What is the best way for expats to buy travel insurance to Vietnam
Planning a trip to Vietnam? Travel, of course, involves more than just choosing your itinerary and packing your bags. One crucial aspect that travelers often overlook is purchasing travel insurance. Much like an umbrella for unexpected rain, travel insurance safeguards you against unforeseen challenges during your journey. However, navigating the complexities of travel insurance can be as intricate as deciphering a weather forecast.
Does Vietnam require travel insurance for expats and tourists?
For those embarking on international adventures whether expats or tourists, the concept of compulsory travel insurance might sound familiar. Many countries, including those in Asia, necessitate travelers to have insurance coverage before entering or transiting. This requirement is enforced by airline companies and immigration agencies as you board your flight. The regulations regarding these compulsory insurances are evolving continually, as evidenced by the ever-changing rules provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Cancellations, a common prelude to travel tribulations, can arise from various sources such as lockdowns, unforeseen personal circumstances, or flight delays. Unlike the torrential rain forecasted by weather experts, lockdowns and pandemic-related issues can cast a shadow on your travel plans. Thus, it’s vital to find insurance policies that offer coverage in the event of cancellations, ensuring you don’t bear the financial brunt of these disruptions.
Health concerns still an issue for travel insurance
Emerging health concerns, even without mentioning COVID-19, continue to be a focal point when discussing travel insurance. Accidents or illnesses can happen at any time and in any location. Vietnam, like other destinations, might have healthcare facilities that don’t meet international standards, particularly outside major cities. Therefore, securing insurance that covers potential medical expenses becomes paramount. However, be aware that coverage can vary widely. Some insurers might only provide access to local healthcare services, while others might offer evacuation to well-equipped international hospitals when necessary.
Travel disruptions can be insured
The rise of travel disruptions during the pandemic exposed limitations in traditional insurance policies. Many insurers ceased offering travel insurance altogether, or excluded COVID-19-related claims from coverage. This meant that travelers were left vulnerable to unexpected expenses stemming from trip cancellations, delays, lost luggage, and other disruptions.
Mandated travel insurance
Developing countries in Asia, including Vietnam, have increasingly mandated travel insurance for visitors. This measure is aimed at safeguarding both travelers and their healthcare systems. The potential costs associated with prolonged hospital stays or specialized treatments, particularly in countries without sufficient medical facilities, underscore the importance of insurance coverage. Some destinations have even established minimum coverage limits, often ranging from $20,000 upwards, to ensure that visitors have the means to cover their medical expenses.
Who are the best travel insurance carriers for Vietnam?
Which travel insurance product is right for you
Here are Travel Visitors for work Expatriation or Tourism:
- Vietnam Travel pass by Luma Health Thailand
- Thailand Travel pass by Luma Health Vietnam
- ASEAN Travel pass -for serious travelers in multiple ASEAN countries-
- Rest-of-the-World travel pass -for any duration, anywhere- by ACS Globe partners
- ACS Globe travelers is For Expatriates visiting their home country.
Over 6-month, most travel insurers consider you are not traveling but resident, this is the reason why travel cover is cheaper than resident medical insurance -in case of expensive treatment costs the travel insurer can terminate your policy and repatriate you to your home country as you are ‘unable to continue travel trip healthily’-. For this reason Expat resident workers you will need a Expat private medical insurance as you stay over 183-days.
P.S If you think you are covered, get a confirmation in writing that your travel insurer does cover you as a resident.
