At a Glance:
- Travel insurance for Vietnam may cover overseas medical expenses, hospital treatment, and emergency medical evacuation if you get sick or injured.
- Coverage may include lost, stolen or damaged luggage, which may help protect valuables while travelling.
- Hospitals in Vietnam can be expensive, so travel insurance may help cover medical costs overseas.
- Common travel risks include scooter accidents, scams, and travel delays, especially in busy cities or tourist areas.
- Weather events like typhoons can disrupt travel, particularly along the coast and around Ha Long Bay.
- Check travel alerts and government advice before travelling.
- Always make sure you read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). Consider the limits, terms, conditions and exclusions.
Why should I consider travel insurance for Vietnam?
Beautiful, lush green countryside, historical colonial architecture and some of the world’s best street food. All of this and so much more is what has seen Vietnam become a must-visit destination. However, with pickpocketing, moped accidents and Pho-related mishaps, there are some cautionary ‘what ifs’ that could happen while on your trip.
We offer travel insurance plans that may be suited for your next trip to Vietnam - The Works, The Basics and Annual Multi Trip.
What travel insurance for Vietnam may cover
Depending on the plan you choose, TID travel insurance coverage includes:
✅ Coverage for overseas medical expenses.✅ Medical repatriation if you're severely injured or fall ill abroad.
✅ Coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and valuables.
✅ Coverage for families.
✅ Coverage for cancellation or trip delay.
✅ Airline delays and trip interruptions.
Remember: terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions to coverage may apply so read your PDS carefully for full details.
What to look out for when travelling to Vietnam
Cost of medical treatment in Vietnam
While medical care in Vietnam may be cheaper than many other countries, the private health system can still be quite expensive but offers higher standards, better equipment, and English-speaking staff. Vietnam has public hospitals which are cheaper but often crowded, with long waiting times. In some remote rural areas, the public health system is almost non-existent. Travel insurance should be considered to cover hospitalization, and potential medical evacuation and repatriation.
Most common scams in Vietnam
Some of the most common scams in Vietnam include:
- Taxi, Xe Om, and ride-hailing fraud: Drivers may use rigged meters, take long routes, or claim pre-paid payments, or demand exorbitant fees after the ride is finished.
- Cyclo scam: Drivers quote a low price, often per person or in US dollars rather than VND, only to demand ten times that amount at the end.
- Aggressive vendors: Street vendors might put their merchandise (like conical hats or baskets) on you and demand payment.
- Fake monks/charity: Individuals posing as monks or charity workers request donations, which are not for legitimate causes.
- Cheap tours/cruises: Extremely cheap Halong Bay cruises or city tours often result in substandard, dangerous, or disappointing experiences.
- Motorbike rental damages: Rental shops may charge you for pre-existing damage upon returning a scooter or bike.
Note: These statements relating to potential scams do not constitute a representation of policy coverage or suitability. See the PDS for full terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions.
Best and worst time of year to visit Vietnam
The best time to visit Vietnam for the best weather across regions is generally (March-April) and (Sep-Nov), offering pleasant temperatures and less rain. The worst times include the peak rainy/hot summer (June-August) unless your plan is to lay on a beach and don’t mind large crowds.
Other periods to avoid are winter if you’re visiting the North (Dec-Jan), plus typhoon season in Central Vietnam (Sep-Nov). For value and fewer crowds, consider shoulder months like May, June, and September.
Popular places to visit in Vietnam
Hanoi
Vietnam’s capital city is a must see with its street food, art galleries and mix of old-world charm in the Old Quarter and modern café, world-class restaurants, bars, and art culture.
Ha Long Bay
A bucket list attraction for lovers of nature and who want to explore the bays many islands. Just jump on a cruise or if you’re feeling extra adventurous kayak out into its calm waters.
Da Nang
Escape the city and explore the beaches, ancient temples and check out the Marble Mountains just 15 minutes from Da Nang. The perfect location for beach lovers and visiting some of Vietnam’s top resorts.
Hoi An
Experience UNESCO-listed temples at My Son sanctuary. Explore on foot or cycle through the city and visit the Old Town with architecture dating back to the 15th century, visit the port for great seafood and markets.
Ho Chi Minh City
If shopping, street food, and urban exploring is more your cup of tea, then Ho Chi Min has you covered. Visit the Saigon Opera House, Bến Thành Market and the Jade Emperor Pagoda.
We aim to keep you informed about events around the world when they happen, so keep an eye out for travel alerts on our website, however please check Smartraveller for the international destination you are travelling to prior to travelling or planning to travel to a destination.
Learn more and get an instant travel insurance quote for your next holiday today.
Common travel risks in Vietnam
Scooter and traffic accidents
Vietnam has high motorbike traffic. One big error that many travellers make is underestimating the chaotic traffic and attempting to rent motorbikes without experience, resulting in accidents. Always wear a helmet if riding a scooter or motorbike. Coverage is only available provided:
- You're wearing a helmet.
- The person in control has a full motorcycle license that is valid both in the country of travel and in their country of residence.
- The engine capacity is not greater than 250cc.
TID offers coverage for scooter or motorbike riding, but there are terms and conditions that apply, to find out more on scooter riding while in Vietnam go to our FAQ article.
Trip disruption
Trip disruptions in Vietnam can affect domestic flights and regional connections can change very quickly. With TID you may be covered when your travel is interrupted by certain insured events. These include natural disasters, accidents, lost or stolen passports, or needing to return home if a close relative unexpectedly becomes seriously ill. We may cover additional expenses to help get you back on track.
Weather disruptions
Typhoon season can affect travel. It is recommended to try and avoid travelling around Vietnam during typhoon season (August - September) as you may experience significant flight and travel delays. The areas most affected by typhoons are the southern coast and the far north coast (including Halong Bay).
What am I covered for in Vietnam?
Here are some of the cover benefits available with a travel insurance policy.
Hiring a rental car?
Cover towards the insurance excess if you rent a car from a licensed hire company and it is damaged, stolen or in an accident whilst in your care.
Don't like medical bills?
Compensation for unforeseen medical expenses incurred whilst on an overseas holiday
Taking luggage with you?
Cover if your luggage is stolen, permanently lost or accidentally damaged due to circumstances outside of your control.
Going on a cruise?
Hit the open waters with confidence. Our international policies automatically include cover for cruises so you can focus on the fun.
Travel tips for Vietnam
- Always wear a helmet if riding scooters, and make sure you're appropriately licensed at home and in your country of travel.
- Use licensed taxis or ride-share apps.
- Carry small cash for local markets.
- Keep copies of passports and documents.
- Drink bottled water.
- Save emergency contact numbers.
Travel insurance plans for different types of holidays
We have several plans to choose from; each one offers a different level of cover. Check out our travel insurance plans below where you’ll find information about each one.
The Works
Our most popular plan, The Works offers cover for international trips. It includes cover for medical expenses overseas, cancellation costs, cover for luggage and personal effects and more.
The Basics
Sticking to a shoestring budget? Our budget plan is designed for travellers who want coverage for all the important things, like hospital bills and stolen luggage, without breaking the bank.
Annual
Are you a frequent flyer? If you travel often for business, or have a few holidays coming up, our Annual Multi Trip plan could be for you. Made for globetrotters, your trips can be up to 35 days in duration and there is no limit to the number of trip you can take during a 12 month period.
This is a brief summary of cover only and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Consider the PDS and TMD before purchasing.