Health Insurance Claims: A Practical Guide for Foreign Employees

Health Insurance Card

What You'll Receive

After registering for health insurance, you'll receive:

Getting Your Card

Timeline: 2-4 weeks after registration

Process:

1. Employer submits HI registration
2. Social insurance agency processes
3. Card mailed to employer
4. Employer provides card to you

Card Information

Your card shows:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Card number
• Valid from/to dates
• Initial healthcare facility

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Covered Services

Coverage Levels

What's Covered

What's NOT Covered

Medicine Coverage

Only medicines on the Health Insurance Drug List are covered:

• Generic drugs: Covered
• Brand name drugs: Limited coverage
• Imported drugs: May require approval

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Finding Providers

Initial Registration Facility

You must register at a primary healthcare facility:

Options:

• District hospital near your residence
• Polyclinic in your area
• Some international clinics (limited)

Changing Your Facility

You can change your registered facility:

• Once per year (automatic right)
• More often with valid reason
• Submit request through employer

Hospital Levels

Recommended Facilities for Foreigners

Ho Chi Minh City:

• Family Medical Practice
• International SOS
• Columbia Asia (limited HI)
• FV Hospital (partial coverage)

Hanoi:

• Family Medical Practice
• International SOS
• Vinmec (partial coverage)

Note: Private facilities may have limited HI coverage. Check before visiting.

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Making a Claim

At Registered Facility

Process:

1. Present your health insurance card
2. Show passport/ID
3. Receive treatment
4. Pay only non-covered portion

Tip: Bring your card to every visit.

At Non-Registered Facility

Emergency Care:

• Go to nearest facility
• Show HI card
• Get treatment
• May need to pay first, claim later

Non-Emergency Care:

• Lower coverage (80% vs 100%)
• May need referral
• Pre-approval may be required

Required Documents

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Reimbursement Process

When You Need Reimbursement

• Treated at non-contracted facility
• Emergency without HI card
• HI system down
• Advance payment required

Documents Required

Submission Process

1. Gather documents - Within 180 days of treatment
2. Complete claim form - Available at Social Insurance office
3. Submit - Through employer or directly
4. Wait for processing - 15-30 days
5. Receive refund - To bank account

Reimbursement Rates

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Common Issues

Issue 1: Card Not Ready

Problem: Need medical care before card arrives

Solution:

• Use private care initially
• Keep all receipts
• Claim reimbursement after card issued
• Card is valid from registration date, not issue date

Issue 2: Language Barrier

Problem: Staff don't speak English

Solution:

• Bring Vietnamese colleague/friend
• Use translation apps
• Choose facilities with English support
• Consider private care for complex issues

Issue 3: Long Wait Times

Problem: Public hospitals have long queues

Solution:

• Go early morning
• Make appointment if possible
• Use private care for non-covered items
• Be patient - system is improving

Issue 4: Medicine Not Covered

Problem: Doctor prescribes non-listed medicine

Solution:

• Ask for generic alternative
• Check if similar drug on list
• May need to pay out-of-pocket
• Some medicines require special approval

Issue 5: Wrong Facility

Problem: Went to non-registered facility

Solution:

• Get referral if possible
• Keep all documents
• Submit reimbursement claim
• Expect lower coverage rate

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Private Health Insurance

Should You Get Additional Coverage?

Many foreigners supplement mandatory HI with private insurance:

Tax Treatment

• Private health insurance premiums paid by employer: Taxable benefit
• Private health insurance premiums paid by you: Not deductible

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Quick Reference

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Need Help?

Our team can:

• Assist with health insurance registration
• Guide you on facility selection
• Help with claim submissions
• Advise on private insurance options

ZALO: +84703027485

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This article is based on Law on Health Insurance and Circular 46/2018/TT-BYT. For official regulations, please refer to vbpl.vn.