complications, international insurance with direct billing (cashless) is strongly recommended.
Do Vietnamese hospitals accept foreign bank cards?
Yes, all international hospitals and most private clinics accept Visa and Mastercard. Watch out for bank fees (1.5-3% + currency conversion fees). Some facilities add a 2-3% surcharge for card payments. Public hospitals often take cash only (VND). To make payments easier, open a local bank account as soon as you arrive - see our guide to banking in Vietnam for the steps.
What should I do in a serious medical emergency in Vietnam?
In a life-threatening emergency, dial 115 (ambulance), but be aware that the service is uneven from region to region. For expats, it's better to:
- Contact the nearest international hospital directly (they have private ambulances)
- Call your health insurer's assistance line (24/7 number on your card)
- If you're in Da Nang: Family Medical Practice (+84 236 3582 699) or Hoan My Hospital (+84 236 3650 676)
- In a critical situation requiring repatriation: the insurer arranges evacuation to Singapore, Bangkok or Hong Kong (world-class hospitals 2-3 hours away by plane)
Vietnam's international hospitals handle common emergencies very well (fractures, heart attacks, appendicitis). For complex cases requiring major surgery, evacuation may be recommended.
Are vaccines mandatory and how much do they cost?
No vaccine is legally required to enter Vietnam (except yellow fever if you're coming from an at-risk country). However, these vaccinations are strongly recommended:
- Hepatitis A and B: 1,500,000-2,500,000 VND (€55-92) for the full series
- Typhoid: 800,000-1,200,000 VND (€30-44)
- Japanese encephalitis: 2,000,000-3,000,000 VND (€74-111) for 2 doses
- Rabies (for rural areas): 3,000,000-4,500,000 VND (€111-166) for 3 doses
- DTP boosters: 500,000-800,000 VND (€18.50-29.60)
Total cost to get fully up to date: €150-250. Vaccines are 20-40% cheaper than in France. International clinics such as Family Medical Practice offer expat vaccination packages for about €200.
Can I find my French medications in Vietnam?
Most common medications are available in Vietnam, either under the same brand or as a generic equivalent with the same active ingredient. For specific medications (rare diseases, innovative treatments), availability varies. Recommended strategy:
- Bring a 3-6 month supply of your long-term medications to cover the transition
- Ask your French doctor for a prescription listing the active ingredients (INN) in English
- See a local doctor who will find the Vietnamese equivalent
- For medications you can't find: delivery services from France (PharmaSanté, etc.) with a 7-15 day lead time
Large pharmacies such as Pharmacity can order imported medications (1-2 week lead time, prices +50-100% vs local).
Conclusion: Healthcare in Vietnam, an Asset for Your Move
The cost of healthcare in Vietnam is one of the major advantages of moving to the country. With savings of 30 to 70% compared with France for equivalent quality of care at international facilities, you get a modern, accessible and responsive healthcare system.
Keep these key points in mind:
For an optimized healthcare budget:
- Go for international insurance with a high deductible (€500-1,000)
- Pay for routine care out of pocket (very affordable)
- Plan your dental and eye care in Vietnam rather than in France
- Budget €150-350/month depending on your profile (vs €250-600 in France)
For the best quality of care:
- Choose international hospitals for major care (Vinmec, Family Medical Practice, Raffles)
- Local private clinics are perfect for routine visits
- Avoid public hospitals except in a real emergency (language barrier)
- Always check that your doctor speaks English
The real advantages of the Vietnamese system: Beyond price, it's the speed and accessibility that make the difference. Getting a specialist appointment within 48 hours, having an MRI in 3 days or getting a dental implant in 2 weeks radically changes your relationship with healthcare. No more waiting months for a simple test.
The Vietnamese healthcare system isn't perfect - public hospitals are overcrowded, the language barrier is real, and some specialized treatments require evacuation to Singapore or Bangkok. But for 95% of an expat's medical needs, Vietnam offers excellent value in terms of quality, price and speed.
Your new life in Vietnam is waiting - with a healthcare system that will no longer hold you back but will be a real asset in your daily life.
Frequently asked questions
Jérémie Chiari
Author, based in Da Nang
A French entrepreneur living in Da Nang, Jérémie writes these guides from first-hand experience and official sources, cited and dated.
About the author
