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Travel Insurance for Vietnam

From vibrant cities to hushed hillside tribes and cultural connections and zesty eats to untamed natural wonders, Vietnam is a land of splendour.

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Essential travel tips for Vietnam

Offering unique cultural experiences, flavorful fare, and a heady vibe all its own, Vietnam can be an enlightening experience for travelers. But there are a few things you need to know before you go. Read on to find out how World Nomads’ travel insurance can help you navigate the unknown while overseas.

Exploring the My Son ruins. Photo credit: iStock/GundulaGruterich

What’s covered

World Nomads offers two types of travel insurance plan, Standard and Explorer. Each plan provides different levels of cover so it’s important you choose the plan that best suits your travel plans and the level of cover you need. Depending on your Country of Residence your travel insurance plan can offer cover for:

  • Baggage and personal effects
  • Extended stays
  • Overseas medical emergencies and hospital expenses
  • Travel delays and trip interruption
  • A wide variety of sports, activities and experiences.
  • Trip cancellation
  • Cover for some Coronavirus-related events
  • 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team
  • And many more cover options and extras…

Whatever your choice of overseas vacation, it’s important to choose the right level of coverage. Read the policy wording, browse the World Nomads’ Help Center, or contact our customer service team to see if what you’re planning to do is covered under your plan.

What’s not covered

It’s important to remember travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. While we endeavor to help you during times of need while you’re overseas there are some things that we simply do not cover. These include:

  • Activities and sports: participation in a sport or activity not listed in the policy wording, or one that's offered by World Nomads, but you haven't paid the required additional premium.
  • Not following doctor’s orders: disobeying your treating doctor’s directions and/or those of our Emergency Assistance Team.
  • Leaving valuables unattended: stolen, lost or damaged personal belongings that were left unguarded.
  • Incidents resulting from reckless behavior
  • Drug or alcohol abuse and any related incidents
  • Expenses you have not made every reasonable attempt to recover from the carrier, accommodation provider, booking or travel agents, any compensation scheme, or other source.
  • Changing your mind.

This is a brief overview of common claims we often see but do not provide cover for. Read your policy wording carefully so you have a good understanding of what is and isn’t covered by your travel insurance policy.

Endless mosaic tombs at An Bang ghost town. Photo credit: Lola Mendez

Health and safety tips when traveling in Vietnam

Offering astonishing natural beauty and tantalizing tastes, it doesn’t take much for Vietnam to get under your skin. While you’re enjoying its splendor, it helps to keep in mind a few health and safety tips while you’re on the road.

Motorbikes and scooters

Home to millions of motorbikes and scooters, all zipping haphazardly through the streets, navigating the roads in Vietnam is an art form. Road accidents are one of the main causes of injury in Vietnam, so it pays to be vigilant. Pay attention when crossing the street and take particular care if traveling by motorbike or scooter.

If you plan to ride, for your coverage to be available , certain conditions apply:

  • You must be licensed to ride at home and at your destination.
  • You need to comply with local laws and safety practices (obey speed limits, don’t drive drunk).
  • Always wear a helmet.

Consider buying a travel insurance plan that covers motorbike and scooter use. Terms and conditions, limits, and exclusions to coverage will apply so read your policy carefully for full details.

Read our article on covered sports, activities and adventures. In some cases, you may also have to buy an adventure sport upgrade for an additional premium.

World Nomads coverage for travelers injured in motorcycle accidents may include:

  • Emergency medical expenses for treatment at the hospital or by a doctor at the local medical center
  • Evacuation to more suitable medical facility if it’s urgent, medically necessary and if you’re fit to travel
  • Repatriation if you’re seriously ill or injured and unable to continue your trip.

If you need medical treatment, evacuation or repatriation, you or a travel companion MUST contact our Emergency Assistance team immediately.

How to avoid gastro

It’s advisable to avoid drinking tap water while in Vietnam. Water can be contaminated and can result in gastrointestinal upset and other more serious disease such as hepatitis A and typhoid. It’s best to avoid raw fruits and vegetables with the skin on as well as ice cubes in your drinks.

Be aware of petty crime and other criminal activity

While Vietnam is generally a safe place to travel, low level crime does exist.

As with many other destinations petty crime remains an issue in Vietnam. Stay alert, and keep your belongings close.

For more on what you need to know before you go read these tips for how to spot travel scams and rip-offs to avoid being a scammer’s next target.

Tropical diseases

Tropical diseases are common across Asia with Dengue Fever an increasing concern. Always wear light-protective clothing in the evenings and use insect repellant.

Dak Lak, Vietnam. Photo credit: iStock/xuanhuongho

Best time to visit Vietnam

Vietnam is a wonderful destination to visit year-round. When choosing what time of year to travel to Vietnam consider what it is you want to see and do while there: do you want to laze by the beach on Phu Quoc Island? Experience the heady culture in untapped Hanoi? Or explore the verdant central highlands to connect with local villages? Whichever you choose there’s a season that’s the perfect fit.

High season, July and August

For beach lovers that means visiting Vietnam in the high season to make use of the warm days and bath-like water. Be sure to book your accommodation well in advance, this is the busiest and most expensive time to visit coastal regions.

Shoulder season, December - March

Shoulder season is perfect for navigating the hustle and bustle of cities where you’ll be jolted to life with the buzz of everyday life in Vietnam’s urban jungles. With cooler temperatures it’s a much more pleasant experience when traveling around people-packed cities like Ho Chi Mihn and Hanoi.

Low season, April to June and September to November

Avoid the crowds and visit in low season for a more timid look at this vibrant country. Trekking to hillside tribes and exploring the central highlands is wonderful during low season - there’s less vying for a spot on a tour and you’re less likely to have to trudge through mud.

FAQs

Does my travel insurance cover my medical costs upfront?

It depends. If you’re in an emergency situation that requires medical evacuation, we may cover these costs upfront provided the incident is covered by your policy. Contact us for more information.

Do I need a negative COVID test to enter the country?

Vietnam has removed its requirement for a negative COVID test upon entry. Please note this may be subject to change. Check with your travel adviser prior to departure.

Do I need a visa?

Depending on your Country of Residence, you will most likely require a visa to enter the country. Check with your travel adviser prior to departure.

Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All of the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

About World Nomads

World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance – and it’s often cheaper than you might think. Featuring coverage for more than 150 activities, quotes are fast and can be done online at www.worldnomads.com. All the information we provide about travel insurance is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states, or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

Get a quote

Before you pack your bags to explore Vietnam’s wonders get a quote for travel insurance. It may come in handy if you need it in an overseas emergency.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team