US Medicare Doesn't Work in Vietnam: What to Do Instead

1. The Hard Truth About Medicare Overseas

The only limited exceptions involve emergency care near the Canadian or Mexican border, on certain US-flagged cruise ships, and in extremely narrow circumstances when a Canadian or Mexican hospital is closer than the nearest US hospital. None of these apply to Vietnam.

Some Medigap supplemental plans (specifically Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N) include a "foreign travel emergency" benefit, but this is limited to the first 60 days of travel, covers only 80% of costs after a $250 deductible, has a $50,000 lifetime cap, and is designed for short trips -- not long-term living abroad. It is not a substitute for international health insurance.

The good news: what you replace Medicare with in Vietnam costs dramatically less, and the care itself is 60-80% cheaper than in the US.

2. What to Do with Part A and Part B

The Part B Decision in Detail

This is the most consequential Medicare decision for American retirees moving to Vietnam. Part B costs $206.50 per month in 2026 ($2,478/year) and covers nothing while you are in Vietnam. That is real money -- roughly 1.5-2.5 months of Vietnam living expenses per year.

However, if you disenroll and later re-enroll, a 10% late-enrollment penalty is added to your premium permanently for each 12-month period you were eligible but not enrolled.

3. International Health Insurance

International health insurance replaces Medicare as your primary coverage in Vietnam. Plans are designed for expatriates and provide coverage in Vietnam and often across Southeast Asia or worldwide.

Costs are approximate and vary significantly by age, health history, deductible level, and coverage area. Plans excluding the US are substantially cheaper. Always get personalized quotes.

Vietnam's private international hospitals in HCMC and Hanoi feature modern facilities, English-speaking doctors, and accept major international insurance plans.

4. Pay-As-You-Go: Vietnam's Affordable Healthcare

Even without any insurance, healthcare in Vietnam is dramatically cheaper than in the United States. Many routine services cost less out-of-pocket in Vietnam than a US copay.

At these prices, many American retirees find that paying out of pocket for routine care (consultations, blood work, imaging) is cheaper than any insurance copay they would pay in the US. An MRI in Vietnam costs roughly what a US Medicare copay costs for the same scan.

5. Hospitals American Expats Actually Use

Ho Chi Minh City

FV Hospital (French-Vietnamese Hospital) is the gold standard for American expats in HCMC. JCI-accredited, English-speaking staff, full range of specialties, and an international patient department. Vinmec Central Park is part of Vietnam's premier private hospital chain, with modern facilities and bilingual doctors. Columbia Asia provides quality care with a strong international patient focus.

Hanoi

Vinmec Times City is the flagship of the Vinmec chain and the most popular choice among American expats in the capital. Hanoi French Hospital provides European-standard care with French and English-speaking specialists. Hong Ngoc Hospital is well-regarded for general practice and diagnostics.

Da Nang

Vinmec Da Nang serves the growing expat community. Hoan My Hospital provides solid general care. Da Nang's hospital infrastructure is smaller than HCMC or Hanoi, but adequate for most routine needs. For complex procedures, HCMC is a short 1.5-hour flight away.

6. Prescription Medications

Prescription medications in Vietnam cost 50-80% less than in the United States. Many drugs available only by prescription in the US are sold over the counter at Vietnamese pharmacies, including common blood pressure, cholesterol, acid reflux, and pain medications.

Vietnamese pharmacies stock most common medications at 50-80% less than US prices, with many available over the counter.

7. Dental: Medicare's Biggest Gap, Vietnam's Biggest Win

Here is the healthcare area where moving to Vietnam delivers the most dramatic financial benefit. Original Medicare does not cover dental care -- not in the US, not abroad. Most standalone dental insurance plans cap benefits at $1,000-$2,000 per year with 6-12 month waiting periods for major work. For retirees needing implants, crowns, or full-mouth restoration, this means enormous out-of-pocket bills in the US.

In Vietnam, the same procedures cost 70-80% less, using the same globally certified brands.

8. The Hybrid Strategy (What Most Expats Do)

9. Emergencies and Medical Evacuation

For serious medical emergencies requiring treatment beyond Vietnam's capabilities, medical evacuation insurance ensures you can be transported to a facility in Singapore, Bangkok, or the US. Most comprehensive international insurance plans include medical evacuation coverage. If your plan does not, standalone evacuation coverage is available from providers like Global Rescue or Medjet for $300-$500 per year.

In practice, Vietnam's major hospitals handle most emergencies competently, particularly in HCMC and Hanoi. Singapore (3.5-hour flight) and Bangkok (2-hour flight) serve as backup for the most complex cases. Medical evacuation is a safety net, not something most retirees ever use.

10. Total Healthcare Cost: US vs Vietnam

The savings are substantial: $3,000-$12,000+ per year in total healthcare costs. And this is before accounting for the dental treatments many retirees defer in the US due to cost but can afford in Vietnam.

11. Frequently Asked Questions