Dental and Optical Care in Vietnam: What Expats Need to Know

Moving to Vietnam means immersing yourself in a rich and dynamic culture, but it also requires understanding a healthcare system that may be unfamiliar to expatriates. Dental and optical care are among the key concerns. Where should you go for treatment? How much does it cost? What are the best options for children? And most importantly, how can you avoid unexpected medical expenses?

As a trusted health insurance broker for expatriates in Asia and the official CFE representative, Alea provides all the essential information you need.

1. Dental Care in Vietnam: How Does It Work?

Vietnam is a popular destination for dental care, thanks to affordable prices and modern clinics—particularly in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. However, the quality of care varies significantly depending on the facility.

Where to Get Dental Treatment in Vietnam?

• Public hospitals: Inexpensive but often overcrowded, with variable quality and potential language barriers.
• Local private dental clinics: Offer decent quality at reasonable prices, but it's essential to choose carefully to ensure high standards.
• International dental clinics: Located in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, these provide premium services with English- or French-speaking dentists trained abroad.

How Much Do Dental Treatments Cost in Vietnam?

Vietnam is known for its affordable dental care, but prices vary depending on the clinic and treatment type.

• General consultation: 200,000 – 1,000,000 VND (approx. 7 à 36 Euros)
• Teeth cleaning: 500,000 – 1,500,000 VND (approx. 18 à 54 Euros)
• Filling: 800,000 – 3,000,000 VND (approx. 29 à 108 Euros)
• Dental crown: 5,000,000 – 15,000,000 VND (approx. 180 à 541 Euros)
• Dental implant: 20,000,000 – 40,000,000 VND (approx. 7,211 à 1,443 Euros)

💡 Important: The CFE does not cover dental care, so international health insurance is highly recommended to avoid high expenses.

Dental Care for Children

Oral health is a priority for expat parents living in Vietnam.

Key facts:

• International dental clinics offer high-quality pediatric care.
• Orthodontic treatments are common but expensive (up to 80,000,000 VND or 2,886 Euros for a full treatment).
• A dental check-up before relocating is advised to avoid unexpected procedures abroad.

2. Optical Care in Vietnam: What to Expect?

Whether you need glasses, contact lenses, or laser vision correction, Vietnam offers a diverse range of options at competitive prices.

Where to See an Eye Specialist?

• Local opticians: Numerous and inexpensive, but lens and frame quality can vary.
• Specialized clinics and hospitals: Recommended for comprehensive eye exams and accurate prescriptions.
• International ophthalmology centers: Offer high-end services, with state-of-the-art equipment and English-speaking specialists.

How Much Do Optical Treatments Cost in Vietnam?

• Ophthalmologist consultation: 500,000 – 2,000,000 VND (approx. 18 à 72 Euros)
• Prescription glasses: 500,000 – 10,000,000 VND (approx. 18 à 360 Euros)
• Contact lenses (per year): 1,000,000 – 3,500,000 VND (approx. 36 à 1,263 Euros)
• Laser eye surgery (LASIK): 25,000,000 – 60,000,000 VND (approx. 9,019 à 21,646 Euros)

💡 Tip: Some optical shops offer budget glasses, but lens quality may not meet European standards—so choose carefully.

Optical Care for Children

With increased screen time, myopia is becoming more common in children. Vietnam provides various treatment options to help manage vision issues.

• Early vision screening and regular eye check-ups are crucial.
• Vision therapy is available in some clinics.
• Children’s glasses cost between 1,000,000 and 5,000,000 VND (36 – 180 Euros), depending on the lens quality.

3. Why Is Health Insurance Essential for Expats in Vietnam?

Dental and optical care—especially in international clinics—can be expensive. A single specialist consultation can quickly cost hundreds of euros.

• With international health insurance, you get:
• Reimbursement for dental and optical treatments
• Access to the best clinics without financial concerns
• Coverage for the whole family, including orthodontics and contact lenses

As a trusted broker for expatriates and official CFE representative, Alea assists the French 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!