Do You Need Travel Insurance in Vietnam in 2025?

_{^{Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning when you make a purchase, I earn a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use, and help keep my content free. It’s a win-win! For more information see the Disclosure Policy.}}

Are you planning a trip to Vietnam in 2024? If so, you might be wondering if travel insurance is really necessary. 

As someone who lives in Vietnam, I’ve seen my fair share of unexpected events—from motorbike accidents to unpleasant encounters with street dogs/cats (I have a story about this for another time!). These are not just rare stories; they’re real situations that could lead to hefty medical bills or major travel disruptions.

Getting a travel insurance plan isn’t just another checkbox on your travel to-do list; it’s an important layer of protection that allows you to enjoy Vietnam without the shadow of “what if” looming over you.

In this article I’ll share everything you need to know about choosing the right travel insurance for Vietnam so you can make an informed decision. 

What are the best Vietnam Travel Insurance Companies?

Picking the perfect travel insurance policy for your Vietnam vacation isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. What’s best for you is based on personal factors. Like how much coverage you want, your budget, and what kind of activities you plan to do.

To simplify your search, here are three companies I recommend, each standing out for different reasons:

Travel Insurance Master: This is your go-to for comparing different travel insurance plans. It’s like having a personal shopper for travel insurance.

SafetyWing: Solid plans for short trips, but also focuses on plans for digital nomads or those going on an extended trip. 

World Nomads: Ideal for the general explorer, World Nomads covers a range of travel needs. Pro tip: Use Travel Insurance Master to compare rates from World Nomads and others to make sure you’re getting the best price.

While there are tons of options out there, these three providers stand out for reliably covering what most travelers to Vietnam might need. Keep reading as I take you deeper into what each of these companies offer, helping you choose confidently and get back to planning your journey.

3 Reasons Why You Should Buy Travel Insurance in Vietnam

Here is the deal with travel insurance:

I often find myself hemming and hawing over purchasing it. Do I REALLY need to get travel insurance for a 5 day trip to a beach? 

The chances of needing it are likely super small. HOWEVER, there is a chance you will need it.  And if you don’t have it, then you’re shit out of luck. (You can click here to read my story on the time I traveled without travel insurance and I got injured.)

In the grand scheme of things, you can get basic coverage for a low enough price that it shouldn’t be a question. 

Here are three main reasons why it’s a good idea to consider buying Travel Insurance in Vietnam:

Loss or Theft of Your Stuff

Vietnam is known as a safe destination for travelers. But like anywhere in the world, it’s not immune to the occasional mishap such as loss or theft. 

While the streets are meant to be explored, and the taxis provide an easy way to get around, there’s always the small chance that something might get snatched. This is something that has happened to me more than once, having lost phones and purses in taxis never to be seen again. 

This is precisely where travel insurance becomes invaluable. It makes sure that if your belongings are lost or stolen, you’re not left bearing the full brunt of the replacement costs. This also includes baggage loss through airlines. 

Getting travel insurance for your trip to Vietnam can give you that extra layer of security and peace of mind.

Trip Cancellation Coverage

Planning an overseas trip often involves big chunks of cash —whether it’s a long-haul flight, booking luxury hotels around Vietnam, or securing spots on fully paid tours. 

Even if you have a solid itinerary in place, you never know what life is going to throw at you! Anything can derail your travel plans, from a sudden illness to unexpected personal emergencies, to natural disasters. This is it is important to pay attention to travel tips, but also where trip cancellation coverage comes into play (Check out 19 Essential Trips for safety and health in Vietnam) .

Travel insurance offers you the reassurance that should you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason, you won’t be financially burdened by non-refundable expenses. 

Travel Medical Insurance in Vietnam for Emergencies

When traveling to Vietnam, getting  travel insurance with medical coverage is a smart decision. Especially given the common risks such as motorbike accidents, animal bites, and infections. 

While it’s true that medical expenses in Vietnam may be lower compared to those in Western countries, the costs can still add up quickly. Especially if you require significant medical treatment, hospitalization, or emergency evacuation. Having travel insurance means you won’t have to worry about the financial impact of unexpected medical bills. 

ALSO –  And this is important! If you plan to ride a motorbike you need to make sure that your insurance policy explicitly covers incidents involving motorbikes. Many travelers overlook this detail and find themselves unsupported in the event of an accident. 

Safety Wing and World Nomads both have add-ons that will cover you for motorbiking in Vietnam. Just make sure you read the fine print! 

Best Travel Insurance for Vietnam FAQ

How much is travel insurance in Vietnam?

The cost of travel insurance for Vietnam can vary widely depending on the length of your trip, the type of coverage you choose, your age, and any additional benefits you might want to include, such as coverage for extreme sports or high-value items.

Generally, basic travel insurance policies for a short trip to Vietnam might start as low as $20 to $50, offering essential coverages like trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and luggage loss. For more comprehensive plans that include higher coverage limits and additional benefits, the price could range from $100 to several hundred dollars.

For the most accurate estimate, it’s best to get quotes from several travel insurance providers, inputting specific details about your trip and personal information. This will give you a clearer picture of the cost for the coverage you need while traveling in Vietnam. 

I recommend Travel Insurance Master for this!

Is travel insurance legally required for Vietnam?

No, there is no legal requirement for tourists to have travel insurance when in Vietnam. However, having it is highly recommended. Travel insurance can provide support in the event of medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances. While not mandatory, many travel experts advise purchasing travel insurance as a precaution.

What happens if I travel without travel insurance in Vietnam?

You hope that nothing bad happens!

Traveling without travel insurance in Vietnam means you’re assuming all the financial risks associated with potential issues that might occur during your trip. Here are a few scenarios you could face:

1. Medical Emergencies: If you get sick or injured, you will have to pay out of pocket for medical expenses. While healthcare in Vietnam can be more affordable compared to Western countries, serious issues requiring hospitalization or medical evacuation can quickly become expensive.

2. Trip Interruptions or Cancellations: Without insurance, any non-refundable expenses due to unexpected cancellations or delays, such as flights, hotel bookings, or tours, will be a total loss.

3. Lost or Stolen Belongings: If your belongings are stolen or lost, you won’t have coverage to replace them, which could be particularly costly if expensive items like cameras, smartphones, or passports are involved.

4. Liability: If you accidentally cause injury to someone or damage property, you could be liable for the costs, which might be substantial.

Basically, while it’s not mandatory to have travel insurance when visiting Vietnam, traveling without it could lead to significant financial and logistical challenges. It’s usually safer to have a safety net provided by travel insurance.

Can I Use my Home Country Health Insurance in Vietnam?

I am not sure about other countries like England, Australia or Canada, but most U.S. health insurance plans do not provide coverage outside the United States. So it’s unlikely that your regular health insurance will cover medical expenses incurred while traveling in Vietnam. However, some comprehensive plans or plans with international coverage options might include limited overseas medical benefits. 

Check with your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage abroad. In many cases, you may need to purchase additional travel health insurance or a global health insurance plan to ensure you have adequate medical coverage while in Vietnam. 

Is it Worth Buying Trip Cancellation Insurance?

Simply put, yes. Planning a big vacation to Vietnam often happens months in advance and can add up quickly. But life is unpredictable, and sometimes, plans have to change, leaving you with non-refundable expenses for a trip that might not happen.

Beyond cancellations, imagine an unexpected medical issue lands you in a hospital, leading to a hefty bill. Or perhaps your luggage with all your essentials gets lost.. There’s also the hassle of flight delays or even losing your passport. These aren’t just minor setbacks; they could significantly impact your finances.

Opting for trip protection insurance when heading to Vietnam isn’t just a safety measure—it’s a smart financial decision. This coverage isn’t just about protecting the money you’ve already spent; it’s about safeguarding against unexpected costs due to medical emergencies, travel delays, and other common travel woes. So, yes, it’s worth securing that extra layer of protection to make sure your trip is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Final Thoughts: What is the Best Travel Insurance in Vietnam?

As you get ready for your trip to Vietnam, consider the practical benefits of having travel insurance. It’s easy to hope you won’t need it, but unexpected events happen more often than you might think.

Having travel insurance that best suits you is not just about dealing with potential problems; it’s about having a safety net that lets you focus on enjoying your travel experiences.

My recommendation? Do your research on different policies through Travel Insurance Master. Compare the options they have to the options over at Safety Wing. Then make your choice!