Do I need insurance for Vietnam and is it checked at the border upon entry?

The short answer: insurance for Vietnam is not required to obtain a visa or for visa-free entry, and no one checks it at the border. However, based on our experience from numerous trips, we strongly recommend getting it. It is not mandatory but a voluntary and extremely important condition for a safe trip.

Vietnam is a country with crazy traffic, active entertainment (renting motorbikes, diving, trekking), and specific cuisine. Treatment in a quality international clinic is expensive, and evacuation from a remote area is even more expensive. Good insurance is your main protection against unforeseen situations, which happen here quite often.

What you need to know when choosing insurance for Vietnam

Based on our experience, we recommend checking the following parameters:

1. Medical coverage. Minimum — $50,000, better to aim for $100,000.
2. Motorbike/scooter rental. The option should clearly state that driving a vehicle with an engine capacity, for example, "up to 150 cc" is covered.
3. Diving and water sports. If you plan to dive, you need the appropriate option.
4. Dental care. Emergency dental treatment for acute pain is a useful addition.
5. Civil liability. Covers expenses if you accidentally damage someone else's property.
6. Quality of assistance. It is important that the service company has 24/7 support in Russian or English and prompt partners in Vietnam.

You can learn more in our reliable and honest guide in the article Insurance for Vietnam: a complete guide for independent travelers. There we detailed where to compare and buy insurance online, and also gave a checklist for choosing the optimal policy.

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