Healthcare and Hospital Costs in Vietnam | What You Need to Know

When you live here, you always end up asking yourself the same question: what if I had a real health issue? A scooter accident, a lingering pain, a check-up to do… It’s not something you plan for, but you might as well know what to expect.

You often hear that healthcare is much cheaper than in France, and overall that’s true. But how much does a consultation actually cost? What about an MRI, a night in a hospital, or giving birth in a private clinic?

So I did some digging. I compared official prices, quotes I got on-site, and feedback from other expats. Here’s a clear and up-to-date overview of medical costs in Vietnam, especially for foreigners.

If you’re planning to stay for a while, or just curious to know how much an emergency visit might cost, this guide should help you avoid any nasty surprises.

1. Basic Doctor Consultation in Vietnam: What Does It Really Cost?

The first time I went to see a doctor here, I didn’t really know what to expect. No health card, no insurance, no third-party payment system. You go to reception, give your name, and pay before even seeing the doctor.

In private hospitals like Hoan My or Vinmec, a general or specialist consultation usually costs between 200,000 and 700,000 VND (€7 to €25). It depends on whether you ask for an English-speaking doctor, if you’re in the “international clinic” section, and which city you’re in.

In Da Nang or Hoi An, I’ve paid around 400,000 VND (€15) to see a doctor who spoke good English, with less than 15 minutes wait. In Ho Chi Minh City, at a high-end clinic, I’ve seen fees go up to 1,200,000 VND (€45) just for a general practitioner.

In any case, you leave with your prescription in hand, sometimes with a short report or consultation sheet, and go straight to the pharmacy or lab if needed.

2. Medical Tests in Vietnam: X-rays, Ultrasounds, MRI

When you’re prescribed a test here, things move fast. You go to the cashier, pay upfront, and you’re usually called in just a few minutes later. No need to wait a week like in France.

For a simple X-ray (chest, arm, leg…), prices are usually around 250,000 to 350,000 VND (€9 to €12). At that price, the test is done on-site, and you leave with the film or a digital file the same day.

An abdominal or pelvic ultrasound costs between 400,000 and 700,000 VND (€14 to €25) depending on the hospital. If it’s a Doppler or more advanced ultrasound, it might be slightly more, but rarely over 1 million VND (€37).

When it comes to CT scans or MRIs, prices are a bit higher.

• I once paid 1.3 million VND (~€48) for a sinus CT scan in Da Nang.
• For an MRI of the spine or brain, expect to pay between 2 and 3 million VND (€74 to €111) at a private clinic.

Results are usually ready in under 24 hours, sometimes even within the hour. Bonus: you can receive everything by email or on a USB stick, which is super handy if you need to share it with a doctor remotely.

3. Hospitalization in Vietnam: Rooms, Emergency, Intensive Care

Luckily, I haven’t had to stay overnight, but I asked for prices at several private hospitals, just in case. And as often in Vietnam, the price mostly depends on the level of comfort you choose.

For an emergency room admission, expect to pay between 500,000 and 1.8 million VND (€18 to €66) just to be seen. This doesn’t include tests or treatment, it’s simply the entry fee.

If they decide to keep you for observation or hospitalization:

• A shared standard room costs between 800,000 and 2 million VND per night (€29 to €74)
• A private room with bathroom, aircon, and TV quickly goes up to 3 or 4 million VND (€111 to €148)
• In high-end hospitals like Vinmec, a “Deluxe” or “Presidential Suite” can cost up to 13–23 million VND per night (€481 to €851)

If you need intensive care (ICU), rates are around 7 million VND per 24 hours (~€259), not including medication, IV fluids, or specialized care.

In all cases, you’ll need to pay a deposit before admission, often 100% of the estimated amount. No exceptions, even in emergencies.

4. Maternity: Natural Birth or C-Section in Vietnam

I looked into prices at several private hospitals, especially in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, to get a clearer idea. If you’re planning to give birth in Vietnam, it’s important to know that everything is packaged into a fixed-price plan.

For a natural birth, prices start around 8.5 million VND (€314) for a shared 4-bed room. If you go for a private or “Deluxe” room, it can rise to 14–20 million VND (€518 to €740), depending on the clinic.

For a C-section, it’s obviously more expensive. Entry-level packages are around 12 million VND (€444), but I’ve seen international private clinics offer packages up to 30 million VND (€1,111). Again, foreigners are often directed toward premium rooms, even if they didn’t ask for one.

Packages generally include: the hospital stay, medical care, postnatal follow-up, basic exams for the baby, and sometimes meals. However, special anesthesia, multiple pregnancies, or more advanced neonatal care can be billed separately.

If you’re pregnant or supporting someone who is, I strongly recommend asking for a full breakdown of the package before signing anything.

5. Health Check-ups in Vietnam

Many private clinics in Vietnam offer full health check-up packages, either half-day or full-day. And it can really be worth it, especially if you’re over 40 or just want a regular check-up before something goes wrong.

A basic health screening (consultation + blood test + urine test) costs around 1.2 to 2 million VND (€44 to €74).

If you go for a more complete package including ECG, ultrasound, CT scan, and multiple consultations (GP, eye doctor, dentist, etc.), prices range from 3 to 5 million VND (€111 to €185), or even up to 12–14 million VND (€444 to €518) for premium packages.

If you’re working in Vietnam with a work visa, or if you’re ever asked for a medical certificate, these clinics are usually where it’s done. You show up fasting in the morning, and you’re usually done by noon, all included.

6. Foreigners vs. Locals: What No One Tells You

It’s a bit of a sensitive topic, but let’s be clear: foreigners don’t always pay the same rates as Vietnamese patients, even in private hospitals.

In many facilities like Hoan My, there are two separate lines: one for local patients, and one for foreigners or the “international clinic”. And most of the time, you don’t really get a choice.

For example, a consultation that costs 300,000 VND for locals might cost you 500,000 to 700,000 VND if you go through the international side. Yes, the doctor speaks English, you get a nicely formatted report, and the process feels smoother… but you’re paying for that comfort, often without being told there’s another option.

Same goes for hospital stays: you’ll likely be automatically assigned a premium room, even if you didn’t ask for anything fancy. The assumption is: if you’re a foreigner, you can afford it.

The easiest way to deal with this is to ask upfront:

“Can I use the local pricing?” or “Is there a standard rate available?”

Sometimes they’ll say yes, sometimes no but at least you’ll know what you’re actually paying for.

My Opinion

Overall, healthcare in Vietnam is affordable, especially compared to what you’d pay in France without social security. But don’t expect a 100% transparent system.

You pay before getting treated, often pay more as a foreigner, and prices can vary significantly for the same service depending on the hospital, the city, or even whether the doctor speaks English.

If you live here, I recommend setting aside a small emergency fund, and always asking for a price breakdown before agreeing to any treatment or package. It’s not seen as rude on the contrary, it shows you know how things work.

And if you need regular care, or if you’re expecting a child, take the time to compare options.

You’ll quickly find that some private hospitals offer good service at reasonable prices as long as you ask the right questions.