Blog · Vietnam
Health Insurance for Freelancers in Vietnam
BHYT, private insurance, and international coverage — what Vietnamese and expat freelancers need to know.
As a freelancer in Vietnam, you don't have employer-sponsored health insurance. But you have several options to protect yourself from medical costs — and some are tax-deductible.
BHYT (Social Health Insurance) for Vietnamese Freelancers
All Vietnamese citizens should enroll in BHYT (Bảo hiểm Y tế), the national health insurance program:
- Cost: Approximately VND 1.1 million/year (based on minimum wage)
- Coverage: 80-100% of medical costs at public hospitals
- Where to enroll: Local social insurance office or commune people's committee
- For freelancers: Register as voluntary participant (tự nguyện)
Private Health Insurance
For better coverage and access to international hospitals, consider private insurance:
| Provider | Annual Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Bao Viet | VND 3-8 million | Public + some private hospitals |
| Manulife Vietnam | VND 5-15 million | Wide network, international hospitals |
| Prudential Vietnam | VND 4-12 million | Comprehensive, dental included |
| Cigna Global (expats) | USD 1,000-3,000 | International coverage, evacuation |
For Expat Freelancers in Vietnam
If you're a foreign national working remotely from Vietnam:
- BHYT is not available to foreigners — you need private or international insurance
- International health insurance costs USD 1,000-3,000/year depending on coverage
- Local private insurance (if available) is cheaper but may have limited English support
- Hospital costs: International hospitals (FV, Vinmec) charge USD 50-200/visit; public hospitals charge VND 200K-500K but with language barriers
Tax Deduction
For Vietnamese freelancers, voluntary health insurance premiums may be deductible as part of your personal income tax calculation under certain conditions. Keep your payment receipts and policy documents.
Want to calculate your taxes? Try our Vietnam tax calculator or compare tax rates.