Vietnam is an emerging medical travel destination in Asia. Its main advantages are competitive prices, an expanding group of internationally accredited hospitals, experienced specialists, and well-developed tourism infrastructure.
The strongest options for international patients are concentrated in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with additional private hospitals and specialist clinics in Da Nang, Nha Trang and other major destinations. Vietnam is especially attractive for dental care, health screening, fertility treatment, eye surgery, cosmetic procedures and selected orthopedic, cardiac and cancer services.
Vietnam is not yet as mature or consistent a medical tourism hub as Thailand, Singapore or Malaysia. Quality, English-language support, package transparency and aftercare coordination vary significantly between facilities. Patients should therefore choose the exact hospital, doctor and treatment pathway - not Vietnam as a destination in general.
Vietnam's Healthcare System
Vietnam has a mixed public and private healthcare system.
Large public and university hospitals provide much of the country's complex and highly specialized care. Many senior Vietnamese doctors work in these hospitals, and some also consult in private facilities. Public hospitals can be busy, however, and the experience may involve longer waits, shared rooms and limited English-language coordination.
For most international patients, established private or international hospitals are more practical. They are more likely to offer English-speaking coordinators, interpreters, private rooms, itemized estimates, cashless arrangements with selected insurers and support before arrival and after discharge.
All hospitals and clinics must be licensed by the Ministry of Health or the relevant local health authority. Vietnam also uses national hospital quality criteria, commonly known as the 83 Quality Criteria, covering patient care, professional practice, workforce development and quality improvement.[2]
In January 2026, a Ministry of Health appraisal meeting reported that Vietnam had nine JCI-accredited medical examination and treatment facilities, including eight hospitals and one outpatient clinic. Only one of the accredited hospitals was public.[1] JCI status is time-limited and may apply to a specific facility or scope, so patients should verify the current certificate in the official JCI directory before booking.
Leading Hospitals for International Patients in Vietnam
The following are established hospitals that frequently serve foreign patients. This is not a ranking, and accreditation or group membership should never replace verification of the treating doctor's experience.
- Vinmec Times City International – Hanoi
Vinmec Times City is a private academic medical center and the first hospital in Vietnam to be accredited under JCI's Academic Medical Center standards. It has also reported international specialty accreditations in areas including cardiology, laboratory medicine and assisted reproduction.[3] The hospital is part of the Vinmec network and offers international patient coordination across a broad range of specialties.
- Vinmec Central Park International Hospital - Ho Chi Minh City
Vinmec Central Park is a JCI-accredited private general hospital with services in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, maternity and other specialties. Vinmec promotes medical tourism services, interpreter support and coordination for international patients. [4]
- FV Hospital - Ho Chi Minh City
FV is a private multidisciplinary hospital with a long-established international patient service. Its main areas include cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, maternity, general surgery and preventive medicine. FV completed its fourth consecutive JCI accreditation in 2025.[5]
- American International Hospital - Ho Chi Minh City
American International Hospital, commonly known as AIH, is a private multidisciplinary hospital serving Vietnamese and international patients. It completed its second JCI accreditation survey in 2025 and has worked with Johns Hopkins Medicine International on clinical quality and service standards.[6]
- University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City
This major public academic hospital is known for complex specialist treatment and receives patients from many countries, particularly neighboring Cambodia and Laos. It can be a strong clinical option, but international patients should confirm language support, room type, payment arrangements and the responsible consultant before travelling.
- Hanoi French Hospital - Hanoi
Hanoi French Hospital is a private international hospital offering medical and surgical care, maternity services, diagnostics and health-check packages. It provides English- and French-language support and publishes prices for a range of preventive health packages.[9]
Other established providers include major public specialty hospitals and private groups such as Hoan My, Tam Anh and Hong Ngoc. The appropriate choice depends on the diagnosis, treating physician, required intensive care, implant or device needs, and expected follow-up.
Common Treatments for Medical Tourists in Vietnam
- Dental Treatment
Dental care is one of Vietnam's strongest medical tourism categories. Common treatments include dental implants, crowns, veneers, bridges, root canal treatment, full-mouth rehabilitation and cosmetic dentistry. International patients should confirm what implant system and prosthetic materials will be used, who will perform each stage, and how follow-up or repairs will be handled after returning home.
- Health Screening and Diagnostics
Private hospitals offer fixed-price packages ranging from basic laboratory screening to executive programs that include imaging, cardiac tests, cancer screening and specialist consultations. These packages can be convenient, but patients should avoid unnecessary tests and arrange a doctor-led review of the results.
- Fertility Treatment
Vietnam has a large assisted-reproduction sector offering IVF, ICSI, embryo freezing and related services. Patients should compare the clinic's success rates by age group, laboratory standards, embryo-storage terms, medication costs and the legal rules that apply to their family situation. A low advertised cycle price may exclude medication, genetic testing, freezing, storage or later embryo transfer.
- Eye Surgery
LASIK, Femto-LASIK, SMILE, cataract surgery and retinal treatment are available in specialist eye hospitals and multidisciplinary private hospitals. A complete pre-operative eye assessment is essential; not every patient is suitable for laser vision correction.
- Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery
Popular procedures include rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, facelifts, liposuction and body-contouring surgery. Cosmetic surgery should be performed in a properly licensed hospital or surgical facility with qualified anesthesia, infection-control and emergency capabilities - not simply the clinic with the lowest social-media price.
- Orthopedic and Spine Surgery
Selected hospitals offer knee and hip replacement, arthroscopy, sports-medicine procedures, trauma surgery and spine treatment. For joint replacement, patients should confirm the surgeon's annual case volume, implant brand and model, rehabilitation plan, infection data, thrombosis prevention and the expected time before flying.
- Cardiology, Oncology and Complex Surgery
Vietnam's leading tertiary hospitals provide cardiac surgery, interventional cardiology, cancer surgery, radiotherapy, systemic cancer treatment and other complex care. These treatments require especially careful review of the multidisciplinary team, intensive-care capability, complication plan, blood-bank support and continuity of care at home.
Cost of Medical Treatment in Vietnam
The following are indicative private or international-patient price ranges in US dollars. They are planning figures, not quotations. Prices were checked against published hospital, clinic and market sources and converted at approximately VND 26,320 to US$1 and GBP 1 to US$1.332 on 25 July 2026.[9]-[19][24]
| Procedure |
Vietnam |
United States (Private/Self-Pay) |
United Kingdom (Private) |
Indicative saving |
| Dental Implant - Single Tooth, Implant, Abutment and Crown |
$850-$1,400 |
$3,000-$5,000 |
$3,200-$4,500 |
55%-80% |
| LASIK or Femto-LASIK (both eyes) |
$800-$2,400 |
$4,000-$6,000 |
$4,000-$6,500 |
40%-80% |
| IVF (one basic cycle) |
$2,500-$4,500 |
$12,000-$25,000 |
$6,500-$10,000 |
35%-85% |
| Total Knee Replacement (one knee) |
$6,000-$10,000 |
$20,000-$70,000 |
$17,500-$27,000 |
45%-85% |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery |
$9,000-$20,000 |
$70,000-$150,000 |
$35,000-$55,000 |
45%-85% |
| Breast Augmentation |
$2,000-$5,200 |
$7,000-$12,000 |
$7,000-$10,000 |
25%-75% |
| Comprehensive or Executive Health Check |
$150-$2,500 |
$1,000-$5,000 |
$800-$3,500 |
20%-80% |
For commonly selected treatments, a realistic planning range is often about 40%-70% below US private or self-pay prices and 25%-55% below UK private prices. Savings may be smaller at premium international hospitals, for imported implants or medicines, or when a longer hospital stay is required.
What a written quote should include
Before paying a deposit, ask for a written and itemized quotation that states:
- the named surgeon and facility
- consultations, tests and imaging
- surgeon, assistant, anesthesia and facility fees
- implant, device, prosthesis or medication brand
- operating room, intensive care and expected hospital stay
- pathology, blood products and take-home medication
- interpreter and international patient services
- rehabilitation and scheduled follow-up
- exclusions, possible extra charges and payment deadlines
- the policy for complications, readmission, revision or cancellation
Flights, hotels and lost income should be included when comparing the total cost with treatment at home. Most standard travel insurance policies exclude planned medical treatment, and some exclude complications arising from elective care.
Medical Malpractice and Liability in Vietnam
Vietnam's Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023, effective from 1 January 2024, provides a process for determining whether a medical error occurred. Article 102 states that a medical establishment must compensate a patient for a medical accident in accordance with the law, except in specified non-fault situations. Article 103 addresses professional liability insurance in medical practice. [20]
This means a legal route to compensation exists, but an international patient should not assume that a claim will be as easy, fast or valuable as a claim at home. Disputes may require review by a professional council, Vietnamese-language evidence, local legal representation and proceedings in Vietnam. Cross-border enforcement and follow-up can be difficult.
Before treatment, request:
- the facility's full licensed legal name and operating licence
- the doctor's professional licence and relevant specialist credentials
- a signed treatment plan and informed-consent documents in a language you understand
- the hospital's professional liability insurance details
- written complication, revision, refund and dispute-resolution terms
- complete medical records, imaging and discharge documents in English
- confirmation of which country's law and which forum govern the agreement.
For major or elective treatment, independent legal advice and medical-complications insurance may be worthwhile. This section is general information and is not legal advice.
Pros
Competitive treatment prices
Vietnam can offer substantial savings, particularly for dentistry, health screening, fertility care, eye surgery, cosmetic procedures and selected operations.
A growing internationally accredited sector
The number of JCI-accredited facilities is higher than many older medical tourism guides report. Leading hospitals are also developing international clinical collaborations and specialty accreditations.[1][3]-[6]
Experienced specialists
Vietnam has highly experienced doctors in major public, university and private hospitals. Some have trained or worked in France, the United States, Australia, Japan, South Korea and other international systems.
Strong tourism infrastructure
Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc have extensive hotel choices, domestic air connections, private transport and established visitor services. Recovery tourism should only be added when medically appropriate.
Convenient for regional patients
Vietnam is especially accessible from Cambodia, Laos and other parts of Asia. Patients from the US, Australia, Canada and Japan, as well as overseas Vietnamese, are also a growing part of the market.[8]
Cons
Quality varies significantly
The gap between a leading international hospital and a small local clinic can be substantial. A national price advantage is not evidence that a particular provider is safe or suitable.
Language support is not universal
English is available in many international departments, but it should not be assumed in every ward, pharmacy, emergency service or follow-up clinic. Confirm interpreter availability for consent and clinical discussions.
International-patient coordination is still developing
Vietnam's medical tourism infrastructure is growing but remains less standardized than Thailand's or Singapore's. Pre-arrival case review, package definitions and overseas aftercare may vary between providers.
Legal recourse can be difficult
Although compensation is available under Vietnamese law, language, expert review, local procedure and cross-border enforcement may make claims challenging.
Long travel from North America and Europe
Long flights increase cost and can complicate early recovery. Surgery also increases the risk of blood clots, and patients should never fly until cleared by the treating doctor.
Continuity of care
A patient's doctor at home may not be familiar with the overseas treatment, device or medication. Arrange follow-up in advance and return with complete records.
Travelling to Vietnam
Most international patients arrive through Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport or Da Nang International Airport.
The times below are approximate pure flying times calculated from distance and rounded to the nearest half hour. They are not door-to-door journey times. A connection can add several hours.
| Departure City |
Approximate Flying Time to Vietnam |
Practical Note |
| Los Angeles |
16.5 hours |
Usually one stop; some routings connect via San Francisco or Asia |
| New York |
16.5 hours |
Usually one stop |
| Miami |
19.5 hours |
Usually one or two stops |
| Toronto |
15.5 hours |
Usually one stop |
| Vancouver |
13.5 hours |
Usually one stop |
| London |
11.5 hours |
Nonstop service may be available to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City |
| Berlin |
10.5 hours |
Usually one stop |
| Melbourne |
8.5 hours |
Nonstop service may be available |
| Dubai |
7 hours |
Nonstop service is generally available |
For surgery, ask the doctor how many days to remain near the hospital, when a fit-to-fly certificate can be issued, and what to do if symptoms develop after discharge.Visa Requirements for Vietnam
Vietnam's official electronic visa is available to citizens of all countries and territories. It can be issued for up to 90 days, for single or multiple entry. The official fee is US$25 for single entry or US$50 for multiple entry, and the Immigration Department states a standard processing time of three working days.[21] Apply only through the official government e-visa portal and allow extra time in case corrections are required.
| Passport |
Requirement for a typical medical visit |
| United States |
Visa required. Apply for an e-visa before travel. |
| Canada |
Visa required. Apply for an e-visa before travel. |
| Australia |
Visa required. Apply for an e-visa before travel. |
| European Union |
Citizens of 18 EU countries currently receive a 45-day visa exemption; citizens of other EU countries can apply for an e-visa. |
| United Kingdom |
Visa-free for up to 45 days under the current unilateral exemption; use an e-visa for a longer stay. |
The 18 EU countries currently covered by the 45-day exemption are Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. The 2025 expansion is scheduled to remain in effect until 14 August 2028.[22]
There is no separate medical tourist visa for a normal short treatment visit. Patients who may need more than 90 days should discuss sponsorship and lawful visa options with the hospital and Vietnamese immigration authorities before travelling. Do not assume that a visa can be extended after treatment begins.
Entry and Exit Requirements
- Carry a passport valid for at least six months beyond arrival and with at least one blank page.[23]
- Ensure the name, passport number, date of birth, entry point and validity on the e-visa exactly match the passport and itinerary.
- Carry a printed and digital copy of the e-visa, hospital appointment, accommodation details, return or onward booking, insurance and essential prescriptions.
- Foreign passengers arriving by air should review Vietnam's online pre-arrival declaration requirement. During the 2026 rollout, travellers have been instructed to complete the declaration no earlier than three days before arrival, particularly when entering through Tan Son Nhat Airport. Check the official Immigration Department portal shortly before departure.[21][23]
- Declare currency where required. Travellers should check current customs thresholds before arrival and departure.
- If travelling with controlled medication, carry it in original packaging with a prescription and doctor letter. Check legality in Vietnam before departure.
Visa and entry rules can change. Verify them with the Vietnam Immigration Department and the airline before booking a non-refundable journey.
Statistics of Medical Tourism in Vietnam
Vietnam does not publish a consistent year-by-year series that cleanly separates medical tourists from expatriates, overseas Vietnamese and other foreign patients. The best available national figure should therefore be used with caution.
The Ministry of Health estimates that about 300,000 people from abroad come to Vietnam each year for medical examination and treatment.[7] More recent 2026 reporting describes more than 50,000 of these patients as requiring inpatient treatment, with over 40% of foreign patients choosing Ho Chi Minh City.[8]
Patients from Cambodia and Laos remain important, particularly for specialist and complex care. Hospitals and tourism authorities also report growth from the United States, Australia, Canada and Japan, together with overseas Vietnamese communities.[8]
| Indicator |
Best available figure |
Important limitation |
| People arriving from abroad for examination or treatment |
About 300,000 per year |
Includes more than strict, trip-purpose medical tourists |
| Inpatient cases |
More than 50,000 per year |
National reporting is incomplete |
| Share choosing Ho Chi Minh City |
More than 40% |
Based on reported foreign-patient flows |
| Main established source markets |
Cambodia, Laos and overseas Vietnamese |
Growing demand is also reported from the US, Australia, Canada and Japan |
Vietnam's medical travel market is growing, but statistics from hospitals, tourism agencies and commercial reports are not always directly comparable. Figures should not be presented as a precise medical tourist count without defining who is included.
Before You Book Treatment in Vietnam
- Confirm the diagnosis. Obtain an independent medical opinion and send complete records before accepting a treatment plan.
- Verify the exact facility. Check its operating licence and the current scope and expiry of any JCI or specialty accreditation.
- Verify the doctor. Review the doctor's licence, specialist training, recent case volume and experience with your exact procedure.
- Compare written plans. Compare at least two hospitals on clinical approach, safety, price, inclusions and follow-up - not price alone.
- Plan for complications. Ask which hospital and doctor will manage an emergency, what additional care could cost and whether intensive care is available.
- Arrange aftercare at home. Confirm who will remove sutures, review pathology, monitor medication, provide rehabilitation or manage a device after return.
- Protect the trip. Check visa validity, cancellation terms, medical-complications insurance and the doctor's fit-to-fly advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is medical treatment in Vietnam safe?
Vietnam has reputable, internationally accredited hospitals and experienced specialists, but quality varies. Safety depends on the exact hospital, doctor, procedure, infection-control system and aftercare plan. Accreditation is useful evidence, not a guarantee of an individual result.
How much can I save on treatment in Vietnam?
For common medical tourism procedures, indicative savings are often around 40%-70% compared with US private or self-pay prices and 25%-55% compared with UK private prices. The final saving depends on the treatment scope, imported devices, hospital level, travel and recovery costs.
Do hospitals in Vietnam speak English?
Major international hospitals usually provide English-language coordination and interpreters. English should not be assumed in every public hospital, ward or outside pharmacy. Confirm language support in writing.
How long should I stay in Vietnam after treatment?
The period depends on the procedure and the risk of complications. Dental work or health screening may take a few days, while major surgery may require several weeks before long-haul travel. Follow the treating doctor's fit-to-fly advice.
Can my normal travel insurance cover planned treatment?
Usually not. Standard travel insurance often excludes planned treatment and may also exclude related complications. Ask specifically about medical travel or complications coverage and obtain written confirmation.
Information Sources
[1] American International Hospital, reporting information from Vietnam's Ministry of Health Department of Medical Service Administration, "Ministry of Health Recognizes the International Quality Standards of the U.S. Joint Commission International (JCI)," 21 January 2026.
[2] Vinmec, "Quality Management – Vietnam Quality Criteria."
[3] Vinmec, "Vinmec Times City Achieves JCI Certification for the Fourth Time," 13 January 2025.
[4] Vinmec, "Medical Tourism."
[5] FV Hospital, "FV Hospital Achieves Fourth Consecutive JCI Accreditation," 13 May 2025.
[7] Vietnam News, "Vietnamese Healthcare Facilities Attract Foreign Patients," 27 May 2024.
[8] Vietnam News, "Vietnam's Medical Tourism Services Eye Nearly $4bn in Revenue by 2033," 16 April 2026.
[11] Docosan, "Best IVF Clinics in Ho Chi Minh City for Foreign Patients," 30 August 2025.
[12] FV Hospital, "Receive Safe and Cost-Effective Vision Correction," 14 November 2023.
[14] MedicalTourism.vn, "Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) in Vietnam," 9 April 2026.
[24] Wise, historical exchange rates for USD/VND and GBP/USD, 25 July 2026.