Vietnam
Healthcare quality & costs · 2023
Fair — 55.1/100 Mixed systemHealthcare index trend
Asia comparison
| Country | Index | Life Exp | GP Visit | Doctors/1k | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 85.5 | 83.6 yrs | $96 | 2.60 | 100.0% |
| Hong Kong | 85.1 | 84.8 yrs | $77 | 2.00 | 100.0% |
| Japan | 82.8 | 84.0 yrs | $29 | 2.60 | 100.0% |
| South Korea | 81.1 | 83.3 yrs | $14 | 2.50 | 100.0% |
| Taiwan | 78.8 | 80.9 yrs | $14 | 3.40 | 99.0% |
| Thailand | 66.8 | 76.9 yrs | $29 | 0.95 | 99.0% |
| Malaysia | 62.1 | 76.2 yrs | $34 | 1.50 | 70.0% |
| China | 60.8 | 77.9 yrs | $24 | 3.10 | 96.0% |
| Vietnam | 55.1 | 75.1 yrs | $14 | 0.94 | 88.0% |
| Indonesia | 47.5 | 71.4 yrs | $19 | 0.47 | 56.0% |
| Philippines | 45.8 | 72.2 yrs | $17 | 0.64 | 40.0% |
| India | 43.8 | 70.5 yrs | $12 | 0.70 | 27.0% |
Healthcare in Vietnam — FAQs
How good is healthcare in Vietnam in 2023?
Vietnam scores 55.1 out of 100 on the LifeIndexed Healthcare Quality Index in 2023, rated as "Fair". Life expectancy is 75.1 years. The country runs a Mixed (combination of public insurance and private providers) and spends 4.70% of GDP on health services.
How much does a doctor visit cost in Vietnam?
A typical GP / doctor visit in Vietnam costs approximately $14 USD. Hospital accommodation costs around $77 USD per day. These are out-of-pocket costs; insured patients may pay significantly less.
Is healthcare free in Vietnam?
88.0% of the Vietnam population is covered by public healthcare. The remainder typically relies on private insurance or out-of-pocket payments. The government spends 4.70% of GDP on healthcare.
How much is private health insurance in Vietnam?
Average private health insurance in Vietnam costs approximately $27 USD per month. This provides access to private hospitals, shorter wait times and specialist care beyond what the public system offers.
What type of healthcare system does Vietnam have?
Vietnam has a mixed healthcare system combining public insurance with private providers. Public coverage extends to 88.0% of the population, with private options available for supplementary or faster care.
How many doctors are there per 1,000 people in Vietnam?
Vietnam has 0.94 doctors per 1,000 people. This is below the global average of approximately 1.8 per 1,000. The country also has 2.60 hospital beds per 1,000 people.
What is the life expectancy in Vietnam?
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 75.1 years in 2023, compared to the Asia average of 78.1 years. Life expectancy is a key indicator of population health, nutrition, and the effectiveness of the healthcare system.
What is the infant mortality rate in Vietnam?
The infant mortality rate in Vietnam is 16.4 deaths per 1,000 live births. This rate reflects significant challenges in maternal healthcare, nutrition and access to medical services.
How does Vietnam compare to other Asia countries?
Vietnam ranks 9 out of 12 Asia countries on the healthcare quality index. Its score of 55.1/100 is -11.2pp below the Asia average of 66.3/100. Life expectancy is -3 years versus the regional average.
Can expats and foreigners access healthcare in Vietnam?
Foreign nationals and expats in Vietnam typically rely on private health insurance, as public healthcare access may be limited or require employment-linked contributions. International health insurance is strongly recommended before relocating.
Is Vietnam a good destination for medical tourism?
Vietnam is not typically considered a primary medical tourism destination. Patients seeking cost savings usually prefer regional alternatives. However, emergency and specialist care is available in major cities.
How much does a hospital stay cost in Vietnam?
A hospital stay in Vietnam costs approximately $77 USD per day for private or uninsured patients. Insured patients typically pay a co-payment or deductible on top of the base rate. Hospital costs can vary significantly between public and private facilities.
Is Vietnam's healthcare improving?
Vietnam's healthcare quality index has improved by 2 points from 2022 to 2026, rising from 53.8/100 to 55.8/100. Life expectancy also rose from 74.7 to 75.4 years over the same period.
What is the quality of hospitals in Vietnam?
Hospital quality in Vietnam varies significantly. Urban private hospitals generally meet international standards, while rural public facilities may face resource constraints. The country has 2.60 beds per 1,000 people and 0.94 doctors per 1,000.