Do you need insurance for a trip to Vietnam

Russian citizens do not need a visa for Vietnam if the trip lasts no longer than 45 days. For a longer stay an e-visa is issued — for up to 90 days. Tourists’ medical insurance is not checked on entry.

Vietnam is quickly gaining popularity among Russian tourists, and the number of requests for help is growing with it. The resorts of Nha Trang, Phan Thiet and Phu Quoc have international clinics, but treatment there is paid and expensive by local standards. After a serious injury the patient may be moved to a large medical centre in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, and sometimes abroad. Without a policy all these costs fall on the traveller.

Which sum to choose

We recommend USD 50,000. The minimum of USD 30,000 may not be enough if hospitalisation followed by medical transportation is needed. For a long winter stay and trips with children, consider USD 100,000. If you are going for 46 days or more, the policy must cover the entire e-visa period.

The main risks in Vietnam

  • Motorbikes. A bike is the most popular way to get around and the most common cause of injuries. Insurance covers an accident only if the option is included and you have a category A licence and a helmet. Without a licence the insurer may refuse.
  • Dengue fever. Found throughout the country, especially in the rainy season. Check whether the plan covers dengue or add a separate option.
  • The sea. In Nha Trang and Mui Ne strong waves and currents occur in the windy season, and it is easy to get cut on coral when snorkelling.
  • Diving. Nha Trang and Phu Quoc are popular with divers. You need the diving option and decompression chamber treatment.
  • Food and water. Street food, fresh juices with ice and seafood are a common cause of intestinal infections. Such cases are covered by basic plans.
  • Typhoons. In autumn the central coast is hit by typhoons and floods. The “Natural disasters” option extends cover to such situations.

How to buy travel insurance to Vietnam on polisre.ru

The calculator at the top of the page is already set to “Vietnam”. Quotes and purchase are handled by Polis Re’s partner, the Cherehapa service: you compare plans from 16 Russian insurance companies and buy a policy online, and the policy itself is issued by the insurer you choose.

  1. Enter your travel dates and the age of each traveller.
  2. Choose the sum insured and add the options you need: motorbike riding, dengue fever, diving, sunburn.
  3. Compare plans: the deductible, the assistance company, limits for individual risks and the exclusions in the policy terms.
  4. Enter your first and last name in Latin letters exactly as in your international passport, then pay by card.
  5. The policy is sent to your e-mail. Save it on your phone and print it if that is convenient.

If you fall ill or get injured in Vietnam

Do not go to a random clinic: without approval from the assistance company the insurer may refuse to pay or reimburse only part of the costs. Here is the procedure.

  1. Contact the assistance company using the phone number in the policy. Call costs are reimbursed if the policy includes this service.
  2. Describe the situation and get a case number and the clinic address.
  3. Keep all medical documents and receipts, even if the assistance company paid for treatment.
  4. In an emergency, call an ambulance and report the case to the assistance company as soon as you can.

What counts as an insured event and how to get reimbursed is explained in the “Insured event” section.

Nearby destinations

If your route covers several countries, see the other pages too: insurance to Thailand, insurance to China, insurance to Indonesia, insurance to Sri Lanka. The full list of destinations, annual policies and tips on choosing cover are on the travel insurance page.