My system so far has been not to get sick. As a backup plan, I got online coverage. You have to be from the right countries though, an Aussie, a Kiwi or a Pom.

http://www.1cover.com/

I haven't had to claim, and it wasn't too expensive for a years coverage (I have a shocking memory though, and couldn't tell you how much it would be sorry), and it is extendable if you stay for longer or travel somewhere after here.

A family friend had to claim for something while they were on holidays with this, and they coughed up no worries, and didn't throw too much paperwork at them.

I think I read on the Aust. Embassy website or dfat's (aust. dept of foreign affairs and trade) web site www.smartraveller.com that you can get med. insurance through Bao Viet (the vietnamese insurance co). Like Snellopy we got cover in Aus.so I have not checked it out.

Bao Viet is great. They have 4 different coverage packages.

The second one includes much of SEA, so if you're travelling to Laos, Thailand or Cambodia you're covered. It also includes Medevac. It's weak on the general checkup part though. They have a supplementary section for a visit to the doctor (as opposed to a stay in a hospital) Total (depending on age) is from $600 to $800 per year. They're on Hai Ba Trung St. It was easy to get information. Their brochure is in English.

Take a look at MEDEX travel medicine packages
offered through the company online service.

As a frequent traveler, I use MEDEX as my carrier very often. The coverage periods offered range from per diem to the TravMed Choice Plan with a maximum of 365 days. All plans have a Medevac provision as part of the insurance contract.

Though I've been pleased with how comprehensive MEDEX plans are and generally happy with the company's rates, I've never had a claim,( luckily ).

I feel that a carrier's claims paying reliability is equally, if not more important than breadth of coverage. For that reason, I find it prudent to compare several company insurance packages rather than stay with the same group.

AIA (American Int'l Assurance a member of AIG) is great, too.

I'm quite happy with the customer service. There are 3 packages for a one-year period and price is around $100 (may be more or less, depending on your choice). The terms of a contract are applied worldwide, so you do not have to worry about the aspect of location.

For further info, you can check out the website: www.aia.com.vn or drop in their office at 649 Kim Ma, Hanoi (my mom is the Senior Unit Manager there and my school -RMIT- is quite near the office, so if I may be any of help, just give me a ring (my no. is 0982227387). It's my pleasure to help you :)

Hi All, I've read your posts about health coverage for Aussie/American/European nationals but it doesn;t include coverage for Expat Canadians as far as I can see. So I just wanted to make an inquiry about Health Insurance providers to foreigners(specifically Canadians) living in Hanoi- Which one is the best deal for both money and coverage? I have from $600-$1000 to spend. I want both in-patient and out-patient included. I've read up on Bao Viet but they seem to have a lot of strange exclusions/exceptions- like doesn't include first visits for new illnesses/issues or doesn't cover urinary tract infections, etc. etc. Just weird sounding stuff. I've also heard of BUPA, but can't find the address to the Hanoi BUPA office anywhere online, only UK related info. Any advice from those of you in the know, or suggestions of good providers here or online? Thanks.

If you ride a motorbike, make sure your insurance policy covers this and doesn't class it as a "high risk activity" - thus limiting or cancelling liability. Also be aware that Bao Viet are now checking whether you have a valid Vietnamese motorbike licence. No licence, no payout, no medevac.

Hi,
I sell expat health insurance here in Hanoi for three companies, William Russell, AIG and GoodHealth. Depending on what you need, you can pay monthly or annually for coverage ranging from just hospital cover and evac, to top of the line good for everything go-see-the-doctor-whenever-you-want cover. The plans for someone under 30 range from say, $800 a year to maybe $2500 a year depending what you want, where you travel (i.e. if you want cover for the US or Canada it's much more expensive). I will do a quote for all the plans that fit your needs and you can decide what you want! The advantage of being a broker is that I am not linked to any one company, so can tell you the pros and cons without a conflict of interest... Call or message...0166 870 8962