Do I need travel insurance in Vietnam and how much does it cost?

A traveler was looking for clinics in Vietnam for abscess removal surgery, as the same procedure in Thailand costs $2,500–3,000 for a day stay. Vietnam is considered a more affordable alternative for surgical procedures.

Gastrointestinal illness is one of the most common health issues for travelers in Vietnam. It's worth checking your insurance policy specifically covers stomach and intestinal infections before you go.

Travelers asked about the cost of a decent insurance policy that covers both treatment and surgery. It's advisable to choose a policy with at least $50,000–$100,000 in medical coverage to avoid being unable to afford surgery abroad.

The necessity of travel insurance was debated in the community. Given the high cost of surgery in Southeast Asia and the prevalence of stomach issues in Vietnam, most experienced travelers consider insurance essential, not optional.