Healthcare in Hanoi
A two-tier system where crowded public hospitals serve locals and a handful of private international hospitals handle nearly all foreign patients.
Healthcare in Hanoi
Hanoi's public hospitals are crowded, cheap, and almost entirely Vietnamese-speaking. Foreigners overwhelmingly use private international hospitals with dedicated expat departments. Direct billing with travel insurance is rare — most visitors pay upfront and claim later.
Vinmec International Hospital in Times City is the flagship choice for serious care, with 24/7 English-speaking staff. Hanoi French Hospital near Hoan Kiem is the long-established expat standby for GP and emergency visits. Family Medical Practice offers walk-in primary care with international doctors.
For routine blood work, independent labs in Ba Dinh charge a fraction of hospital rates. Many long-term residents use Raffles Medical for day-to-day issues and reserve Vinmec for anything serious.
Navigating care
Navigating care as a foreigner
Booking — Private hospitals take phone bookings in English or walk-ins. Vinmec and Family Medical have apps; most expats still call. Grab to hospital beats waiting for an ambulance.
Payment — Cash or card accepted at private hospitals, with upfront deposits common for ER visits. Direct insurance billing exists only for a short list of global insurers — verify before arrival.
Language — English is reliable at Vinmec, Hanoi French Hospital, and Family Medical. Public hospitals and most pharmacies need Google Translate. Bring a Vietnamese speaker for any public clinic visit.
Costs
Private care in Hanoi runs 50-70% less than Western Europe or the US, but international hospitals charge a premium over local public rates. Independent labs and small clinics drop costs further for routine needs.
| GP visit (private) | $30-60 International clinic |
| Specialist consultation | $50-100 |
| ER visit (private) | $150-400 Deposit required |
| Blood panel (basic) | $20-40 Independent lab |
| X-ray | $25-60 |
| MRI | $300-600 |
| Dental cleaning | $30-80 |
| Dental crown | $150-400 |
Hospital international wings run 2-3x public rates; independent labs drop routine costs further.
Pharmacies
OTC medications are widely available and many prescription drugs sold over the counter. Chain pharmacies in Ba Dinh and Tay Ho stock imported brands. 24-hour pharmacies are limited — those attached to Vinmec and Hanoi French Hospital are the reliable overnight options. Bring a photo of your prescription label.
Health tips
Common visitor health risks in Hanoi
Air quality (winter)
Check AQI daily Nov-Mar. N95 masks widely sold in pharmacies.
Street-food hygiene
Stick to stalls with high turnover; avoid raw herbs and ice from street vendors.
Traffic
Cross slowly and steadily — scooters flow around you. Never stop mid-crossing.
Dengue mosquitoes
Peak risk May-Oct. Use DEET repellent; no vaccine for short-term visitors.
Emergency
Emergency number: 115
Medical emergencies. Vietnamese only — private hospitals have direct lines with English dispatchers.
English at private hospitals only
Public hospitals and pharmacies operate in Vietnamese. Translation apps essential outside premium facilities.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use travel insurance directly at Hanoi hospitals?
Rarely. Vinmec and Hanoi French Hospital direct-bill a short list of global insurers, but most visitors pay upfront and claim reimbursement later. Confirm direct billing with your insurer before arrival, not at reception.
Is tap water safe to drink in Hanoi?
No. Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Hanoi, including most hotels. Use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth, and avoid ice from street vendors.
Where's the best 24-hour pharmacy near Old Quarter?
The pharmacy at Hanoi French Hospital on Phuong Mai operates 24/7 and is the most reliable overnight option. For daytime needs, chain pharmacies around Hoan Kiem stock most imported brands.