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All-in-one Guide to Travel Insurance For Your Vietnam Trip

All-in-one Guide to Travel Insurance For Your Vietnam Trip

In This Article

1. Why Would I Need Insurance?
2. What Types Of Insurance Are There?
3. Insurance Plan
4. When To Get Your Insurance
5. Where To Start Looking For Travel Insurance

In numerous countries, obtaining travel insurance and demonstrating proof of purchase is often a requirement when applying for travel documents. While it's not mandatory to present travel insurance when applying for a visa to Vietnam, the question remains: should you get one? The unequivocal answer is YES; a well-chosen travel insurance policy can offer significant benefits. In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the best insurance option for your needs.

Why Would I Need Insurance?

If you are already aware of the importance of travel insurance, you may skip this section. However, for the skeptics, here are compelling reasons to consider getting travel insurance.

Unexpected events can occur while traveling or even before you embark on your journey, regardless of the country or territory you are in. Here are some common scenarios that may necessitate travel insurance: a family member falling ill, leading you to cancel a non-refundable tour; a sudden tropical storm causing flight cancellations and hotel closures; or even an injury that lands you in a hospital (notorious for high costs for foreign patients in Vietnam), potentially draining your savings for treatment.
Photo: baohiemdulich.net.vn

This isn't to label Vietnam as unsafe, but rather to highlight that unforeseen events can happen anywhere, making preparation essential. Travel insurance can sometimes save you thousands of dollars, and at the very least, it provides peace of mind, assuring you that you are protected to some degree.

What Types Of Insurance Are There?

With Vietnam's diverse tourism activities available, from flying and cruising to high-end resorts, kayaking, or simply navigating city streets, some activities pose more risks than others.

The insurance market currently offers both individual and comprehensive plans, including flight and trip cancellation insurance, travel health insurance, medical evacuation insurance, baggage coverage, and more. Depending on your trip and preferences, you can find a policy that best fits your needs.

The cost of your insurance will depend on your travel duration, destination (Vietnam is generally considered safe and often cheaper to insure compared to other countries), and the type of coverage you choose.

Below is a closer look at the different types of insurance:

Trip Cancellation

When booking your flight through platforms like Expedia or airlines such as Air Asia, you will typically be offered the option to purchase trip cancellation insurance. If you're not completely sure about your travel plans, acquiring this insurance is wise. Prices for trip cancellation insurance start around $15, ensuring you'll have support should your plans change.

Flight Insurance

Flight insurance is specifically for instances such as plane crashes, a rare occurrence in Vietnam. However, this type of coverage can often be included in a comprehensive insurance package.
Photo: phalehanoi.com

Baggage Insurance

It's disheartening to arrive and discover your luggage is lost or damaged. Most airlines offer limited reimbursement for lost baggage. If you're traveling a long distance, baggage insurance can provide invaluable coverage.

Travel Health Insurance

Your national health insurance typically won't cover expenses incurred while in Vietnam. For instance, the Australian Reciprocal Medicare Agreement only covers Australian citizens in select countries such as the UK and New Zealand, and Vietnam is notably absent from that list. Canadians with Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage will also face full medical costs while traveling abroad. For U.S. citizens, private insurance may cover limited needs, but none will assist with evacuation or repatriation. Travel health plans often start around $250 per year and typically include evacuation or medical transport options in case of severe injury or illness.

Other insurance types worth considering include: adventure travel coverage, credit card insurance, and policies for extreme sports.

Insurance Plan

In addition to individual policies, you can purchase comprehensive insurance plans:

Vacation Plan

This is the most common travel insurance type. A vacation plan typically covers trip cancellation or interruption, medical emergencies, luggage loss or delays, and additional coverage depending on the provider.

Specialty Plan

This includes evacuation and accident plans, which cover transport and associated emergency medical costs and are often sold on an annual basis.

Travel Medical Plan

This insurance focuses solely on health coverage and will not cover baggage loss or trip cancellations. It specifically includes medical expenses and emergency evacuations while abroad.
Photo: baohiempvi.com

When To Get Your Insurance

The best time to acquire travel insurance is as you begin your booking process—whether reserving a flight, placing a deposit for a tour package to Vietnam, or paying for cruises.