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Best Travel Insurance For Vietnam 2024

Ferlin Mok

Ferlin Mok

Last updated 12 March, 2024

Getting ready for a trip to Vietnam? The key to a worry-free adventure lies in choosing the right travel insurance.

With so many options available, finding the perfect fit for your specific needs can be overwhelming. We help you save precious time by sifting through all the travel insurance and picking the ones that cater to various traveler requirements.

From medical coverage to trip cancellations and more, we ensure you get the best protection for your adventure in Vietnam with our easy-to-understand advice.

Table of contents:


Do You Need Travel Insurance to Enter Vietnam?

Previously, due to the Covid-19 situation, Vietnam required all travellers to have valid travel insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment with a minimum coverage of USD 10,000. However, this requirement was lifted in 2022. 

Now, you don’t need travel insurance to enter Vietnam. 

While travel insurance is no longer mandatory, having one is always in your best interest. Travel insurance has a wide range of benefits at an affordable cost. It means you’ll be covered in unexpected (expensive) events at a low cost. You’ll be at ease during your trip knowing your insurance protects you.


How Much Does Travel Insurance for Vietnam Cost?

Travel insurance prices vary based on these factors:

  • Trip duration – Longer trips mean higher premiums.
  • Types of activities – Adventurous water sports such as white water rafting and cave/river tubing can be covered by some travel insurance at an additional cost.
  • Medical coverage for pre-existing medical conditions – Travel insurance that covers medical expenses caused by pre-existing medical conditions costs more.

On average, for a 4-day-3-night trip to Vietnam, expect to budget about S$14 to S$35 towards travel insurance premiums.  

You should get quotes from several insurance companies before choosing a travel insurance plan. It will help you find the best price and coverage. Make sure the plan covers the activities you will do on your trip. 

Compare travel insurance easily with SingSaver and enjoy additional discounts and attractive rewards. 


Best Travel Insurance for Vietnam 

Vietnam is known for its historic sites, mouth-watering cuisine, scenic beaches, and outdoor activities appealing to all types of travelers. 

Here are the best travel insurance plans for your trip to Vietnam based on different travellers' needs. We include a deep-dive analysis of why we believe these recommended plans are the best. Click on the recommended travel insurance to find out more.


Review of Tiq Travel Insurance

Tiq travel insurance is a flexible plan that allows you to add only the coverage you need for your vacation needs. It ensures you are not paying more for coverage you don’t need. 

Comprehensive Scope of Coverage

It has essential key travel insurance benefits that all travellers need. They include, 

  • Overseas medical expenses cover
  • Emergency medical evacuation
  • Loss of baggage and baggage delay
  • Travel delay and trip cancellation due to specified reasons
  • Bankruptcy of travel agent
  • Personal liability overseas, and more. 

Tiq Travel Insurance protects the traveller against accidental injury when participating in various popular recreational outdoor activities such as hot air ballooning, hiking or trekking (within 3,000 metres from sea level), and scuba diving (up to a depth of 30 metres). These activities have to be conducted within safety parameters. Please refer to the policy contract for full terms and conditions. 

Travel Insurance That Covers Medical Expenses Due to Pre-existing Medical Conditions

Most travel insurance doesn't pay for medical costs during your trip if it is caused by a medical condition you already had before. Such health conditions are commonly termed ‘pre-existing medical conditions’. 

However, Tiq Travel Insurance covers medical expenses overseas due to pre-existing medical conditions. It is available as an optional add-on during application. Although your premiums will increase slightly by selecting this option, it is valuable coverage. If your health problem flares up while you're in Vietnam, the insurance will pay for your medical bills there. 

Pros and Cons of Tiq Travel Insurance 

Pros

Cons

  • Low premiums 
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Covers Covid-19 (Optional Add-On)
  • Covers motorcycling 
  • Covers hiking (within 3,000 metres above sea level)
  • Covers scuba diving (up to 30 metres depth)
  • Covers Hot Air Ballooning 
  • Covers Rental Car excess  (Optional Add-On)
  • It has a plan type that covers pre-existing medical conditions.
    • For elderly travellers above 70 years, the ‘Overseas Medical Expenses’ coverage reduces significantly. Singlife Travel Insurance is a better plan for elderly travellers who want high medical coverage during the trip. 
    • Sports Equipment Protector Add-On only covers theft/damage of your sports equipment. Singlife Travel Insurance is a better plan for golfers who need more comprehensive coverage.

SingSaver's Exclusive TIQ Travel Insurance Promotion: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 40% off plus 60% off on COVID-19 add-on. Valid till 31 April 2024. T&Cs apply. Also receive:

  • Complimentary lounge access with SingSaver via SmartDelay. Valid till 1 July 8:59 am 2024.

Key in the promo code under the coupon code section on the next page after selecting your destination and dates. The prices shown are before discounts.

Receive coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, and more when you purchase the COVID-19 Rider. T&Cs apply.


Review of FWD Travel Insurance

FWD travel insurance is one of the most popular plans today. Travellers like its low premiums, comprehensive scope of coverage that is easy to understand, and user-friendly online application system.  

Comprehensive Scope of Coverage

Similar to Tiq Travel Insurance, it has important key travel insurance benefits that all travellers need. They include, 

  • Overseas medical expenses cover
  • Emergency medical evacuation
  • Loss of baggage and baggage delay
  • Travel delay and trip cancellation due to specified reasons
  • Bankruptcy of travel agent
  • Personal liability overseas, and more. 

Its most basic plan - FWD Travel Insurance (Premium) - has one of the highest claim limits at S$7,500 if you need to cancel your trip for specified reasons, such as being medically unfit to travel.  

This plan will cover you for accidental injury during all sports and recreational activities (i.e., skiing, hiking, scuba-diving, hot air ballooning, sky-diving, etc.) as long as it's licensed commercial operator managed, and you're not participating in a professional capacity (i.e., you aren't being paid). Please refer to the policy contract for full terms and conditions. 

Optional Add-On: Trip Cancellation for Any Reason 

You can add an extra benefit called 'Trip Cancellation for any reason' when applying for FWD Travel Insurance. It gives you greater flexibility in case you have to cancel your trip.

Most travel insurance plans include trip cancellation coverage, but it's limited. They'll only pay for your expenses if your reason for canceling fits specific events listed in the policy.

But with the 'Trip Cancellation for any reason' benefit, you can get 50% of your prepaid travel expenses back if you cancel your trip for any reason.

For example, if your dog gets sick, you must cancel your trip to take care of it. While regular travel insurance might not cover this cancellation, this extra benefit could refund 50% of your costs up to the claim limit set by the plan.

Pros and Cons of FWD Travel Insurance 

Pros

Cons

  • Low premiums 
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Covers Covid-19 (Optional Add-On)
  • Covers motorcycling 
  • Covers hiking (within 3,000 metres above sea level)
  • Covers scuba diving (any depth)
  • Covers Hot Air Ballooning 
  • Covers Rental Car excess (Optional Add-On)
  • Has Trip Cancellation due to any reason (Optional Add-On)
  • For elderly travellers above 70 years, the ‘Overseas Medical Expenses’ coverage reduces significantly. Singlife Travel Insurance is a better plan for elderly travellers who want high medical coverage during the trip.  
  • Sports Equipment Protector Add-On only covers theft/damage of your sports equipment. Singlife Travel Insurance is a better plan for golfers who need more comprehensive coverage. 
  • It does not cover medical expenses due to pre-existing medical conditions.

SingSaver's Exclusive FWD Promotion: Use the promo code TRAVEL25 to get a 25% discount on Single Trip and Annual Trip plans! Valid till 28 April 2024. T&Cs apply. Also receive:

  • Complimentary lounge access during flight delays. Valid till 1 July 2024 8:59 am. 

Review of Singlife Travel Insurance

Singlife Travel Insurance might not be the cheapest compared to Tiq’s and FWD’s plans, but it stands out for its unique benefits for a specific group of travelers. 

It’s great for older travellers who need a lot of coverage for medical costs overseas.

Plus, if you’re heading to Vietnam for a particular purpose, like a wedding photoshoot, adventurous water sports, or golfing, Singlife Travel Insurance could be perfect. There are extra coverage options that you can take up. These special coverages ensure you get the right protection for what you plan to do in Vietnam. 

Comprehensive Scope of Coverage

It has important key travel insurance benefits that all travellers need. They include, 

  • Overseas medical expenses cover
  • Emergency medical evacuation
  • Loss of baggage and baggage delay
  • Travel delay and trip cancellation due to specified reasons
  • Bankruptcy of the travel agent
  • Personal liability overseas, and more. 

Best Travel Insurance for Elderly Travellers

Many travel insurance companies reduce medical expense coverage for travelers over 70 years old. It can leave older travelers with insufficient coverage for medical costs during their trip.

However, Singlife Travel Insurance doesn't do this. They give older travelers the same medical expense coverage as younger people. But it's crucial to know Singlife doesn't cover pre-existing medical conditions. If you have these conditions and want coverage for medical costs caused by them in Vietnam,  Tiq Travel Insurance (with a pre-existing coverage add-on option taken up) is a better choice for you.

Claim Limit of Medical expenses incurred overseas for adults 70 years old or older
Singlife Travel Insurance (Lite)
Tiq Travel Insurance 
(Entry)
FWD Travel Insurance
$250,000
$30,000
$40,000

Best Travel Insurance for Special-Purpose Trips Such as Overseas Wedding Photoshoot, Adventurous Water Sports and Golf Holiday

Singlife Travel Insurance has special add-ons to provide specific coverage to travellers with unique travel needs. These coverages are usually not available in other travel insurance. 

Golf Holiday

Covers you for accidental loss or damage of golfing equipment, hire of golfing equipment, damage of buggy, unused green fees, and hole-in-one.

Adventurous Water Sports

It protects you against accidental injury and illness when you do adventurous water sports like wakeboarding, deep-sea diving (up to 40 metres), and more. Adventurous water sports are usually not covered by other travel insurance. 

Overseas Wedding & Photoshoot

Insures you for financial failure of the wedding service provider, accidental loss and damage to your wedding accessories and ceremonial attire, personal liability towards invited wedding guests, and more.

Pros and Cons of Singlife Travel Insurance 

Pros
Cons
  • For elderly travellers above 70 years, the ‘Overseas Medical Expenses’ coverage is high. 
  • Low premiums without add-ons.
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Covers Covid-19
  • Covers motorcycling 
  • Covers hiking (within 3,000 metres above sea level)
  • Covers scuba diving up to a depth of 40 metres (Optional Add-On) 
  • Cover Hot Air Ballooning 
  • Covers Rental Car excess
  • Trip Cancellation due to any reason (available for higher tier plan types)
  • Special Add-Ons are available for special-purpose travels such as overseas wedding photoshoots, adventurous water sports, and golf holidays.
  • It does not cover medical expenses due to pre-existing medical conditions.
  • It only covers scuba diving if you take up the Add-On benefit. 
  • When you include the add-ons, the premium will be higher than Tiq’s and FWD’s travel insurance. 

Singlife Travel Insurance Promotion:

Single Trip: Enjoy a 25% discount when you use the promo code TRAVEL25 for Single Trip. Valid till 30 April 2024. T&Cs apply.

Annual Trip: Use promo code ANNUAL25 to get 25% off Annual Trip plans when you buy now. Valid till 30April 2024. T&Cs apply.

Also receive:

  • Complimentary lounge access during flight delays. Valid till 1 July 2024 8:59 am. 

Conclusion

Travel insurance is crucial for safeguarding your health and trip investments in Vietnam. If tragedy strikes, it's a minimal expense relative to huge hospital bills or forfeited prepaid travel costs. Plus, knowing you are well-insured, you’ll have extra peace of mind to relax and immerse yourself fully in Vietnam's captivating landscapes and culture. 

Select from the recommended plans according to your travel needs. You can also compare travel insurance easily with SingSaver and enjoy additional discounts and attractive rewards today. 

FAQ


When is the best time of the year to visit Vietnam? 

The best time to visit Vietnam is generally between December and April. This dry season brings less rain, comfortable temperatures, and sunny days, perfect for beachgoing and outdoor activities. Peak tourism occurs from December to February, so expect some crowds and higher prices. 

Monsoon season in Vietnam is between May and November. Heavy rain and strong winds during those months can disrupt travel plans.


Is it safe to visit Vietnam?

Absolutely. Vietnam is generally safe for tourists. Violent crime rates are low, even in the major cities. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can happen, so take precautions with your belongings. Some areas still have unexploded landmines, so stick to marked paths when hiking in rural regions. Road safety standards lag behind other developed nations, so travel cautiously. But you're unlikely to face serious threats, especially if you exercise good judgement. Vietnam is famed for its warm hospitality.


Do Singaporeans need a visa to enter Vietnam? 

Singaporeans visiting Vietnam can stay in the country visa-free for as long as 30 days. However, you must apply for a visa if you intend to stay longer than that or plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. As visa requirements constantly change, please contact the Embassy of Vietnam in Singapore for up-to-date information.

If you want to travel from Vietnam to another country needing a visa, it’s best to get any visa before leaving Singapore. Trying to get a visa at the border of these countries can be hard. Getting visas before you go avoids unexpected problems and less worry while seeing new places.


What does travel insurance to Vietnam cover? 

Travel insurance for Vietnam typically includes emergency medical treatment overseas, trip delays/cancellations, lost/damaged baggage, and accidental death and dismemberment. Specific coverage can vary by policy, so travelers should understand their needs. For example, some plans offer COVID-19 or water sports coverage while others don't. Review your options carefully and select a policy that protects your particular situation.


Is health insurance (private integrated shield plans) the same as travel insurance? 

No, health insurance and travel insurance are not the same. While health insurance  covers medical costs, travel insurance is more extensive - it covers financial losses if  your trip is disrupted or your luggage is lost. So, even with a private integrated shield  plan, you should still purchase travel insurance when traveling abroad. Travel insurance mitigates financial risks if your overseas trip doesn't go as planned, providing coverage beyond medical costs. 

A financial adviser by day and wordsmith by night. She advocates building wealth on a sturdy insurance foundation. Simplifying personal finance is her expertise. When she's not buried in numbers and policy contracts, catch her immersed in a good book, mastering languages, or cheering on her beloved LoL team.

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