
Moving to Vietnam is going to present you with an abundance of challenges, from the logistical aspect to customs and traditions to finding a school for your children, to setting up bank accounts. There are dozens of hurdles to negotiate. Healthcare in Vietnam is one of the assortments of obstacles that must be negotiated successfully to ensure your stay is as pleasant as possible.聽
Overview of Vietnam's health industry and workforce
Vietnam's economy has undergone rampant gentrification. With a GDP per capita of roughly USD 4,700, Vietnam now ranks as a lower-middle-income nation. Experts from The World Bank have made some exciting forecasts about Vietnam's middle and upper classes. Predictions say these affluent communities will account for a staggering 26% of the population by as early as 2026. A few key statistics for Vietnamese healthcare are as follows:
- Vietnam maintains a world healthcare score of 57/195.
- The average life expectancy in this country is 74.77 years old.
- Roughly 93.4% of Vietnamese citizens have private health insurance.
- 94.2% of the population follows the Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
In addition to this, AmCham Vietnam has projected that healthcare expenditure will increase to 26 billion USD by 2025. This boils down to 262 USD per capita. A balance of numerous variables dictates the state of Vietnam's growing healthcare sector. These include the government's continued investments in healthcare infrastructure. This is combined with Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) and the nation's unwavering demand for high-quality services.
The challenges of Vietnam's healthcare system
Although a majority of the population benefits from access to Universal Healthcare Coverage, an imbalance of supply and demand is visible on a physical scale. At present, the state-run medical institutions in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City alone cater for 60% of the country's healthcare workload. These hospitals operate at 200% capacity and face chronic overcrowding. In short, there aren't enough hospital beds to accommodate the overwhelming influx of traffic.
Surgery is another rising issue in state-run hospitals. As a large amount of the equipment is now obsolete, complex procedures are becoming either more difficult or simply impossible to implement. This lack of sufficient equipment for intensive care is mainly accredited to their healthcare sector's reliance on governmental funding. This state budget is a dominant factor in terms of applying upgrades to services, equipment, and facilities. And while this budget has seen increases over the last decade, it, unfortunately, remains too low to sustain the demand.
Qualified medical staff in the public health sector are in short supply, too. Stressful conditions and relatively low wages for such demanding work are mostly to thank for this. With many factors like improving education, the majority of medical graduates are either working in the private sector or heading overseas.
Medical equipment and pharmaceuticals in Vietnam
Healthcare service providers in Vietnam are being driven by numerous key factors. Firstly, the demand of Vietnam's rising middle and upper classes. Secondly, the continued successful growth of Vietnam's economy in general. These healthcare providers are instigating numerous investments in order to better equip local, state-run hospitals.
Vietnam's policy on the importation of advanced medical devices is encouraging. At present, local production is incapable of sustaining the demand. Therefore, in accordance with the EU-Vietnam-Free-Trade Agreement (EVFTA), this rapidly developing nation enjoys a smooth influx of sophisticated medical equipment. No quote restrictions are applied whatsoever, and these imported necessities are subject to low duties.
Public and private healthcare in Vietnam
Vietnam's healthcare sector is divided into two discernable systems. The first is public healthcare, which is responsible for the majority of the citizens in the country. The public healthcare sector can be separated into four distinct levels - commune, district, provincial, and central. The private sector accounts for the other aspect of Vietnam's healthcare system. It is a combination of investments from foreign and domestic entities.
Nowadays, there are fewer restrictions in regard to foreign ownership, meaning that collateral from abroad has a significant impact on private healthcare facilities in Vietnam. These same healthcare systems have also benefited massively from a number of governmental incentives.
Over the last few years, Vietnam has been focused on designing medical systems that increase access in the public and private health sectors. One of their latest achievements has been ensuring that for every 10,000 people that enter a hospital, there will be an availability of 33 hospital beds, 15 doctors, 3.4 pharmacists and 25 nurses. To compare, in the United States, there are an estimated 2.8 hospital beds and 26 physicians per 1,000 patients.
Although the healthcare system in this country used to rely exclusively on tax contributions, a number of adjustments to the revenue stream have been implemented. Government revenue plays the biggest role in funding the public healthcare system. However, out-of-pocket payments and social health insurance contributions are also playing a part nowadays.
What does Vietnam's public healthcare system cover?
Considering that Vietnam is still a developing nation, public healthcare facilities are becoming increasingly promising in terms of their sophistication. Locals and foreigners using these public facilities can expect the following to be covered:
- Inborn diseases and birth defects;
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs);
- Self-inflicted injuries and treatment in the case of suicide;
- Eyesight treatment for all children under the age of six;
- Transportation support for anyone who is considered a vulnerable person;
- Pregnancy check-ups;
- Any fees associated with consultations;
- Medications;
- Pathology;
- Inpatient and outpatient care;
- Dermatology.
Vietnam Social Security (VSS) is responsible for the management of the two primary types of healthcare coverage in this country. These types of healthcare are in place to ensure all foreign and local citizens can afford to access public medical facilities. These types of healthcare coverage are:
- Voluntary health insurance - This system is in place for anyone who is not protected under the mandatory scheme. This may include self-employed workers, informal workers and freelancers from overseas.
- Compulsory social security cover - Any worker on a permanent contract stretching to over three months is legally required to arrange this category of healthcare cover. Additionally, this type of cover is a legal requirement for children under six, students, people over 90, war veterans, and financially unstable citizens. The contribution rate is 4.5%. Should you be employed by a local Vietnamese company, you will be responsible for 1.5% of this, while your employer will be responsible for the remainder.
The cost of healthcare in Vietnam
At present, citizens of Vietnam are expected to cover the price when the need for healthcare arises. These medical expenses can surface at both private and public institutions. At the moment, around 80% of Vietnamese citizens qualify for reduced rates in healthcare. This includes:
- Anyone benefiting from social assistance programs, such as farmers and fishermen;
- Social insurance pensioners (This is normally paid by present or previous employers);
- Financially unstable people (subsidized 100%);
- Children under the age of six (subsidized 100%);
- Citizens under the poverty line (subsidized 70%);
- Full-time students (subsidized 30%);
- Any workers in the formal sectors.
Should you fall outside of any of these categories, you will be required to pay the entirety of healthcare fees in Vietnam. This applies to the majority of foreign citizens. On a brighter note, the cost of hospital care in Vietnam is significantly lower than in nearby countries, not to mention Western states. For example, a quick visit to the doctor or a hospital check-up will typically cost 100,000 VND (3.91 USD). Should the need to be examined by a specialist arise, the standard fee is around 500,000 VND (19.57 USD).
To break this down a little further, surgery accounts for almost 25% of these fees, while examinations and diagnostic tests contribute to another 24%. The costs of pharmaceuticals amount to roughly 23% of the overall cost of hospitalization. Naturally, these fees fluctuate depending on the nature and complexity of the surgery. For example, treatment for burns is at the top end of the spectrum, at an average of 7-12 million VND (300-500 USD). Generally, patients who are the recipients of health insurance will be subject to slightly lower fees than patients without such protection.
Health insurance in Vietnam
If you are relocating to Vietnam, it is critical to be covered by health insurance. Your embassy or consulate can help you choose the appropriate plan, which will be calculated based on factors such as your age, destination(s), and duration of travel. Ensure that your health insurance includes coverage for repatriation.
There are many insurance companies to choose from, according to your needs and budget. Some of the leading international health insurance providers are:
- ;
- ;
- .
The price of health insurance
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to determine the exact cost of health insurance, as it will depend on numerous factors. Your personal details and requirements will alter the cost, for a start. Older people are more prone to sickness and disease than someone in their early 20s.
Another key thing to consider is that there are many different ways of arranging health insurance. Most travelers simply opt for travel insurance, which includes health cover as part of the package. Insurance of this type is quick and easy to arrange, but the health benefits are extremely limited. Be mindful that many insurance providers will not cover motorcycle accidents if you are driving and do not have a license.
Purchasing local insurance is another common choice, and while this is more expensive, the health benefits are significantly improved. For starters, local health insurance companies, such as , have a more profound knowledge of the Vietnamese health system. This option is also ideal for expats who plan to stay in Vietnam for the long term. One of the biggest downsides, however, is that you wouldn't be covered outside of Vietnam.
International health insurance is by far the most comprehensive type you can get; however, it's also the most expensive. Generally, your coverage options would be fully customizable, but the sting is that not every country recognizes international health insurance. Therefore, do your research before purchasing if you plan to travel to multiple countries.
Health insurance for pregnant women
Many health insurance providers do not include maternity coverage in their basic packages. If you are planning to conceive, it's best to reach out to your insurance provider to add the coverage, if possible.
Sample questions to ask an insurance provider include:
- Is there a waiting period for maternity coverage?
- Do you cover complications, including ectopic or miscarriage?
- What are the benefits for delivery and hospital charges?
- Is my child automatically added to my health insurance after birth?
The quality of healthcare in Vietnam
Typically, Western standards are much higher, but surprisingly, Vietnam's waiting times are often less. In the UK, for example, hospital waiting times can be upwards of four or five hours. It is possible to be seen and treated by a Vietnamese doctor within a few hours. This is despite the public hospitals often being overcrowded.
It must be stressed that medical facilities in rural areas are highly underfunded and extremely basic. Should the need for surgery arise, it would be strongly advised to return to one of the major cities.
Another point to note is that staff at public hospitals in Vietnam aren't the most competent English speakers. In fact, it is likely that only the doctors will be able to converse effectively in English. Nursing staff typically speak Vietnamese only. This unfortunate fact only becomes even more apparent as you venture further away from major cities. If you need to visit a hospital, it is highly recommended that you do so with the aid of a local Vietnamese person.
九色视频s in Vietnam are entitled to use the same medical facilities as Vietnamese citizens. However, if they are tax residents, they are expected to contribute to compulsory health insurance. Unfortunately, these mandatory payments aren't always enough to protect people from the more expensive types of healthcare, such as surgery for broken bones. It is for this reason that many expats choose private health insurance instead.
Private health insurance can provide the beneficiary with a number of things that Vietnam's public system is currently unable to do. Granted, this would significantly increase your cost of living in Vietnam. However, the peace of mind incurred would pay for itself. The benefits of private health insurance in Vietnam include:
- Better facilities;
- Fewer language barriers;
- Shorter waiting times;
- Cover for ongoing expenses;
- A network of private medical facilities.
Prenatal and postnatal care in Vietnam
Provided you have the funds, the Hanoi French Hospital (HFH) is one of the best medical facilities in the country to bring your child into the world. It is located in the Dong Da District of Hanoi, and its maternity facilities include consultation rooms, delivery suites, and antenatal classes.
Prices for delivery during a normal, single pregnancy start from around VND 35 million - 70,000,000(USD 1,500- 3,000). This is the cost of a private, international hospital, so the service is top of the line. If you are living in Ho Chi Minh City, FV Hospital is an excellent and highly reputable hospital that is preferred by expats who have given birth. Learn more about their pricing and different maternity packages on their A C-section or a birth with any complications is estimated at VND 70,000,000 to 140,000,000 (USD 3,000 to 6,000).
Public hospitals in Vietnam are equipped to deal with all maternal matters, but you might not have the highest level of comfort or an English-speaking doctor. Thus, prices reflect this. By going to a public hospital, you can expect to pay 1 million VND ($US 45); however, this is for the absolute basics of care. If you have the funds to upgrade, then no expense should be spared. A C-section or complicated labor will cost VND 10,000,000 to 20,000,000 (USD 450 to 900).
Routine checkups during your pregnancy
Regardless of whether this is your first or third pregnancy, you'll want to stay informed about your baby's health and condition. This can take place during a monthly checkup, and there are two options for new parents to consider.
The first is to use a local healthcare clinic (in Saigon, it would be or Hanoi ), where they will have a pregnancy specialist. Through the clinic, they will schedule monthly checkups. The downside is this doctor might not be available for delivery and only perform monthly checkups or clinic care.
The second option is to start your pregnancy immediately with the above-mentioned private international hospitals. Starting your relationships early on with these hospitals will also ensure you know the doctor on your delivery date, but the downside is it is more expensive.
Vietnamese belief systems related to pregnancy
To ensure a healthy baby is born, a number of other rules and customs are adhered to. A number of these are based on superstition, whereas others are based on fact. Pregnant women in Vietnam are encouraged to eat nourishing food only; however, they are expected to moderate their intake. They are also discouraged from any work that involves overloads of stress or heavy lifting. Women who are expecting a baby are also urged to avoid weddings and funerals as popular belief dictates that they would be considered a bad omen. It is also believed that if a pregnant woman steps over a hammock, her child will be naturally lazy.
During the later stages of pregnancy, the bump is enough to alert members of the public to be careful around the mother-to-be. However, little is visible during the first trimester, and this is when the event of a miscarriage is most common. Should you or your partner be going to crowded places, be careful. Queue-up culture is almost non-existent in Vietnam; things work on a more competitive basis, though never violently.
Childbirth traditions
After one month, family and close friends will gather for an informal celebration. A flower drenched in Holy water is placed above the head of the child. The belief is that any water that drips into the infant's mouth will result in a sweet and well-spoken child as he or she develops.
Good to know:
Babies born in Vietnam are considered one year old at the time of birth. They become two by the following lunar New Year.
Th么i N么i, or the 鈥渜uitting the cradle鈥 celebration, occurs one lunar New Year after the birth of the child. This celebration is much larger and involves a number of interesting rituals. The most notable is placing the child into its cradle and surrounding it with everyday objects such as scissors, books, and shampoo. It is believed that whatever item the child chooses first will be a sign of their future. For instance, if he or she chooses the book, the child may become a professor.
The future outlook for Vietnam's healthcare sector
The government is striving to implement positive changes to improve facilities. These upgrades aren't merely in the pipeline.
Over the past few years, a staggering number of new and advanced hospitals have been erected in smaller cities. These include Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Vung Tau. Furthermore, the capital city of Hanoi and the southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City are now home to internationally accredited general hospitals. According to the 2023 statistics, Vietnam's GDP equaled $433.7 billion, spent on healthcare. Many sources point to the government continuing to invest for the foreseeable future.
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