Best Travel Insurance for Vietnam 2024
Vietnam is known for its beautiful and stunning nature such as its limestone mountains, pristine beaches, green terraced rice fields and mesmerising cityscape. It is no wonder that many of us have a desire to explore what this former French colony has to offer. Before you pack your passport and luggages to leave for Vietnam, remember to compare travel insurance coverage and get covered for your trip in case of any unexpected events like flight disruptions, or natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.
Travel Requirements To Enter Vietnam
Following the announcement by Vietnamâs Prime Minister in 2022 on the ceasing of all COVID-19 vaccinations and tests entry requirements for visitors travelling to Vietnam, Singaporeans can now enter Vietnam visa-free for durations of stay that are up to 30 days, strictly for tourism purposes.
Travel insurance
Unlike most countries which do not make purchase of travel insurance mandatory, the Vietnam government and tourism authorities have implemented that travel and health insurance is a must-have in order to enter Vietnam. Note that the medical or travel insurance that youâre covered with may need to include COVID-19 medical coverage with a minimum liability equivalent to USD10,000, so do remember to refer to the website of the Vietnam Embassy in Singapore for the latest updates on travel insurance requirements for tourists.
VISA application
To date, there are 13 countries on a visa waiver agreement with Vietnam. So if youâre not from one of these countries, you may have to apply for a visa via the e-visa page on Vietnamâs National Web Portal on Immigration to travel to Vietnam as a tourist. Whether youâre visiting Vietnam for leisure or business, youâll need to apply for an e-visa if youâre not from any of the 13 visa-exempt countries.
- An e-visa is valid for single entry and for a maximum stay of 30 days. Currently, the e-visa fee is USD25.
- It takes about 3 working days to process your e-visa after the Vietnam Immigration Department receives your completed application and the payment of your e-visa fee
- Note that your visa expiry date must be at least 30 days before your passport expiry date
- As Vietnamâs visa requirements often change at short notice, it is better to check the Embassy of Vietnamâs website for up-to-date information before you book your flight tickets
We asked Singaporeans about flight disruptions, and they answered.
Find out the worst airlines with delays and cancellations according to Singaporean travellers.
How helpful can travel insurance be during natural disasters or unexpected trip disruptions?
Cover for any damaged/stolen/missing luggage
Certain insurers, including Etiqa and DirectAsia, provide plans that compensate you for lost or damaged luggage and belongings, regardless of whether the disruption stems from adverse weather conditions or theft or loss during transit. This coverage safeguards you against unforeseen circumstances affecting your belongings as you make your way to Vietnam. Keep in mind that there are limits on the reimbursement amounts per item, so it's essential to review the specifics of each plan carefully.
Cover for delays and cancellations
These coverage options provide financial assistance if your journey to or within Vietnam is shortened (curtailed) or cancelled due to delays caused by natural disasters. Typically, they cover the non-refundable portions of your flight and accommodation expenses, deducting any administrative fees, provided the cancellation occurs within 30 days of your intended departure.
Cover for overseas medical bills
Some travel insurance plans, such as those offered by Etiqa and DirectAsia, may include coverage for medical expenses resulting from injuries sustained directly or indirectly due to a natural disaster. Reimbursements are usually directed to the medical facility where you received treatment (either overseas in Vietnam or in Singapore) or to your nominated beneficiaries. There's usually a stipulated time frame for commencing treatment after returning to Singapore, and the coverage amount varies based on the chosen plan. It's crucial to thoroughly discuss these particulars with your insurer to ensure adequate coverage.
Best Travel Insurance Benefits Coverage
There are plans that are known for their irresistibly low premiums, while there are some which are popular for their competitive overseas medical coverage or even for their extensive pre-existing conditions coverage. Letâs take a look at the available choices for specific types of coverage, to help simplify your comparison of suitable travel insurance plans.
*Estimated premium rates below are based on a 4D3N single-trip plan to Vietnam.
| Best for | Travel Insurance Plan | Estimated premium rate |
|---|---|---|
| Overall good value | Bubblegum travel Insurance plans | From $34 |
| Budget travel | FWD Premium plan | From $23 |
| Flight diversion/cancellation/postponement | Singlife Travel Plus and Prestige plans | From $51 |
| Overseas medical coverage | Allianz travel insurance plans | From $69 |
| Pre-existing conditions | MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex plans | From $44.50 |
| Family | DirectAsia travel insurance plans | From $27 |
| Elderly | Tiq Pre-Ex travel insurance plans by Etiqa | From $64 |
| Travelling while pregnant | MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex plans | From $44.50 |
| Extreme sports | Starr TraveLead Comprehensive plans | From $30 |
| COVID-19 coverage | AIG Travel Guard plans | From $30 |
What Is The Average Cost Of A Travel Insurance For Your Vietnam Trip?
There are a whole lot of travel insurance plans out there which provide varying coverage benefits, and it can be rather challenging to attempt a comprehensive comparison of so many choices by yourself. Fret not, weâre here to make things easier.
Weâll begin with picking a plan that suits you best by comparing the best travel insurance on MoneySmart, and weâll use an example to illustrate (with our round-up of the 5 best travel insurance plans with COVID-19 coverage for Vietnam). Letâs assume that youâre going for a 4D3N Vietnam holiday with your friends, and youâre getting a single trip insurance plan for yourself.
Compare travel insurance plans (Based on a 4D3N single trip to Vietnam)
| Travel Insurance Provider | Overseas medical expenses | Post-trip medical expenses | Loss/damage of personal baggage | Trip cancellation due to COVID-19 | Total premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bubblegum | Up to $100,000 | Up to $10,000 | Up to $3,000 | Up to $5,000 | $34 |
| Singlife | Up to $250,000 | Up to $10,000 | Up to $3,000 | Up to $5,000 | $36 |
| Allianz | Up to $200,000 | Up to $10,000 | Up to $3,000 | Up to $5,000 | $69 |
| Starr | Up to $200,000 | Up to $15,000 | Up to $3,000 | Up to $5,000 | $30 |
| AIG | Up to $100,000 | N.A. | Up to $3,000 | Up to $3,000 | $30 |
| FWD | Up to $200,000 | Up to $6,000 | Up to $3,000 | Up to $7,500 | $23 |
| *Estimated premium rates are based on a 4D3N single-trip plan to Vietnam, data last updated on 19 October 2023. |
As we compare the key features and price points of the plans by the 5 travel insurers, the differences and similarities in terms of the respective benefits are quite obvious. The average cost of a travel insurance plan with COVID-19 coverage for a 4D3N Vietnam trip is about $44.40, assuming that we take the most basic plan offered by each travel insurance provider.
Estimated average cost of a travel insurance plan:
$34 + $36 + $69 + $30 + $30 + $23 = $222
$222 Ă· 5 = $44.40
Options that are easier on your wallet would be FWD, AIG and Starr as they offer lower premiums. Despite offering lower premiums than AIG, the medical expenses coverage by FWD is quite comprehensive with a reasonable maximum limit of $200,000. FWD also provides higher coverage of up to $7,500 for trip cancellation in the situation youâre diagnosed with an unexpected severe illness or injury.
If youâre searching for something that has extensive coverage for medical expenses in the event that you need post-trip medical coverage, Starrâs most basic plan will provide you with up to $15,000 for post-trip medical expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vietnam Travel Insurance
Where can I compare and buy my travel insurance?
- You may get your travel insurance either through your preferred travel insurance mobile app, website or insurance agent. As for the comparison process, you can choose to do it yourself via a comparison platform like MoneySmart or through the recommendations of your insurance agent.
Do I need to apply for a visa to enter Vietnam?
- Yes and no. It depends on the type of passport youâre holding and your nationality. At the moment, there are 13 countries on a visa waiver agreement with Vietnam. If youâre not from any of these countries, youâll have to apply for a visa via the e-visa page on Vietnamâs National Web Portal on Immigration to travel to Vietnam as a tourist.
Is Vietnam safe to visit?
- Yes and no. Travelling to and within every travel destination will involve some risks. Vietnam is located in Southeast Asia with an extensive coastline, thus it is naturally prone to floods, landslides, cyclones, and typhoons. Despite these natural disasters, Vietnam remains a popular tourist destination.