Why expats, tourists praise Vietnam’s healthcare: Affordability, speed, quality care

In a recent story shared with Tuoi Tre News, Mattaz, a 63-year-old British retiree living in Da Nang, recounted how a medical emergency gave him first-hand experience of Vietnam’s healthcare system.

Suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), his condition worsened to the point of kidney obstruction, forcing him into urgent care. 

Instead of returning to the UK, where he faced long waiting times and higher costs, Mattaz chose to undergo surgery at a private hospital in Da Nang. 

He received prompt treatment, underwent a successful procedure, and spent about VND60 million (US$2,278) for the entire process, including hospitalization and follow-up care.

Many commenters, including long-term expats and visitors, then praised the speed, affordability, and quality of care in Vietnam, while also comparing it to systems in their home countries.

Others highlighted individual hospital experiences, both public and private, with several noting significant differences in access, waiting times, and treatment approaches.

Positive hospital experiences recalled

“I speak from experience. The hospitals in Vietnam are top-notch: excellent professionals and infrastructure, whether public or private,” Alessandro Outeiro commented.

The view was echoed by Steven White, who wrote, “I've been to hospital twice in Vietnam. Excellent care, fast and accurate diagnosis.”

Dave D’haeze, a Belgian, expressed strong agreement, sharing his personal experience: he was diagnosed with aggressive stage 4 metastatic skin cancer in 2023 and received immunotherapy treatment at the Oncology Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.

D’haeze noted that the treatment has worked so far despite a 30-percent success rate, and praised the doctors and nurses as “fantastic.”

Meanwhile, Saanvi Ahuja said the system is very accommodating, noting that even when staff have difficulty speaking English, they still make sure patients are well cared for.

John Hemming commented that hospital treatment in Vietnam is excellent, including dental care, while Paul Ma King said, "Vietnamese health care system is rapidly advancing.”

Max Lang also shared his personal experience, writing, “I beat stage 4 lung cancer here seven years ago. Best decision I’d ever made, and two American friends are being treated there now.”

Patrick Flanagan also backed the view, noting he had a stent fitted quickly, and recalling how a 50-year-old English expat friend who broke his hip received a hip replacement within just two days.

“In Australia you would be waiting six months or more,” Flanagan wrote.

Affordability, speed that matter

Michael Lina also favored Vietnam, where medical tests can be done without referral or long waits.

“If I want a colonoscopy, I can literally do it the same day. If I feel like I need an MRI, it can be done the same day, etc.,” Lina commented.

“In the West, we don’t have same-day operations. Here it’s like, ‘we do it today!’” Robbie Parker wrote.

“100 percent better treatment in Vietnam at a super speedy pace. Need an MRI, come back the next day,” Mike Savage added.

Gail Truman said she fell very ill while visiting her son and received amazing, efficient, and kind treatment, adding that she was also glad it happened in Vietnam.

Matthew Carter agreed, saying his son was involved in a serious accident in Vietnam and he flew out to be with him, describing the medical service as “very very good” and much better than in the UK.

Some praise Vietnam’s medical system for how affordable it is.

“I went to a dentist in Nha Trang, it cost about VND4 million. My daughter is a dental nurse in the UK, and the same work costs around VND35 million there,” Herbie Needham noted. (£1 = VND35,552)

“Doctors in Vietnam are good and affordable,” Mohan Menon added, while Gavin Hopkins said, “You pay your way, but prices are reasonable and you are well cared for.”

Meanwhile, Same Same but Different / Ale Sajgon praised the system for both its speed and affordability.

“Medical tests are available on demand, with results ready immediately or within a couple of hours, with comments in English, and at a fraction of European prices.”

“This is [why] our government should be looking at the care model that they use,” Ian James suggested.

“There are millions more [of] people and the care and access is readily available. It may bring innovation to our NHS system.”

'A great place to stay safe with good people'

“The hospital system in Vietnam may seem confusing or chaotic to some, but from my experience it is very good here,” John Ainsley said.

“Healthcare is very good, people are very empathetic, everything is clear, doctors are highly skilled and most speak English. It’s based on trust, with no cheating, no useless radiography or things to make you pay more. You feel relaxed from day one,” Anis Chw commented.

Others expressed their appreciation for living in Vietnam.

“Vietnam is a highly inclusive country. The locals are very kind-hearted. The only obstacles are the hot climate and air pollution,” Dmitri Morgunov said.

“Vietnam is a great place to stay safe with good people,” Busima Denis wrote, while Thomas Stier expressed his hope that Vietnam will introduce a retirement visa, as other countries in Southeast Asia already have.