What About Medical Care in Vietnam - S6- E12 - What About Vietnam

So….What happens if you get sick in Vietnam? Or have an accident?

This episode is particularly relevant for today's independent traveller—the person who has researched extensively, joined Facebook groups, watched countless YouTube videos, and perhaps even used AI to help plan their entire trip. While these tools can provide an extraordinary amount of information, they can't provide real-world experience, local knowledge, or immediate support on the ground when something unexpected happens. 

In this episode, I explore the reality of life and what can happen, without you even trying. Let me share with you firsthand experiences of travellers Tim and Lucy as they navigate the world as retirees destined to use the world as their new playground.

Their experience in Danang will open your eyes to a new standard of treatment you may not experience even in your own country – Now that would be nice, wouldn’t it?

I don’t hold back in the show. I discuss the most common health issues visitors encounter, and Lucy and Tim speak to the quality of an international hospital, English-speaking doctors, healthcare costs, and travel insurance.

You'll hear how Vietnam's major cities now offer access to modern private hospitals, internationally trained specialists, and healthcare services that may be far more advanced and affordable than many travellers expect including dental and cosmetic surgery. 

We also cover the simple steps you can take before and during your trip to minimise health risks;

Thanks to Tim and Lucy for coming on the show and sharing their experience. You can follow their travels here - https://www.facebook.com/travelingtwoeverywhere

Time stamps:

02:00 – Why Medical Care in Vietnam Worries Travellers

06:00 – The Top 5 Health Issues Travellers Experience in Vietnam

14:00 – What Happened to Lucy? A Real Hospital Experience in Da Nang

22:00 – How Good Are Vietnam's Hospitals?

31:00 – Costs, Travel Insurance & Peace of Mind

If concerns about medical care have been on your radar, this episode may change your perspective entirely and provide the reassurance you need to travel with confidence.

NOTE - Dental Discount with Worldwide Dental using WAV25 for a 5% discount.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is provided for general informational purposes only and is based on personal experiences, guest contributions, and publicly available information at the time of recording. It should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or conditions. Healthcare facilities, services, costs, and regulations may change over time, and listeners should conduct their own research and obtain appropriate travel insurance before travelling.

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Do you need a #Dental Procedure?  Why not find out what’s possible through our Dental and #Cosmetic Medical partner Worldwide Beauty Hospital. Mention #whataboutvietnam to receive 5% discount at Worldwide Beauty Hospital 

Transcript

Kerry Newsome:

Xin chào and welcome to the What About Vietnam podcast.

Today we're tackling a fairly serious subject, but one that I hope will leave you feeling more confident about travelling to Vietnam: medical care.

Over the last five to ten years, Vietnam's healthcare landscape has evolved significantly. To help tell that story, I'm joined by travellers Tim and Lucy, who experienced the system firsthand after an unexpected medical issue arose during their stay in Da Nang.

We'll discuss what happens if you get sick in Vietnam, where to go, what the hospitals are like, whether doctors speak English, how much treatment costs, and how you can best prepare before you travel. 

Common Medical Issues Travellers Experience in Vietnam

Kerry Newsome:

Let's begin with the most common health issues travellers encounter.

Stomach and Digestive Problems

Changes in diet, food preparation methods and traveller's diarrhoea remain among the most common complaints. Personally, I've found probiotics to be one of the best preventative measures. I begin taking them about a week before I travel and continue while I'm in Vietnam.

If problems arise, Vietnamese pharmacies are generally well stocked and pharmacists are often able to recommend effective treatments. 

Respiratory Issues

Different air conditioning systems, humidity, pollution and seasonal viruses can all contribute to respiratory symptoms.

For travellers with asthma or respiratory sensitivities, I recommend bringing medications such as a Ventolin inhaler and considering masks in crowded environments when appropriate. 

Heat Exhaustion and Dehydration

Vietnam's humidity can catch people off guard.

Symptoms such as weakness, dizziness and fatigue are often the result of dehydration rather than illness. Planning activities in the cooler parts of the day, staying hydrated and replenishing electrolytes can make a huge difference. 

Injuries and Accidents

Slips, trips and falls are more common than many people expect.

Uneven pavements, busy streets and unfamiliar surroundings can all contribute to minor injuries. Good walking shoes and staying alert are often the best preventative measures. 

Allergic Reactions and Insect Bites

Travellers with food allergies or sensitivities should ask questions and make use of translation tools where necessary.

Vietnamese people are generally very understanding and willing to help when dietary concerns are explained. 

Who Does This Information Matter Most To?

Kerry Newsome:

This episode is particularly relevant for the independent traveller.

You may have planned your trip yourself, researched extensively online, watched countless videos, joined Facebook groups or even used AI to build your itinerary. But while information is valuable, information and support are not the same thing.

When you're unwell in a foreign country, knowing where to go and having access to trusted local advice can make all the difference. 

Preparing Before You Leave Home

Kerry Newsome:

There are several practical things you can do before travelling:

•  Consult your doctor regarding vaccinations and travel health advice. 
•  Ensure regular medications are packed in their original packaging. 
•  Bring copies of prescriptions. 
•  Consider probiotics before departure. 
•  Build realistic pacing into your itinerary. 
•  Allow time to recover from long flights and adjust to the climate. 

Many travel health issues can be avoided simply by planning realistically and giving your body time to adapt. 

Meet Tim and Lucy: Full-Time Travellers

Kerry Newsome:

I'd like to welcome Lucy and Tim to the podcast.

Lucy:

We retired in March 2023 and decided to become full-time travellers. We stay about a month at a time in each location and we've now visited Vietnam four times.

Tim:

The people keep bringing us back. We've had so many wonderful experiences with locals, travellers and expats. 

Lucy's Hospital Experience in Da Nang

Kerry Newsome:

Tell us what happened.

Lucy:

My knee began clicking and becoming painful while we were in Thailand. When we arrived in Da Nang, I made an appointment online with Vinmec International Hospital.

Within two days I was seeing an orthopaedic specialist. The booking process was entirely in English and very straightforward. 

The Hospital Visit

Lucy:

I brought my passport and checked in at reception.

The staff spoke English, the paperwork was in English and I was seen very quickly by the specialist.

After examining my knee, he immediately recommended an MRI. The MRI was performed the same day at the hospital. Within about an hour, the results had been reviewed by both the specialist and an orthopaedic surgeon. 

Modern Facilities and English-Speaking Staff

Lucy:

Everything was modern and up to date.

The MRI staff explained everything clearly in English. They even provided headphones with music and a blanket to ensure I was comfortable during the scan.

It was an excellent experience. 

Cost of Treatment

Lucy:

The specialist consultation, MRI and medications came to approximately US$205.

I also attended six physical therapy sessions over two weeks, which cost approximately US$90 in total. 

Kerry Newsome:

In Australia, an MRI alone can easily cost more than that.

Tim:

In the United States, an MRI can cost thousands of dollars. 

Travel Insurance

Kerry Newsome:

Did you claim through travel insurance?

Tim:

We carry travel insurance through Cigna Global, but the costs were low enough that we didn't bother making a claim.

The deductible would have exceeded the cost of treatment. 

Why Vinmec?

Tim:

We researched hospitals online and spoke with other travellers and digital nomads in Da Nang.

Vinmec consistently came up as the recommended option, particularly when specialist care and advanced diagnostic equipment were required. 

Another Real-Life Hospital Story

Tim:

We had friends in Da Nang where one of them suffered a serious leg fracture.

She underwent surgery at Vinmec and remained in hospital for two weeks.

The total cost, including surgery, hospitalisation and aftercare, was approximately US$6,000. They were extremely satisfied with the quality of care they received. 

Key Takeaways

Kerry Newsome:

If you're travelling through Hanoi, Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City, you can feel reassured that all three cities have internationally recognised private hospitals with English-speaking doctors and modern facilities.

Many travellers are surprised to learn that Vietnam's leading hospitals hold international accreditations comparable to those found in Australia, Europe and North America.

The key takeaway is simple:

•  Most medical situations travellers experience are minor and manageable. 
•  Preparation creates confidence. 
•  Travel insurance remains important. 
•  Knowing where to go can turn a stressful situation into a minor inconvenience. 
•  High-quality care is readily available in Vietnam's major cities. 

Dental Care in Vietnam

Kerry Newsome:

Vietnam has also become a popular destination for affordable, high-quality dental treatment.

I'll include details in the show notes about my longstanding relationship with Worldwide Dental and Cosmetic Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. If you'd like a consultation, check-up, whitening treatment or information about more extensive dental work, you can use the code WAV25 for a 5% discount.

The important point is that Vietnam offers access to high-quality healthcare services across multiple disciplines, giving travellers additional peace of mind during their stay.