🏥 Healthcare in Saigon: What You Need to Know

Whether you're traveling or settling down in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), access to quality healthcare is a key concern. The good news? Saigon has a wide range of medical facilities—from internationally accredited hospitals to affordable local clinics. Here's what you need to know:

1. Public vs. Private Healthcare

• Public hospitals: Extremely affordable, though often crowded and primarily Vietnamese-speaking. Ideal for basic care if you’re cost-conscious or accompanied by someone fluent in Vietnamese.
  ➤ Example: A basic consultation at Thống Nhất Hospital (District 10 / Tân Bình) can cost as little as 100,000 VND (~$4 USD).
• Private hospitals & clinics: Designed for expats and international visitors. They offer English-speaking staff, modern equipment, and efficient service—but at significantly higher prices.

2. Top International Hospitals

• FV Hospital (District 7) – French-Vietnamese hospital with high standards, multi-lingual staff, and 24/7 emergency care.
• Vinmec Central Park International Hospital (Bình Thạnh) – Modern facilities, part of the Vingroup network.
• International SOS Clinic (District 3) – Ideal for general checkups, vaccinations, and insurance processing.
• Family Medical Practice (District 1) – Western-style care with English-speaking doctors.

3. Costs and Insurance

• Public hospital consultation: from 100,000 VND (~$4 USD).
• Private clinics: 700,000–2,000,000 VND (~$30–$80 USD) depending on specialization.
• Insurance: Strongly recommended for emergencies or private hospital visits. Some hospitals work directly with insurers, others require up-front payment.

4. Pharmacies

• Pharmacies are common and easy to find—look for signs that say "Nhà thuốc".
• Over-the-counter medications are widely available, but use reputable chains like Pharmacity, Long Châu, or Guardian.

5. Emergency Numbers

• Ambulance (Public): 📞 115
• Note: Response times can be slow. In an emergency, many locals and expats use a taxi or Grab to reach the nearest hospital faster.

✅ Quick Tips

• Save hospital names and addresses in both English and Vietnamese on your phone.
• Use a translation app or ChatGPT to help describe symptoms or medical history.
• Consider expat-specific or international insurance plans for peace of mind.