Most expats won’t necessarily have in-depth knowledge about the healthcare system in Vietnam, most will have “Family Medical Practice” as the only frame of reference. However, there are a number of other great options available in HCMC. If you’re looking for information in international hospitals and clinics in Saigon, look no further. This short guide will be your cheat sheet for getting quick info and honest feedback on hospitals and clinics in HCMC (or at least everything that’s immediately relevant to general healthcare).
We’ll cover both international hospitals and local clinics, so you can find the most suitable healthcare solution for your needs regardless of your budget (or insurance status). Before we begin however, have a quick read through on important sidenotes I’ve written about Things to Consider When Getting Medical Treatment in Vietnam, over at Tenzing Pacific.
Now, let’s jump in:
International Hospitals and Clinics in Saigon
Family Medical Practice
Truth be told, this is also at the top of my head whenever someone asks for information on general medical treatment in Vietnam. It’s one of the first international clinics to be set up in Vietnam, and has been providing quality healthcare services to locals and foreigners alike for something like 15 years now. Family Medical Practice has a team of both Vietnamese and foreign doctors, who are all highly qualified and experienced. They have multiple locations in the country (Saigon alone has 3 different branches: D1, D2, and the darkside, D7). Can be a bit pricey, but you definitely get what you pay for in terms of peace of mind, and customer service. It’s clean, professional, and the staff are all very helpful and accommodating. Can’t really ask for anything else. Very good option if you have insurance.
Columbia Asia
Another international healthcare provider with a number of locations around Vietnam. They’re a bit more affordable than FMP, but still provide quality services. I’ve personally used the services at Columbia, specifically for the medical checks required on the WP/TRC, and I have to say they are a well oiled machine. I was in and out of there within 20 minutes. Was barely enough time to finish the free cup of coffee they have from their dispensers. Staff were all very helpful and friendly. Parking might be a bit of an issue though, but thankfully, the Saigon D1 branch is quite central.
Raffles
Raffles is a very popular international hospital in Asia, and they have a branch in Saigon as well. They are known in the region for their excellent equipment, modern facilities, and a wide range of different medical specialties. They’re not just a family clinic. As with most facilities that cater to the international crowd however, Raffles is quite pricey. They seem to have built their business (and reputation) on good services that only good insurance can afford. Not necessarily the best place if you’re paying out of pocket, but if you have insurance, you can’t go wrong here.
CMI
The Centre Medical International. If it’s weird to read it that way, it’s because it’s French. They offer a wide range of multidisciplinary medical services, from general consultation to childcare to mental health. They’re located in a convenient part of town (District 1), and parking shouldn’t be an issue. Prices are on the higher end of the scale, but what I love about this place is that they have everything already clearly listed for you prior to making an appointment. No need to guess how much things will cost, which is great if you’re paying out of pocket. Clean, professional, honest pricing. What’s not to like?
English speaking therapists in Saigon – here’s a list if you need the support:
Mental Health Professionals and Therapists in Saigon
Victoria Healthcare
A local chain of clinics that has been around for a while, and has established a good reputation for itself. Victoria Healthcare have a number of locations around Saigon (similar to FMP, they’re located in D1, D2, and the far reaches of civilisation, D7). The staff are all very professional and helpful, and they also offer competitive pricing. This is a bit below the radar for most expats, but I highly recommend this place, especially for those who are on a budget but still looking for professional, English speaking staff. Multiple departments, suitable for general and family medical requirements, quick and easy check-in. Excellent value for their “menu” health checks.
Hoan My
A local chain of hospitals and clinics, they have facilities all over the country, and have built a reputation for reasonable pricing across multiple medical disciplines. Hoan My is a really good option for people who don’t have insurance, but would still like to have access to reasonably priced, quality medical care. Definitely worth checking out if you find yourself in need of medical attention while traveling in Vietnam as they have multiple location and will be your best bet in terms of getting a minimum level of professionalism. Won’t be the best of all worlds, but it also won’t leave you bankrupt.
Vinmec
Vinmec is a national chain of hospitals that’s part of the Vin Group (which owns a bunch of other businesses, including Vincom, one of the biggest real estate developers in HCMC). The hospital itself is relatively new, but has quickly become one of the most popular healthcare providers in town as they offer a wide range of services, with both Vietnamese and foreign doctors on staff. They’re probably going to be one of your first options when looking for complicated medical care that can’t be provided at the smaller facilities listed above. Convenient locations around the country (the one in Saigon is close to Landmark 81). Booking might be a pain though, and they will have you running to and from departments, but it is a one stop shop.
FV Hospital
This is one of the most popular options amongst foreigners (especially those with insurance). They have both Vietnamese and foreign doctors on staff, as well as a wide range of services on offer. Equipment and the facility itself is modern, and professionally run. Have never personally used their services, but insurance clients have said good and bad things about them. With good things including the fact that they’re very foreigner friendly, the staff being professional and highly knowledgeable; bad things will almost always have some element of them charging rates that would make Saudi royalty blush. Overall though, FV Hospital is a good option if you have insurance and are looking for quality medical care (and don’t mind carrying your passport to go all the way to the deep, deep south of District 7).
AIH (American International Hospital)
The American International Hospital is one of the newest kids on the block, when it comes to medical facilities that market themselves as “international”. They offer a wide range of services, with both foreign and Vietnamese doctors on staff. The hospital building is brand spanking new, and they use state of the art equipment. They might not have the best reputation at the moment (as per their recent Google reviews), but let’s put it all towards operational “birthing pains”. I suppose this only needs time to resolve. They are a private facility, and feedback is key to improvement. Regardless, as the facilities are top class, this would be a good place to settle in for a few nights of hospitalisation. If you can afford to, ask your doctor if it would be possible to have surgery or scheduled inpatient procedures done here.
Cho Ray Hospital – for Orthopedics
This one is a bit of a curveball, but hear me out. Cho Ray is generally considered a “local” hospital, in the sense that it’s not geared towards foreign tourists or expats. However, they are one of the largest hospitals in Vietnam, and as such, they have some of the best equipment and facilities in the country. They’re also very affordable when it comes to treatment, especially if you don’t have insurance. They are perhaps best known for being one of the leading centers for treatment of orthopedic trauma. Don’t let their low tech website fool you – if you break a bone, and don’t have insurance, this should be one of the first places you visit.
CIH – City International Hospital
A relative newcomer on the scene, but CIH has quickly established themselves as one of the top international hospitals in town. They have a team of both foreign and Vietnamese doctors, and use state of the art equipment. I’ve personally had to use their services for an inpatient procedure, and was quite impressed with the level of care and professionalism. The staff were all very helpful, and they offer a wide range of services. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in need of quality healthcare in HCMC. The biggest drawback would be they’re located quite a distance from the city centre, but they arrange for a shuttle bus that can take you to and from their hospital.
Han Phuc – a Maternity Hospital
Located in Saigon D1, Han Phuc has elements of a multi disciplinary hospital, but their main focus is on maternity care. They have a team of both foreign and Vietnamese doctors, and is highly regarded both with local and with expat families. Key services will range from women’s healthcare (OB-GYN), to children’s health (pediatric), but will also be one of the key options for those who are looking for assisted reproduction.
Conclusion
Sure, there are a few other places we might have missed out, but it would be impossible to write a fully exhaustive list. Suffice to say, being in the insurance industry, I’m confident these locations would already cover about 95% of all possible medical issues that might happen to you here in Vietnam.
Have to emphasize though, in healthcare (as with many other things) money talks and there’s a very direct correlation between how much you’re willing to spend, and the quality of service you’ll receive.
One very nice tool to have would be a medical booking platform such as Docosan (which we’ve written about before). Try out their online directory for more info and transparent pricing on other medical facilities.
That being said, even the “local” hospitals in Vietnam are leaps and bounds ahead of places like Cambodia, Laos or Myanmar, so don’t be too worried if you do find yourself in need of medical attention while in Vietnam. Just remember to bring your passport, as most hospitals will not treat you without it.
Lastly, and I cannot underline this enough, if you’re a foreigner in Vietnam – get good insurance,
If you have any questions, or need help finding a doctor or hospital, feel free to reach out. Happy to chat.
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