Do I Need Travel Insurance for Vietnam?

Travel insurance for Vietnam isn’t legally required for most visitors, but it’s highly recommended. Unexpected events like medical emergencies, lost luggage, or trip cancellations can turn a dream holiday into a stressful (and expensive) situation.



Healthcare in Vietnam is affordable for minor issues, but serious cases may require treatment in private hospitals or even emergency evacuation to another country - costs that can run into thousands of dollars without insurance.

Reasons You May Need Travel Insurance for Vietnam

Vietnam’s roads are busy and chaotic, with motorbikes making up the majority of traffic. Renting one is a popular way to explore, but accidents are unfortunately common due to unfamiliar rules and limited safety gear.



✅ With Vietnam travel insurance, you’re covered for emergency medical care, hospital stays, or even evacuation. Many plans also include adventure sports coverage, which is essential if you plan to rent and ride a motorbike.

Remote Travel and Limited Medical Facilities

Big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have international-standard hospitals, but rural areas such as Sapa, Ha Giang, or the Mekong Delta often lack proper healthcare. If you’re trekking mountains or cycling through villages, medical help can be hours away.

✅ Vietnam travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation ensures you can be transported quickly to a suitable hospital without paying thousands upfront.

Weather Disruptions and Typhoon Season

Vietnam’s climate can be unpredictable, especially during monsoon and typhoon season (May–October). Flooding, flight cancellations, and disrupted itineraries are common in Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ha Long Bay.

✅ Travel insurance for Vietnam helps with trip cancellation or interruption, reimbursing you for non-refundable hotels, flights, or tours if your plans are affected by severe weather.

Scams, Theft, and Lost Belongings

Tourist hubs like Ben Thanh Market or Hanoi’s Old Quarter are notorious for pickpocketing and bag snatching. Scams, whether through taxis, fake tour agencies, or even online, are also common.



✅ With Vietnam travel insurance, baggage and personal belongings coverage helps replace stolen passports, electronics, or cash, saving you time, money, and stress.

Foodborne Illness, Insect Bites, and Medical Emergencies

Vietnam is famous for its delicious street food, but sudden diet changes and hygiene differences can cause food poisoning. In the south, mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever are also a concern.



✅ Vietnam travel insurance covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions if you fall sick during your trip. Some policies even reimburse prepaid expenses if illness forces you to cancel your plans before departure.

Our Top Recommended Vietnam Travel Insurance Plans

MIC (Military Insurance Corporation) - Our Local Partner

MIC is our trusted local partner in Vietnam. When you book with us, you’ll get:

• Exclusive rates on MIC travel insurance packages
• Personalized advice on the right coverage for your trip
• Transparent guidance about risks and what each plan includes

We’ll walk you through the coverage options, explain risks clearly, and make sure everything is transparent so you know exactly what’s included.

💡 By traveling with us, you not only get the best deals on MIC insurance but also expert advice on which plan suits your journey best.

World Nomads

World Nomads is a favorite among backpackers and adventurous travelers. Their policies cover activities like trekking in Sapa, motorbiking in Ha Giang, or diving in Nha Trang. If your Vietnam trip is all about adventure, World Nomads offers flexible, activity-focused protection.

Chubb Insurance

Chubb is a global leader in travel insurance, known for reliable medical and emergency coverage. Their plans include evacuation, hospital stays, and trip interruption, making them a strong option if you’re seeking comprehensive international protection during your Vietnam journey.

How Much Does Vietnam Travel Insurance Cost?

Vietnam travel insurance is generally affordable compared to other destinations. On average, plans range from 200,000 VND to 5,000,000 VND (about $8–200 USD) depending on:

• Trip length – Short visits (5–15 days) cost much less than long-term stays (90–180 days).
• Coverage level – Basic plans cover medical emergencies and accidents, while premium packages include trip cancellations, baggage loss, and higher medical limits.
• Providers – local insurers like MIC (Military Insurance Corporation) often offer more competitive rates compared to global brands, while still providing strong coverage for international travelers.

💡 When booking through us, you’ll always receive exclusive rates with MIC, along with personalized guidance to help you choose the right plan for your journey.

What Travel Coverage Do You Need for Vietnam?

Whether you’re weaving through Hanoi’s Old Quarter on a motorbike, cruising Ha Long Bay, hiking in Sapa, or exploring the vibrant markets of Ho Chi Minh City, the right travel insurance can protect you from unexpected expenses and logistical headaches. Based on our experience working with leading insurers in Vietnam, here are the essentials you should look for:

Medical Expenses & Hospitalization

Travelers in Vietnam usually need to pay upfront for medical treatment, and international clinics in major cities can be expensive. Costs rise quickly for emergency care, surgeries, or extended hospital stays.



✅ Look for a plan that covers:

• Accidental Death & Disability
• Repatriation & Funeral Costs
• Hospitalization and treatment expenses

Emergency Medical Evacuation

Vietnam’s natural beauty often takes you off the beaten path, but if you fall ill or are injured in a remote area, high-quality care might only be available in major cities or even outside the country. Emergency evacuation by air can cost tens of thousands of dollars without insurance.



✅ Look for plans with sufficient coverage for medical evacuation and transport, ensuring you can reach proper care quickly and safely.

Trip Cancellation & Interruption

From flight delays to sudden illness, natural disasters, or visa issues, unexpected events can interrupt your Vietnam adventure. With long-haul flights and multi-city tours often costing thousands of dollars, cancellation coverage is essential to recover prepaid expenses.

✅ Look for plans that provide protection for trip cancellations and interruptions, covering flights, hotel nights, guided tours, and domestic connections. This ensures you won’t lose your investment if plans change unexpectedly.

Lost Baggage & Personal Items

Lost luggage, baggage delays, or theft can derail your trip, especially if essentials like medications, electronics, or travel documents are involved.



✅ Make sure your plan includes coverage for loss, theft, and baggage delay, ideally with higher limits if you’re carrying valuable items.

What Isn’t Covered by Vietnam Travel Insurance Plans?

Even the most comprehensive travel insurance plans have exclusions, and in a destination as dynamic and adventurous as Vietnam, overlooking them can lead to expensive surprises. Here are the most common scenarios that may not be covered:

Motorbike Accidents Without Proper Licensing or Coverage

Exploring Vietnam on a rented motorbike is a bucket-list experience, but if you’re not properly licensed, or your plan doesn’t include Adventure Sports coverage, you could be footing the bill after a crash. Injuries from motorbike and scooter accidents are among the top causes of medical claims in Vietnam, but basic plans often exclude them.

Alcohol- or Drug-Related Incidents

Vietnam’s nightlife, whether rooftop bars in Saigon or Bia Hơi street corners in Hanoi, is part of its charm. But any accident, illness, or liability issue that occurs while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is typically excluded from coverage. So, travel responsibly. Most insurers will deny claims if intoxication contributed to the incident, even if you only had a few drinks.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, heart disease, or asthma that flares up during your trip, it may not be covered unless your policy includes a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver. These waivers are time-sensitive and usually require purchasing insurance shortly after your first trip payment.

Non-Covered Trip Cancellations

Canceling your trip because you’re worried about long flights, potential bad weather, or government advisories won’t be covered under standard policies. Insurance only reimburses cancellations for specific covered reasons, such as illness, injury, or natural disasters.

Tips for Getting the Best Travel Insurance for Vietnam

Choosing the right travel insurance plan isn’t just about finding the cheapest premium; it’s about making sure your coverage fits your itinerary, activities, and the unique risks of exploring Vietnam. At Up Travel Vietnam, we’ve guided countless travelers through this process, so here are our best tips:

Know Fine Print

It’s easy to assume everything is covered, but many policies exclude motorbiking, hiking, or water activities unless you add the right option. And yes, riding a scooter without a valid license could mean a denied claim. When you travel with us, we’ll highlight these key details so you won’t miss a line of the fine print.

Match Coverage to Your Itinerary

Your Vietnam adventure might include motorbiking through rice paddies, trekking in Sapa, or cruising Ha Long Bay, and each activity carries different risks. That’s why we recommend at least $100,000 in Emergency Medical and $250,000 in Evacuation coverage, especially for longer trips or travelers heading into rural areas. With Up Travel Vietnam, we’ll walk you through what makes sense for your personal journey.

Consider Add-Ons for Adventure

Kayaking, canyoning, trekking, motorbike tours, Vietnam is full of adventure, but not every plan covers these automatically. We’ll help you choose a plan that lets you say “yes” to these experiences without worrying about hidden exclusions.

Be Weather-Smart

From May to October, monsoons and typhoons can disrupt travel, especially in central and northern Vietnam. Flight delays and cancellations aren’t uncommon. We can recommend plans with Trip Interruption and Travel Delay coverage, so your investment is protected no matter what the weather brings.

Final Thoughts: Is Travel Insurance for Vietnam Worth It?

Absolutely, yes. From motorbike rides and trekking adventures to unexpected illnesses or flight disruptions, the risks of traveling in Vietnam can carry high costs if you’re uninsured. Travel insurance isn’t just an add-on, it’s the safety net that ensures your trip doesn’t turn into a financial burden.

At Up Travel Vietnam, we’ve seen firsthand how the right coverage makes all the difference. With our guidance, you’ll get transparent advice and tailored protection, so you can explore Vietnam with confidence, knowing you’re covered no matter what happens.