Vietnam travel insurance: The Ultimate Guide for a Worry-Free Journey
Unexpected situations like accidents, illnesses, or travel disruptions can quickly turn your trip into a nightmare. With the right Vietnam travel insurance, you are protected from challenges and enjoy peace of mind during your whole trip to the country. In this guide, we will walk you through the key aspects of Vietnam travel insurance and how to secure a worry-free journey across the country.
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Vietnam travel insurance requirements
Among many concerns that first-time visitors may have when planning a trip to Vietnam, travel insurance requirements seem to be less discussed than a visa or other entry requirements. Travel insurance, however, is a noteworthy matter that may affect your whole future trip. So, do you need travel insurance when visiting Vietnam?
Vietnam doesn’t require travellers to present proof of travel insurance upon entering the country or applying for the Vietnam visa. In other words, it is not a legal requirement, and you can choose to get travel insurance or not. It depends much on how willing you are to take risks and how much you are willing to pay for a back-up plan.
If you come from certain countries, you don’t even need to apply for a visa due to the Vietnam visa exemption policy. See more on Vietnam Visa Requirements: What You Need To Know.
Benefits of getting travel insurance for Vietnam
While travel insurance is not a compulsory item to add into your checklist, you may find a good reason to get travel insurance for Vietnam. Here are some benefits of travel insurance you should take into consideration.
1. You won’t lose all your money if you have to cancel your trip
Even the best-planned trips sometimes have to be cancelled for various reasons: unexpected illness or injury, hospitalisation or death of other family member, and many more. Most travel providers, including cruise lines and airlines – offer no refunds for last-minute cancellations, though. In the worst scenario, you may lose all the money you’ve spent on the trip. To avoid dissatisfaction for losing both the trip and the money, you should consider buying a comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellations.
2. Medical emergencies in Vietnam can be costly
It is common for hospitals and clinics to require upfront payment for treatment services in Vietnam, particularly in those cater to foreigners. Though medical services and medicine costs in Vietnam are relatively cheap, some medical conditions still incur significant expenses. For English-speaking medical staff members and advanced medical treatments, higher costs can be expected. An enormous charge may ruin your entire trip. With Vietnam travel insurance, you can get coverage for unexpected health issues without worrying about the burden of costly medical bills.
3. Lost baggage can be a real inconvenience
Baggage loss or personal items may turn into a nightmare when you travel to a strange country. Baggage related emergencies such as damage, loss, delay in the delivery, and theft of baggage can be caused due to countless reasons, from the airline staff mistakes to extreme weather events, fire, etc. If you have a baggage insurance policy in your Vietnam travel insurance to protect you, you have nothing to worry at all. For example, for delayed baggage, the reimbursement can be given when your baggage doesn’t arrive for more than a certain number of hours. In case of damaged luggage and you may need to buy a new one, the cost will be covered by your insurance company.
» Read more on Vietnam Travel Tips: Know Before You Go
4. Emergency medical evacuation
Medical evacuation, or medevac, describes a service that provides emergency transportation and en route care for those who are critically ill or injured. This service can be carried out by a ground transportation vehicle or even a commercial airline in some cases, and it can cost you thousands of dollars. If you plan to take part in some adventurous activities or travel to remote places, for example taking a motorbike tour in Ha Giang Loop or a jeep tour in Mui Ne’s sand dunes, it’s important to be aware that accidents, though rare, can happen. Vietnam travel insurance featuring specialty products can protect you and save your from breaking the bank.
Best Vietnam travel insurance
Now when you have made up your mind to safeguard your trip with Vietnam travel insurance, another thing to consider is which product or insurance company to go with. Here is the list of best Vietnam travel insurance. Let’s check it out!
1. Chubb
• About the brand: One of the world’s largest publicly-owned insurance companies with operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides a variety of insurance products, including Vietnam travel insurance, for a diverse group of clients. The company features extensive products, broad distribution capabilities, outstanding financial strength, and local operations worldwide.
• Product highlights: Chubb Travel Insurance offers high-quality Vietnam travel insurance that guarantees you are protected during your whole journey. Their product provides you with cover for risks including medical expenses, trip cancellation costs, flight or baggage delay, and personal accidents. Visit their website to learn more and get a quote.
2. AIG
• About the brand: AIG is a global insurance company offering a wide range of insurance products and services, including property, casualty, general liability, and professional liability insurance. AIG is headquartered in New York, the US and operates in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and other regions.
• Product highlights: Travel Guard®, their travel insurance product, is available to persons up to age 76. With security assistance and travel assistance, you are protected against minor security incidents, life-threatening events, flight delays, unpredictable weather, lost and stolen luggage, and other travel hassles. When you purchase this Vietnam travel insurance, you can also take advantage of specialised services, such as 8 assistance centres, visa application, and 24/7 medical services. Learn more about this special product at travelguard.com.
3. Allianz
• About the brand: Allianz Insurance, part of the Allianz Group, is the world’s largest insurance company and the largest financial services company in Europe. The global insurer with 128 million customers and over 156,000 employees has also been recognised as the most valuable financial services brand for the sixth consecutive time. Its services include property and casualty insurance, life and health insurance and asset management.
• Product highlights: Allianz Travel Insurance’s plans cover a wide range of incidents, including trip cancellations, travel interruptions, dental accidents, and many more. A big plus for their travel insurance is that travellers can access a smart app to search for local doctors and dentists. With this app, you can also check a claim, explore benefit coverage details, and find local emergency numbers in Vietnam.
4. Vietnam Airlines
• About the brand: Vietnam Airlines is among the Top 20 finest airlines in the world in terms of safety and service quality. It offers various flights to and from Vietnam, particularly convenient connections to major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and other destinations in Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania.
• Product highlights: TripCARE is a product jointly developed by PVI Insurance Corporation and Chubb Vietnam, particularly made for Vietnam Airlines passengers on domestic and international flights departing from Vietnam. With TripCARE Vietnam travel insurance, you don’t have to worry about unexpected accidents that may occur during the trip. The insurance also covers obstacles such as flight cancellations, delays, loss of baggage, travel documents, etc.
» Read more on 10 Tips for Your First Trip to Vietnam
FAQs on Vietnam travel insurance
Now it’s time to discover answers to frequently asked questions about Vietnam travel insurance. After familiarising yourself with Vietnam’s famous attractions and travel tips, you can now plan a worry-free trip with extra protection from trusted travel insurance.
1. Can I buy Vietnam travel insurance after arriving in Vietnam?
As there is no travel insurance requirement for entering Vietnam, you can enjoy the flexibility of choosing your own insurance plan. It is totally fine to purchase the insurance once you arrive in Vietnam; however, it is strongly recommended that you tick off this item before your departure. This is the best approach to protect you and ensure everything on your trip is well-controlled.
» Read more on 7 Days in Vietnam Itinerary: What to See Across the Country?
2. What are the different types of travel insurance?
Deciding to buy travel insurance is much easier when you know the type of coverage or level of cover that suits you the most. To narrow down your options and save you both time and money, take a look at the following types of travel insurance:
• Trip cancellation: With this travel insurance, you will receive reimbursement if you are prevented from taking the trip due to unexpected illness or injury, weather or common carrier issues, or unforeseen natural disasters at home or the destination.
• Travel accident insurance: This covers unexpected and sudden losses due to travel or flight accidents. Other emergency assistance may include baggage loss, evacuations, medical and dental expenses, pre-existing medical conditions and repatriation.
• Travel medical insurance: This type of insurance provides short-term medical coverage when you become ill or injured. Some products and policies may also include coverage for family members travelling with you or a family member to visit you if you are hospitalised.
• Medical evacuation insurance: If you travel to Vietnam’s rural areas without easy access to medical facilities, such as the mountainous region in the north or distant areas of the Mekong Delta, the cost to medically trasport you to the nearest treatment centre will be all covered by this type of insurance.
• Package travel insurance: This option is the most commonly purchased travel insurance for its comprehensive features. A typical plan includes coverage for evacuations, luggage problems, medical and dental costs, and trip cancellations, delays, and interruptions.
3. Does travel insurance cover epidemics and pandemics?
Most travel insurance policies and travel insurance product disclosure statements typically refer to epidemics and pandemics in their general exclusions. If there is an exclusion for a pandemic, then there is no cover for any claims related to a pandemic, for example, medical and trip cancellations for that reason. However, you should check with your insurance company for any exclusions may apply.
4. What accidents should I be aware of when visiting Vietnam?
Vietnam is a generally safe destination for all travellers, and you don’t have to worry much about the safety issue while travelling around. However, there’s one thing that might raise concern: road accidents. While getting around in big cities may not cause serious safety concerns, you are likely to face more threats when taking part in activities in remote areas. When you travel to destinations with lots of rivers or canals, like the Mekong Delta, you should stay alert of boat accidents as well.
During the rainy season (typically from June to November), floods, typhoons, and severe weather may also cause flight delays, even cancellations. In rare cases, the whole itinerary can be affected, and you may lose all money saved for the trip.
5. How much is a travel insurance plan for a trip to Vietnam?
A travel insurance plan typically costs between 5-7% of the total price of your trip. The prices vary depending on the insurance plan you choose, the number of travellers, and the extra options that you may want to include. Travellers buying comprehensive travel insurance for Vietnam typically spend around USD$6 – $10 per day.
6. Does travel insurance cover adventurous activities in Vietnam?
It depends. You should check if your travel insurance policy covers all the activities you plan to do in Vietnam. Risky activities, like quad biking, scuba diving may require paying extra for a premium insurance plan. Whether you trek up Mount Fansipan, explore the rainforest in Son Doong, or take a motorbike ride in Ha Giang Loop, make sure you fully understand the travel insurance policy.
» Read more on Best Water Sports in Vietnam to Try on Your Trip
Paying for Vietnam travel insurance gives you peace of mind when travelling across the country. Instead of worrying about risks during the trip, you can spend the time making the most of the places and delving into new experiences. Contact us for insider tips on getting the right insurance coverage for your journey.