Travel insurance Vietnam 2024: FULL advice from local experts

Traveling to Vietnam in 2024 can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with some risks and uncertainties. You may encounter unexpected situations such as illness, injury, theft, or natural disasters that can ruin your trip and cost you a lot of money. That’s why it’s important to have travel insurance for Vietnam that can cover you for these events and give you peace of mind.

But how do you choose the best travel insurance for Vietnam? What are the factors to consider and the options to compare? How much does it cost and what does it cover? In this blog post, we will answer all these questions and more, based on the advice from local experts who know Vietnam well.

1. Should I Get COVID Travel Insurance for Vietnam?

Vietnam has fully reopened international tourism, and all COVID-related restrictions have been lifted. Life has returned to a normal pace, as it was before the pandemic. While COVID insurance is not mandatory for entry into Vietnam, it is still recommended.

COVID travel insurance is a specific type of insurance that includes coverage related to COVID, such as health expenses, assistance, quarantine costs at your destination, and repatriation in case of contracting COVID. Depending on the insurance policy, you may also benefit from:

• Trip cancellation and reimbursement of trip costs if you or a family member contracts COVID before departure or if a family member contracts a severe form of COVID.
• Early return if a family member contracts a severe form of COVID.
• Visit by a family member if you are hospitalized abroad, with travel and accommodation expenses covered.

While not obligatory, COVID travel insurance can provide valuable protection and peace of mind during your trip to Vietnam, especially considering the ongoing uncertainties related to the pandemic.

2. What is the Minimum Coverage Amount Required in Vietnam?

Many countries require that the insurance certificate specifies a minimum coverage amount for COVID-related health expenses. For example, Vietnam requires coverage equivalent to $10,000 USD, whereas Thailand mandates $50,000 USD. It is advisable to ask your insurer to clearly mention the coverage amount in the document.

3. COVID Insurance Certificate with Your Credit Card

Some banks are willing to provide an insurance certificate that includes coverage for medical expenses, including those related to COVID. It's best to inquire with a bank advisor to understand what is included and excluded in your credit card's insurance coverage.

• Visa Premier and American Express: Some banks may provide a COVID mention for health expense coverage, but it may not apply to repatriation or trip cancellation.

• Amex Platinum: Typically provides coverage, usually within 48 hours.

• Visa Classic: Generally does not provide COVID coverage.

• Mastercard Gold: Generally does not provide COVID coverage.

• Mastercard Classic: Generally does not provide COVID coverage.

4. How Much Does COVID Travel Insurance Cost?

Well-known travel insurance providers include Axa, Groupama, Allianz, Europ Assistance, and Le Lynx.

The cost of COVID insurance depends on three main factors: the destination, the duration of your stay, and the traveler's age, as well as the healthcare system in the country. Prices typically range from a few tens to a hundred euros for comprehensive travel insurance that includes health and assistance coverage.

Vietnam requires a minimum coverage amount of $10,000 USD for health expenses, which is significantly lower than the requirements of some other countries worldwide. With this coverage, insured travelers may only spend one to two euros per day for COVID insurance.

For cancellation insurance, the cost may be higher, and you should inquire directly with insurers for specific pricing.

5. Vaccine Passport

A vaccine passport, also known as a vaccination certificate or health pass, is a document that confirms that an individual has received the required doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Vietnam accepts vaccination certificates from 79 countries around the world, including European countries. This certificate serves as proof of vaccination and may be required for entry or other activities within Vietnam.

6. Already Having COVID Travel Insurance, Is Regular Travel Insurance Necessary?

Regular travel insurance typically covers essential aspects such as emergency medical expenses abroad and non-COVID-related medical evacuations (for accidents, injuries, and illnesses other than COVID-19). It's also recommended to have insurance that covers flight delays, loss, or the total or partial destruction of luggage.

Before the traveler departs, the travel agency may request a copy of the insurance contract, which should include the insurer's contact information and the client's insurance policy number.

For complete peace of mind during your trip, it is advisable to have both COVID travel insurance and regular travel insurance. This ensures comprehensive coverage for various unexpected situations, including those unrelated to COVID-19. Regular travel insurance provides broader coverage beyond COVID-related issues, enhancing your overall travel protection.

7. How to Purchase Travel Insurance for Vietnam?

Often, travel quotes for trips to Vietnam do not include travel insurance. It's possible that the traveler is already covered by their Visa/Mastercard when they purchase their flight tickets with a credit card. However, it's important to note that this type of insurance typically covers only the cardholder and not all accompanying travelers. To be more certain, it's advisable to inquire directly with the credit card provider for details.

If the traveler has health insurance through the French Social Security system (Sécurité sociale), it usually includes international medical insurance. In this case, the traveler should carry their insurance card and contact information for the insurer. It's essential to review the terms and conditions, especially if the traveler plans to engage in activities such as diving or paragliding, as special coverage may be needed.

If the traveler is not covered by the two types of insurance mentioned above (credit card and French Social Security), it is advisable to purchase short-term travel insurance from insurance companies in your home country. Companies such as Europe Assistance, Mutuaide Assistance, Mondial Assistance, ACE Travel Insurance, MACIF, GMF Assurances, MAIF, and others offer affordable and easily accessible travel insurance options. These insurance policies provide added security and coverage during your trip to Vietnam.