Hi
I had a test about 2 months ago at the French Hospital and yes they took blood, chest x ray, bit of tapping knees, check teeth, height, weight,blood pressure. Quite smooth process and the waiting room has wifi.

Yup. Normally work visa health check involves those above which ofcourse includes a full blood test.

Hanokiwi, you were able to do it at the French Hospital? I was told only certain Vietnamese hospitals applied, and I had to go to Bach Mai. Not a fun process, really filthy place, but I know that's due to lack of money.

Hi my company were paying and directed me to go there so off I went!

I had mine done at the SOS clinic and had the usual - blood tests, height, weight, blood pressure - also had to have a pap smear, which took me by surprise (groan!). But I don't know if that is standard, or whether is was just that my organisation required a more comprehensive health check.

Thank you for all the info - think my company is arranging it all for me and someone is coming with me to translate so I guess I am not heading to the posh clinics!
Eeek i hate having my blood taken.
Thanks for the info.

Hmm... isn't this type of check actually for the work permit, not the visa? My company applied for my business visa with nothing more than a copy of my labor contract, passport and my signature, but I did need the health check for my work permit.

I got the work permit health check at International SOS. It was fine, just the normal stuff: blood tests and chest x-ray, but no pap smear. One thing that confuses me - my employer said that the government only accepts exams from either International SOS or the French Hospital for work permit purposes. I'm surprised you can do it a Vietnamese hospital.

well for having worked for a medical clinic here, you definitely don't need to have a pap smear done.
I'm not surprised coming from SOS, they are known to add unnecessary tests to build up the bill. They know it's probably your company or insurance that will pay. And they tend to put aside the physical or mental discomfort of patients to do extra test for the benefits of their income.

You can have it done at either Bac Mai or Viet Duc hospital. The speed of the process can depend on how much you pay ;) but if you prefer a western style medical care provider you should go to the French Hospital.

For now, Hanoi Family Medical Practice is not on the government list for that medical check-up: politics... politics!

just reading the others post, and it proves that something is wrong there, why one person had to do a pap smear and the other one. Does not make sense.

The best advice people: don't hesitate to have your documents translated by a Vietnamese colleague or staff. They'll simply translate you the tests that needs to be done.

Well just got back from the check today - a very long long day at Bach Mai hospital. No pap smear or anything terrifying (other than the toilets) but just a long day. Luckily I was with a group of colleagues and a lovely patient Vietnamese colleague who did her best to help rush us through. I believe our company was asked to pay around 900,000VND each for the pleasure - 400,000 more than they had expected.
If you are paying yourself, I would highly recommmend checking out the French hospital where my friend had his done for $70 and much faster.... altho I dont know any more details.
I'm glad its over!