What to prepare and bring to the hospital
A few documents and notes save hours at the registration desk. The list below is different for Vietnamese and international patients. Rules vary by hospital, so we confirm the details with you before the day.
Vietnamese patients
- Citizen ID card with chip (CCCD gắn chip). Many hospitals now accept it in place of the paper health insurance card for BHYT visits.
- Health insurance card (thẻ BHYT) or the VNeID app with your insurance linked, as a backup in case the system cannot find you.
- Referral letter (giấy chuyển tuyến) if another doctor sent you. It can affect how much insurance pays, so ask us or the hospital before the day.
- Earlier records: test results, X-ray or scan images, discharge papers and old prescriptions.
- For children: birth certificate and the vaccination book (sổ tiêm chủng).
- Cash or a bank transfer app for the part that insurance does not cover.
International patients
- Your passport (original) and your visa or residence card. Hospitals need photo ID to register you.
- Your travel or health insurance card, policy number and the insurer's 24-hour phone number. Ask your insurer first whether the hospital can bill them directly. If not, you pay first and claim later.
- Cash in Vietnamese dong and a bank card. Public hospitals usually take cash. Private international hospitals take cards and may ask for a deposit. Most visitors pay the full fee, because Vietnamese health insurance generally does not cover them.
- Your medical history in English: diagnoses, recent test results, scans and prescriptions. Write medicine names by their generic name, not only the brand.
- Your regular medicines in their original packaging, plus a list of your allergies.
- Your hotel or home address written in Vietnamese, to show a taxi driver on the way back.
- If you need an interpreter, tell the hospital or us two to three days ahead. International hospitals can often arrange one.
Small things that make the day easier
A short health summary
Write down when symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, past surgeries, chronic conditions and everything you take. Add your questions for the doctor.
Ask about fasting
Some blood tests and scans need an empty stomach. Ask the hospital when you book. Do not guess, and do not stop your regular medicine unless your doctor says so.
Plan for waiting
Public hospitals are busiest in the morning and waits can be long. Bring water, a light snack, a phone charger, glasses or hearing aids, and wear clothes that are easy to remove.
Leave valuables at home
Bring only what you need for the visit and keep your money and phone close.
Not sure what you need? Ask us.
Send us the hospital and the reason for your visit. We will check the list with you the day before, remind you of anything missing, and carry your documents in order during the visit.
This page is general guidance, not medical or legal advice. Insurance and registration rules change and differ by hospital, so always confirm with the hospital or your insurer.
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