🔄 Last updated: 21 July 2026
Is it required? No — but you should still have it
As of 2026, Vietnam does NOT require insurance to enter — for any visa type (E-Visa, exemption, business, work). You can enter with no cover. But the financial risk of going without is very real.
🔑 Why get it anyway: foreigners can't use public health insurance; international hospitals usually demand PAYMENT UPFRONT before treatment; and emergency/evacuation can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
This is a satellite of Healthcare & insurance for foreigners.
💸 Why you need it (real costs)
To picture it (indicative figures, varying by place/time):
- International hospital in Hanoi/HCMC: ~$150–$500+/night
- Broken-leg surgery: ~$3,000–$5,000
- Motorbike accident: ~$6,000–$30,000
- Emergency medical evacuation to Bangkok/Singapore (serious trauma): ~$15,000–$50,000
A policy costing a few dollars a day is usually far cheaper than a bill like these.
📋 What to look for in a policy
- Emergency medical cover (hospital, doctor)
- Emergency medical evacuation — should be a separate line item with a high limit; general medical cover usually doesn't include evacuation automatically
- Repatriation of remains (worst case)
- Trip cancellation/interruption — useful in monsoon/typhoon season (storms can cancel flights) → Best time to visit Vietnam
- Baggage & personal belongings
- An adventure-activities rider if you'll trek/dive/motorbike-tour
🛵 The biggest trap: the motorbike exclusion
This is where most claims in Vietnam get DENIED. Read carefully.
- Most policies exclude motorbike accidents IF you don't hold a valid licence for the engine size you're riding
- In Vietnam you need an IDP under the 1968 Vienna Convention with the "A" (motorcycle) endorsement — a 1949 IDP (US/Australia) is NOT valid → riding is illegal → your insurance is void
- The standard rental is 110–125cc, but many policies only cover up to 50cc or exclude motorbikes entirely
⛔ If you ride without a valid licence and crash: insurance can deny everything and you pay 100% of the medical bill — plus a fine (VND 2–4 million) + bike impound. → Driving & licences (IDP 1968) · Getting around Vietnam
(Some specialist traveller/nomad insurers cover motorbike riding up to a certain cc even without a local licence — read the fine print and compare; this is reference information, not a recommendation of any brand.)
🗓️ Travel vs health insurance: depends on how long you stay
- Short stay (visiting): travel insurance is enough — emergency medical + evacuation, billed by day/month
- Long stay (usually over ~6 months): consider health insurance for routine care too, not just emergencies → Healthcare & insurance for foreigners
💡 Travel insurance usually costs ~$1.50–$5/day, depending on age, trip length, and coverage depth. Older travellers usually pay more and face age limits → see Retiring in Vietnam
✅ Practical tips
- Buy cover that starts from day one
- Read the exclusions carefully (motorbikes, adventure activities)
- Keep your insurance card + assistance hotline on your phone
- If you'll ride a motorbike, make sure you have a 1968 IDP with "A" and a policy that covers motorbikes
⚠️ Common misconceptions
❌ "I need insurance to enter." → Not required in 2026 — but strongly recommended.
❌ "Medical cover means I have evacuation." → No. Evacuation is usually a separate line item you must have.
❌ "Having insurance means motorbike accidents are covered." → Not if you lack a valid licence — usually excluded.
❌ "Any IDP lets me ride a motorbike." → You need a 1968 IDP with the 'A' endorsement; a 1949 IDP (US/Australia) isn't valid.
❌ "For a long stay, travel insurance is enough." → For long stays, consider health insurance for routine care.
Sources
- Travel insurance is not required to enter Vietnam in 2026 (any visa type); COVID requirements dropped — per 2026 travel & insurance guidance
- Medical/evacuation costs and the motorbike-accident exclusion when riding without a valid licence are the common reasons claims get denied; Vietnam recognises the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP ('A' for motorcycles) — cost/premium figures are indicative; compare providers and read the fine print
Note: This is reference information, not insurance/financial advice, and doesn't favour any provider. Compare policies and read the fine print before buying. ViEntry is a technology platform supporting E-Visa, Visa Run Tour, Fast Track, and Visa Tracker; it is not an insurer or an immigration authority.
Coming to Vietnam and want the visa & arrival kept simple? Message us — free advice in your language.
🔗 Healthcare & insurance for foreigners: Read the guide 🔗 Driving & licences (IDP 1968): Read the guide 🔗 Getting around Vietnam: Read the guide 🔗 Turn on visa reminders: Visa Tracker
Telegram @vientry_support · WhatsApp +84 963 091 001 · Hotline 0963 091 001
