Canadian Patient Guide
Dental treatment in Ho Chi Minh City for Canadians
By SmileJet Editorial Team · Updated May 2026
Canadian dental costs are among North America's highest — implants run C$4,000–7,000, All-on-4 C$18,000–30,000 per arch. Ho Chi Minh City offers the same procedures at 65–75% less, with English-speaking clinics and a direct connection through major Asian hubs. All prices below in CAD.
What Canadians pay — HCMC vs Canada
1 USD = 1.37 CAD.
| Treatment | Canada (CAD) | HCMC (CAD) | You save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single dental implant | C$4,000–7,000 | From C$1,206 | Up to C$5,794 |
| All-on-4 per arch | C$18,000–30,000 | From C$9,179 | Up to C$20,821 |
| Porcelain veneer | C$1,200–2,200 | From C$384 | Up to C$1,816 |
| Full smile makeover (10 veneers) | C$15,000–25,000 | From C$3,836 | Up to C$21,164 |
| All-on-6 per arch | C$22,000–38,000 | From C$10,823 | Up to C$27,177 |
Flights from Canada to Ho Chi Minh City
Provincial coverage, insurance, and visa
Provincial dental coverage
No Canadian province provides public coverage for dental implants, veneers, or All-on-4 procedures. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which launched nationally in 2024, provides basic dental coverage for eligible lower-income Canadians — but covers routine services only, not overseas elective procedures. Implants and major cosmetic work remain fully out-of-pocket or under private insurance for most Canadians.
Private dental insurance
Sun Life, Manulife, Great-West Life, and employer group plans typically cover a percentage of major dental work (crowns, implants) with annual maximums of C$1,500–3,000. Most plans specify treatment must occur in Canada. Check your plan's "outside Canada" provision — some employer plans allow reimbursement for services rendered abroad with equivalent Canadian fee schedule rates. SmileJet-verified HCMC clinics issue itemised English invoices with procedure codes suitable for insurance submissions.
Vietnam e-visa for Canadian passport holders
Canadian passport holders require a Vietnam e-visa. Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — US$25 fee, 3 business days processing, 90-day stay, single or multiple entry. Apply at least 5 days before departure. Canadian citizens do not have visa-free access to mainland Vietnam (unlike Phu Quoc island, where all passports enter for 30 days without a visa).
Six practical tips for Canadians planning HCMC dental treatment
Canada to Vietnam is a long-haul journey. These six tips from Canadian patients who have completed treatment at SmileJet HCMC partner clinics will help you plan effectively.
Get a panoramic X-ray before you fly
Your Canadian dentist can provide a panoramic X-ray (OPG) at low cost. Upload this with your SmileJet quote request — the HCMC clinic uses it to confirm the treatment plan and quote before you commit to buying flights. Saves potential surprises on arrival.
Build the jet lag day into your itinerary
Toronto to HCMC is 17–20 hours with a stop. Most Canadian patients find the eastbound flight (via Pacific) manageable with a one-day buffer before the first clinic appointment. Do not schedule your consultation for Day 1 of arrival.
Check your Sun Life / Manulife plan abroad provision
Some Canadian employer dental plans include a provision for treatment abroad at the Canadian fee schedule rate. Check the exact wording — "treatment performed outside Canada" clauses vary. SmileJet-verified HCMC clinics issue itemised English invoices with applicable procedure codes for insurance submission.
Book the Pacific routing from YVR where possible
Vancouver is the optimal departure point from Canada for HCMC. Cathay Pacific (HKG) and Korean Air (ICN) from YVR are the most efficient routings — 14–16 hours total travel. From Toronto, the Pacific routing via YVR, HKG, or ICN adds a segment but is still faster than going via Europe.
Travel health insurance is essential
Canadian provincial health does not cover overseas medical treatment. Purchase comprehensive travel health insurance with dental emergency cover before departure. This covers complications, hospitalisation, or any unexpected needs that fall outside the SmileJet treatment coordination support scope.
Vietnamese Dong for daily expenses, USD for the clinic
The clinic invoices in USD and accepts USD cash or credit card. For daily expenses — meals, accommodation, transport — use VND. ATMs in District 1 dispense VND. Exchange USD at reputable hotel counters or exchange offices (better rates than airport).
FAQ — Canadians getting dental treatment in HCMC
Do I need a Vietnam e-visa as a Canadian?
Yes. Canadian passport holders require a Vietnam e-visa — apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. The fee is US$25, processing takes 3 business days, and the visa allows a 90-day stay. Apply at least 5 days before departure. Canadian citizens are not currently eligible for Vietnam's visa-free bilateral exemption (which applies to Australian, UK, and some EU passports).
Is there a direct flight from Canada to Ho Chi Minh City?
No direct flights currently operate from Canadian cities to HCMC. All Canadian-HCMC flights connect via an Asian hub — Hong Kong (HKG), Seoul Incheon (ICN), Narita (NRT), Manila (MNL), or Singapore (SIN). Cathay Pacific via HKG and Korean Air via ICN are the most commonly used by SmileJet Canadian patients.
How much should I budget for the full HCMC dental trip as a Canadian?
For an All-on-4 (dual arch) trip, budget: treatment from C$18,358 (Osstem), flights C$2,400–4,000 return (2 trips), accommodation 10 nights at C$60–100/night = C$600–1,000, meals and local transport C$400–600. Total trip: approximately C$22,000–C$25,000 for dual-arch All-on-4 including two trips. Compare to C$40,000–C$60,000 in Canada — a saving of C$18,000–C$38,000.
Get your HCMC quote in CAD
All quotes provided in Canadian dollars. Matched to a verified HCMC clinic within 24 hours.