Compare travel insurance for Vietnam
Vietnam’s stunning landscapes, exotic wildlife and incredible street food are just a few reasons why it’s such a popular destination. Here’s what you need to know about Vietnam travel insurance so you’re covered for your trip.
Vietnam’s stunning landscapes, exotic wildlife and incredible street food are just a few reasons why it’s such a popular destination. Here’s what you need to know about Vietnam travel insurance so you’re covered for your trip.
Do I need travel insurance for Vietnam?
Standards of healthcare in Vietnam vary, and travel insurance is a must to cover any medical treatment you might need while visiting the country. In certain cases, you may need to be evacuated to another country for treatment and it’s vital to have travel insurance in place to cover the cost.
Although most visits to Vietnam are trouble-free, crime does happen. Travel insurance could cover the cost of replacing anything that’s stolen, lost or damaged.
A trip to Vietnam is bound to be a special experience, but if your trip has to be cancelled or cut short, your travel insurance could prevent you from being out of pocket.
How much is travel insurance for Vietnam?
The cost of your Vietnam travel insurance will depend on a few factors, including:
- Your medical history
- How much cover you need
- How long you’re going for.
As Vietnam is in Asia you’ll need worldwide travel insurance, rather than European travel insurance. This could mean paying a bit more, as healthcare can be much more expensive outside Europe.
If you’re visiting Vietnam as part of a longer trip, backpacker insurance could give you the cover you need. It’s designed for people who plan to travel for longer periods or to multiple areas (or countries) in one trip. Cover for some adventure or sports activities may be included in some policies, while others might offer the option to add extra cover to suit your plans.
What will Vietnam travel insurance cover?
You should look for travel insurance to cover you for:
- Medical care – the costs of any emergency surgery or medical treatment you might need to undergo while you’re away, as well as the cost of repatriation or evacuation.
- Flight cancellations – it’s good to know you have cover if your flight is cancelled or delayed. Different policies have different exclusions, so you’ll need to check exactly what your insurance covers.
- Loss, damage or theft – you’ll want to make sure your luggage, tech and other belongings are covered for the length of your trip. Don’t forget to check your policy’s single-item limit – this is the most you can claim for one item.
- Holiday cancellation cover – a holiday to Vietnam isn’t cheap so it’s a good idea to get cancellation cover in place as soon as you book. That way you’ll be covered if you find yourself having to cancel your trip.
What won’t Vietnam travel insurance cover?
There are a few eventualities a standard travel insurance policy is unlikely to cover, including:
- Pre-existing conditions – make sure you declare any pre-existing medical conditions to your provider when you buy your policy, otherwise you won’t be covered.
- Drugs or alcohol – bia hoi draught beer and rurou de, traditional rice liquor, are popular tipples in Vietnam. But be aware that if your belongings are stolen or you’re injured while you’re under the influence, you might find your insurance provider won’t pay out.
- Natural disasters – Vietnam’s long coastline makes it prone to storms and flooding, particularly in the cyclone season from May to November. While it’s unlikely that extreme weather will affect your trip, it’s worth knowing that you may not be covered if it does.
- Terrorism – Vietnam doesn’t have a history of terrorist attacks, but it still pays to be vigilant. Although your travel insurance will cover the cost of any medical care you might need following an attack, it won’t cover much else.
What else should I consider when I choose my travel insurance?
When picking your cover, it’s important to think about what kind of activities you’ll be doing during your trip.
Vietnam offers many different outdoor experiences and standard travel insurance will usually cover low-risk activities like walking. But if you plan on doing something more challenging – such as diving, rock climbing, mountain bike trekking or kayaking – you may need extreme sports travel insurance.
Do I need a visa?
British Nationals can enter Vietnam for up to 15 days for tourism, transit and business (but not paid or voluntary work) without a visa.
If you want to stay in Vietnam as a tourist for longer than 15 days, you can request a visa pre-approval letter through a travel agent in Vietnam or apply for an e-visa online. E-visas are issued for stays of up to 30 days. Use is limited to certain entry/exit points, which you must select when you apply.
You’ll find more details about the entry requirements for Vietnam on the GOV.UK website.
Any other tips for travel to Vietnam?
Medicines – if you’re travelling with prescription medicine, it’s important to check that it meets Vietnam’s strict regulations. For details, visit the GOV.UK website.
Passport – this needs to be valid for at least six months from the date you enter Vietnam. You also need to make sure your passport is in good condition or you could be refused entry.
Clothing – Vietnam isn’t typically a conservative country – you can wear shorts and flip-flops if you want. However, if you’re visiting temples or religious sites, it’s important to cover up as a sign of respect. This can include covering your shoulders and wearing clothing to the knee. If in doubt, do as the locals do.
Weather – Vietnam’s geography means the seasons vary region to region. In the north it’s hot and wet from May to October, then cooler and drier between November and April. The central region has a longer dry season between January and the end of August, while temperatures in the south can rise to 30°C between November and April.
Vaccinations – routine vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid or tetanus. To find out what vaccinations you need, book an appointment with your doctor at least six weeks before you travel.
Some vaccinations will be free on the NHS, while you may need to pay for others. Check with your doctor or nurse whether you also need antimalarial tablets.
You can find more information on recommended vaccinations and a travel health checklist on the NHS website.
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