Kids' Health in Vietnam: Vaccinations and Medical Care for Expat Families

Moving to Vietnam with children requires careful planning, especially when it comes to healthcare. How does the pediatric healthcare system work? Which vaccines are mandatory or recommended? What are the costs of medical care? Most importantly, how can you ensure your child receives quality healthcare without financial stress?

As trusted experts in expat health insurance in Asia and official CFE representative, Alea provides all the essential information you need.

1. How Does the Healthcare System for Children Work in Vietnam?

Vietnam has a mixed healthcare system, with both public and private medical facilities. Expat families often prefer international clinics, where healthcare quality is higher and staff speak English or French.

Public hospitals like National Hospital of Pediatrics (Hanoi) and Children’s Hospital 1 & 2 (Ho Chi Minh City) offer low-cost care, but they tend to be overcrowded, with inconsistent quality and limited English-speaking staff.

Vietnamese private hospitals such as Vinmec International Hospital and FV Hospital provide a good balance between cost and quality.

International clinics like Raffles Medical and Family Medical Practice offer Western-standard healthcare with English- and French-speaking doctors, but at higher costs.

Estimated Medical Costs for Children in Vietnam

• Pediatric consultation: VND 500,000 – 2,500,000 (≈ 18 – 90 Euros)
• Vaccination per dose: VND 800,000 – 3,000,000 (≈ 29 – 108 Euros)
• Emergency care and hospitalization per day: VND 8,000,000 – 30,000,000 (≈ 289 – 1,083 Euros)

💡 Tip: Public hospitals require advance booking due to long wait times. Many expats choose private or international clinics for faster, higher-quality medical services.

2. Vaccinations for Children in Vietnam: What’s Recommended?

Vietnam’s vaccination schedule differs from France. Some vaccines are mandatory, while others are highly recommended for expats due to tropical diseases and different healthcare risks.

Mandatory Vaccines in Vietnam (National Immunization Program)

• BCG (Tuberculosis)
• Hepatitis B
• Polio
• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP)
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

Recommended Vaccines for Expat Children

• Japanese Encephalitis – Crucial in rural areas and during rainy season.
• Hepatitis A – Essential to prevent food- and waterborne infections.
• Typhoid – Recommended for gastrointestinal disease prevention.
• Seasonal Flu – Strongly advised, especially for young children.
• Meningococcal Vaccine – Protects against bacterial meningitis.

💡 Tip: Vaccines in Vietnam may be locally manufactured and different from European versions. To ensure quality and traceability, visit an international clinic.

Estimated Vaccination Costs in Vietnam

• In public hospitals: VND 800,000 – 1,500,000 per dose (≈ 29 – 54 Euros)
• In international clinics: VND 2,000,000 – 3,000,000 per dose (≈ 72 – 108 Euros)

3. Ensuring Optimal Medical Care for Your Child in Vietnam

A regular healthcare routine is essential to keep your child healthy in Vietnam.

Selecting a trusted pediatrician in an international clinic ensures high-quality care. Keeping a medical record of vaccinations and past treatments is crucial. Having comprehensive health insurance is necessary to cover high medical costs in private clinics.

When Should Your Child See a Pediatrician?

• Routine check-ups: Every 3 to 6 months until age 2, then annually.
• Persistent fever or frequent infections due to humid climate and air pollution.
• Respiratory issues (asthma, bronchitis) caused by high pollution levels in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

💡 Tip: Air pollution in Vietnam’s major cities can affect children’s health. Use an air purifier at home and limit outdoor activities during high pollution days.

4. Why Get Health Insurance for Your Children in Vietnam?

Medical costs in Vietnam, especially in international clinics, can be very high. Health insurance ensures your child receives the best care without financial burden.

Key Benefits of Health Insurance for Expat Children

• Coverage for pediatric consultations and vaccinations
• Access to top private hospitals and international clinics
• Emergency and hospitalization coverage
• Protection against tropical diseases and pollution-related illnesses

As a leading insurance broker for expats and official CFE partner, Alea assists the French and expat community in finding the best health insurance solutions.

With Vietnam's complex healthcare system and the high cost of private care, we compare top-tier health insurers—including APRIL, Henner, and MSH—to secure the best coverage at the best price for you and your family!