Medical Emergencies in Vietnam

Traveling to Vietnam is an exciting experience, but knowing how to handle a medical emergency in an unfamiliar country is essential. For dental-specific emergencies, see our guide on the top 10 dental emergencies and how to handle them, and review our dental tourism safety checklist. Knowing how to handle emergencies can make the difference between a minor setback and a serious crisis. This guide provides practical, actionable information for foreigners who need medical attention while in Vietnam.

Emergency Phone Numbers in Vietnam

The following emergency numbers are important to save in your phone before traveling:

115 – Ambulance
113 – Police
114 – Fire department

Be aware that English-speaking operators may not always be available when calling 115. In major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, international hospitals often have their own ambulance services with English-speaking dispatchers, which may be a more reliable option for foreign visitors.

Hospitals and Clinics for Foreigners

Vietnam has a two-tier healthcare system. Public hospitals are affordable but can be crowded and may have limited English-language services. International hospitals and clinics are specifically designed to serve foreign patients, with multilingual staff, modern equipment, and international treatment standards.

Hanoi

Hanoi French Hospital (L’Hopital Francais de Hanoi) – Located in the Trung Hoa area, this hospital provides comprehensive emergency and inpatient services with French and English-speaking staff.
Vietnam-Germany Friendship Hospital – A major public hospital with an international department.
Raffles Medical Hanoi – An international clinic offering emergency and outpatient care.

Ho Chi Minh City

FV Hospital (Franco-Vietnamese Hospital) – A large international hospital with 24-hour emergency services.
University Medical Center (UMC) – Part of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, offering high-quality care.
Columbia Asia International Clinic – Focused on outpatient and emergency care for international patients.

What to Do in a Medical Emergency

Step 1: Assess the Situation

Determine whether the situation is life-threatening. For conditions such as chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or suspected stroke, seek emergency care immediately.

Step 2: Get to a Hospital

In a true emergency, going directly to the nearest international hospital is often faster and more effective than calling an ambulance. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are widely available and can reach you quickly. If you are in a hotel, ask the front desk for assistance – hotel staff are experienced in directing guests to appropriate medical facilities.

Step 3: Bring Your Documents

If possible, bring your passport, travel insurance card or policy number, any medication you are currently taking, and a list of known allergies. This information helps medical staff provide safe and appropriate treatment.

Step 4: Contact Your Embassy

For serious medical situations, your country’s embassy or consulate can provide assistance, including locating English-speaking doctors, contacting family members, and facilitating medical evacuation if necessary.

Travel Insurance Is Essential

Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended for anyone visiting Vietnam. Medical costs at international hospitals can be significant, and medical evacuation to a neighboring country such as Thailand or Singapore can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

When choosing a travel insurance policy, verify that it covers:

Emergency medical treatment
Hospital admission
Medical evacuation and repatriation
Pre-existing conditions (if applicable)
Dental emergencies

Most international hospitals in Vietnam can process insurance claims directly, but some may require upfront payment with reimbursement from your insurer afterward. Keep all receipts and medical documentation.

Pharmacies and Over-the-Counter Medication

Pharmacies (nha thuoc) are found on nearly every street in Vietnamese cities. Many medications that require prescriptions in Western countries are available over the counter in Vietnam. However, it is important to exercise caution:

Verify that the pharmacy is licensed.
Check expiration dates on all medications.
Be aware that counterfeit medications can be a problem at unlicensed vendors.
Bring a written note with the generic name of any medication you need, as brand names may differ.

Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies, including severe toothaches, broken teeth, and infections, require prompt professional attention. Our guide on what to do when you have a dental emergency while travelling covers step-by-step actions for these situations. At Serenity International Dental Clinic in Hanoi, we accommodate emergency dental patients and provide treatment to international visitors in a comfortable, English-speaking environment.

For dental emergencies outside of business hours, international hospitals with emergency departments can provide pain management and antibiotics until you can see a dentist.

Common Health Risks for Travelers in Vietnam

Heat-related illness. Vietnam’s tropical climate can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Drink plenty of water and limit sun exposure during midday hours.
Foodborne illness. Street food is a highlight of Vietnamese culture, but travelers with sensitive stomachs should eat at busy stalls (high turnover means fresher food) and avoid raw vegetables washed in tap water.
Mosquito-borne diseases. Dengue fever is present in Vietnam, particularly during the rainy season. Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves in the evenings.
Traffic injuries. Vietnam’s roads are busy, and motorbike traffic can be unpredictable. Exercise caution when crossing streets and always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do hospitals in Vietnam accept foreign insurance?

Many international hospitals in Vietnam work directly with major international insurance providers. However, policies and procedures vary, so it is best to contact the hospital and your insurer before or upon arrival to confirm coverage.

Can I get prescription medication in Vietnam without a local prescription?

Many medications are available without a prescription at Vietnamese pharmacies. However, controlled substances such as strong painkillers and certain psychiatric medications do require a prescription from a Vietnamese doctor.

Is medical evacuation ever necessary from Vietnam?

For the vast majority of medical situations, Vietnam’s international hospitals provide excellent care. Medical evacuation is typically reserved for highly specialized conditions, such as severe trauma or rare surgical needs, that exceed local capacity. Having evacuation coverage in your travel insurance policy provides peace of mind.

What should I do if I do not speak Vietnamese?

International hospitals and clinics in major cities employ English-speaking staff. If you need help communicating at a public hospital, your hotel concierge or a translation app can bridge the language gap. In emergencies, your embassy can also arrange interpreter assistance.

How much does emergency medical treatment cost in Vietnam?

Costs vary significantly between public and international hospitals. At public hospitals, an emergency room visit may cost as little as $20 to $50 USD. At international hospitals, emergency consultations typically range from $80 to $200 USD, with additional charges for diagnostic tests, medications, and procedures. Hospital admission at an international facility averages $200 to $500 per night. These costs remain substantially lower than emergency care in the United States or Australia, but having travel insurance eliminates financial stress during a medical crisis.

Which travel insurance companies are best for coverage in Vietnam?

Several international travel insurance providers offer strong coverage for medical emergencies in Vietnam. Popular and well-regarded options include:

World Nomads – popular among travelers for its comprehensive medical coverage and ease of online claims
Allianz Global Assistance – widely accepted at international hospitals in Vietnam
AXA – offers plans specifically designed for extended stays and medical tourism
SafetyWing – affordable option for digital nomads and long-term travelers
Cigna Global – provides premium international health insurance with direct billing at many Vietnamese hospitals

When selecting a policy, ensure it covers medical evacuation (which can cost $50,000 to $150,000 without insurance), dental emergencies, and pre-existing conditions if applicable. Always carry your policy number and the insurer’s 24-hour assistance hotline number.

Are there 24-hour pharmacies in Vietnam?

Most pharmacies in Vietnam close by 9 or 10 PM. However, in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, some pharmacies near hospitals operate extended hours, and international hospitals have their own 24-hour in-house pharmacies. If you need medication outside of regular hours, your best option is to go directly to the pharmacy at an international hospital or ask your hotel to assist in locating an open pharmacy nearby.

What should I do in a dental emergency outside of clinic hours?

If you experience a dental emergency such as a knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, or a broken restoration outside of regular dental clinic hours, take the following steps:

For severe pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (available at most pharmacies without prescription)
For a knocked-out tooth, keep the tooth moist in milk or saliva and seek treatment within 30 minutes if possible
For uncontrolled bleeding, apply firm pressure with clean gauze
Contact Serenity International Dental Clinic – our team can provide after-hours guidance and arrange emergency appointments when needed
Visit an international hospital emergency department for pain management and antibiotics if a dental clinic is unavailable

What embassy services are available during medical emergencies?

Most foreign embassies in Hanoi and consulates in Ho Chi Minh City can provide the following assistance during medical emergencies:

Providing lists of English-speaking doctors and recommended hospitals
Contacting family members on your behalf
Helping arrange medical evacuation if local facilities cannot handle your condition
Assisting with emergency passport replacement if yours is lost during hospitalization
Providing notarial services for medical consent documents

Embassy assistance is not a substitute for travel insurance, as embassies do not cover medical costs. Contact information for your embassy should be saved in your phone before you travel.

Vietnam Fast Facts — Essential practical information for visitors
Dental Tourism Safety Checklist — How clinics handle emergencies during dental treatment
Infection Control Procedures — Safety protocols at Serenity IDC
Complete Dental Tourism Guide to Vietnam 2026 — Travel planning including insurance and safety
6 Dos and Don’ts When Having Dental Work Done in Vietnam — Practical preparation tips
Taking Blood Pressure Before Your Dental Visit — Pre-treatment health screening that helps prevent emergencies
Contact Us — Reach our team for emergency assistance during treatment
Vietnam Visa Guide
Vietnam Visa Changes 2026
10 Most Common Dental Tourism Mistakes to Avoid
10 Reasons Hanoi Is Southeast Asia’s Best Dental Tourism Destination in 2026