Healthcare Services for Foreigners in Vietnam
Vietnam’s big cities—Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang—now host modern international hospitals and clinics, many holding JCI accreditation. These facilities employ English‑speaking doctors, along with staff who can communicate in French, Japanese, Korean, and other languages. Patients can book anything from routine check‑ups to specialist care such as cardiology, orthopedics, or emergency treatment, and most centers bill international insurers directly.
No Language Barrier
Doctors at international clinics usually speak fluent English, and some know additional languages, so explaining symptoms and treatment plans is straightforward. Current rules let foreign doctors treat international patients in a shared language without proving Vietnamese fluency, as long as they hold a license from their home country and a Vietnamese medical practice certificate.
Work‑Permit Health Checks
Anyone applying for a Vietnamese work permit must complete a medical exam valid for 12 months at a Ministry‑approved hospital. International clinics are popular for these exams because their multilingual teams handle paperwork quickly.
Opportunities and Oversight for Foreign Doctors
From 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2026, foreign doctors are exempt from the Vietnamese professional competency test, and investors who put more than VND 3 billion into healthcare may skip work‑permit requirements. Competitive salaries have already drawn many Korean and ASEAN physicians. However, authorities monitor private clinics closely after reports of overcharging.
Four Trusted Facilities in Ho Chi Minh City
- FV Hospital – Full‑service international hospital offering direct insurance billing.
- Thu Cuc TCI – Well‑known for fast, work‑permit medical exams and experienced specialists.
- Victoria Healthcare – Patient‑centered clinics providing primary and specialist care with English‑speaking doctors.
- Columbia Asia International Hospital – Multilingual team delivering diagnostics, surgery, and inpatient services.
Practical Tips for Patients
Choose hospitals recognized by the Ministry of Health or JCI, confirm your insurance coverage beforehand, book appointments early to cut waiting time, and bring your medical records. Vietnam’s tropical climate means illnesses such as dengue fever are common—seek medical help promptly if you develop a high fever or rash.
Takeaway
Vietnam now offers reliable, foreign‑friendly healthcare thanks to internationally accredited facilities, multilingual staff, and relaxed licensing rules for overseas physicians. In Ho Chi Minh City, FV Hospital, Thu Cuc TCI, Victoria Healthcare, and Columbia Asia provide quality care and smooth insurance processing. Check the latest Ministry of Health guidelines or contact your chosen hospital directly to ensure a hassle‑free visit.
