What travel insurance should I get for Vietnam?
From messages by 2 participants in 3 sources · Last activity: 10 days ago
From messages by 2 participants in 3 sources · Last activity: 10 days ago
TL;DR
For short trips (up to 45 days), a standard travel insurance policy works fine. For long-term stays, consider international plans like Genki, Allianz, Cigna, or AXA.
For local options in Vietnam, consider PVI, PTI, Bảo Minh, and Bảo Việt; they are reported to serve foreign customers.
For shorter trips, bank-provided insurance is mentioned: Sber coverage may run up to 90 days per trip, while T-Bank coverage may run up to 45 days. Check the current terms and exclusions before buying.
For long-term stays without returning to Russia, there are two approaches: 1) buy Russian travel insurance that allows re-issuing the policy while already abroad (Alfa Insurance, Ingosstrakh mentioned); 2) get a subscription-based international insurance like Genki or SafetyWing — paying the subscription requires a foreign bank card.
If you're already abroad and want to buy insurance, check whether the policy allows purchase from outside your home country — this is a commonly overlooked restriction.
For a 10-day trip, a basic travel insurance policy from a travel agency is sufficient. Core coverage is similar across providers; add-ons can be tailored to your needs. Choosing a policy with a deductible can lower the premium.
Pregnant travelers should note that standard policies often don't cover pregnancy-related incidents beyond a certain week. A specific add-on is required — confirm this when purchasing.
For long-term stays in Vietnam (several months or more), international health insurance plans are worth considering: Genki, Allianz, Cigna, AXA. They offer broader coverage than standard tourist policies.
When choosing a policy, check four key things: motorbike coverage, hospitalization, chronic conditions, and whether you can purchase the policy while already abroad.
An expensive policy doesn't guarantee good service. What matters more than the brand is the specific policy terms and the quality of the assistance company — they're the ones who coordinate help on the ground.