Vietnam Vibes

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR VIETNAM

From skyscrapping megacities through to serene rural farmlands, the Vietnamese spirit has soared out of the ashes to become an entrepreneurial tourist magnet. Scroll on down for our handy guide to one of the world's most popular travel destinations. Zoom's Vietnam travel insurance has you covered for any unexpected holiday hurdles. Cover includes medical expenses should you fall sick or become injured, as well as cover for trip cancellation, lost luggage, family emergencies and more! What are you waiting for? Zoom to it!

VIETNAM QUICK GUIDE

Boasting stunning scenery, diverse cuisine reflecting local communities, and a rich and complex history, Vietnam is becoming one of Asia's fastest rising tourist destinations, with over 10 million visitors each year.

No matter which kind of Vietnamese experience you're planning, Zoom can cover your trip with a range of plans.  You can minimise your costs with Medical Only cover, or choose to buy Comprehensive Travel Insurance for extra protection to cover things like travel delays and cancellation. Compare Zoom's Travel Insurance plans online today.

VISAS FOR VIETNAM

Aussies and Kiwis are required to have a valid visa to travel to Vietnam. The preferred way for most tourists is via the Visa on Arrival portal, which allows you to enter your details and pay for your visa ahead of time, then pick it up from one of the major airports - Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. You will need will need at least six months validity on your passport, and two additional standard passport sized photos.  

Visa on Arrival is only available if you're travelling by air - so if you're crossing a land border to arrive, you will have to apply for a standard visa via the Vietnamese Embassy.

These rules can change quickly. Contact your nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate before you travel for the most up to date information.

ON ARRIVAL

There are a range of options to get out of Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi). The public buses 7 and 17 depart at the right of the terminal exit and connect with the city centre for only 5000VND (~$0.28AUD). They run every 20 minutes or so from 5am to 10pm. Airport minibuses will take you straight to your door and costs 32 000 - 72 000VND (up to $4AUD). Confirm the price with the driver before you get in. Otherwise a private metered taxi to the city centre is around 320 000VND ($17AUD)

To head out of Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), the best way is probably via taxi. From the standard taxi rank, it's around 170 000 (~$10). For about twice that, you can take a Mai Linh taxi - a private company which prides itself on safety and reducing ripoffs. Pre-pay at the booth or with the marshall.

GETTING AROUND

Taxis are great for short distances. The language barrier may be an issue, so be sure to have a SIM card with GPS to help the driver out. For the long distances, tourist coaches are not only comfortable, but also incredibly cheap - often less than $10AUD to travel hundreds of kilometres. We don't recommend any trips that will have you on the roads at night - poor infrastructure and ambitious drivers are a mix that you don't need in your life. Trains are great for the ultra-long trips - just make sure you book one of the four-berth 'soft sleeper' tickets, otherwise you are in for a crowded and uncomfortable ride!

For the ultimate flexibility, consider hiring a driver - for as little as $10-50AUD a day, you can hire a personal driver who will take the stress out of being on the road. Speak to your hotel or hostel for recommendations.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

If you're travelling throughout Vietnam, you have plenty of options of when to go. The south is warm year-round, and although downpours tend to be frequent around May to November, they only last a few hours and you can get on with your day. On the other hand, Hanoi and Sapa are cool and dry in winter, hot and humid in summer.

WHERE TO GO

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are the largest of Vietnam's cities, and they have wildly different personalities. Administrative capital Hanoi is often considered old-world and romantic, while Ho Chi Minh is an economic powerhouse that does not stop. Hanoi's colonial architecture is stunning, while Ho Chi Minh has gorgeous Botanic Gardens and some of the best museums to the American War, but is also home to historical treasures from its French and Cantonese pasts, including Notre Dame Cathedral and the Jade Emperor Pagoda. 

Hoi An is one of Vietnam's most beautiful cities, with more than 800 UNSECO-listed historic buildings, some with roots in the 16th Century. Grab an Old Town ticket (around $7AUD, valid for 10 days) for access to 18 of those buildings, plus museums, galleries, and more.

While you've certainly heard of its Chinese equivalent, Vietnam's Forbidden City, in Hue. This former imperial capital features stunning momument which have somehow survived three recent wars. See the Citadel, Imperial Tombs and Thien Mu Pagoda, and try the touristy but fun royal banquet experience.

Whichever major city you find yourself in, don't miss the opportunity to take a Vietnamese cooking class - it is some of the best food in the world, so why not learn to make it at home! A good idea is to find classes that include a trip to the market, so you can get familiar with new ingredients.

Halong Bay, with its dramatic tree-covered limestone islets and emerald water is a truly spectacular site. Largely a fishing community area, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. Regulation has not kept up with demand, with some unscrupulous operators running unsafe tours and cruises. Check review sites in advance, and if you look at your boat and don't feel safe, just don't get on. That said, there are many tour companies with great operations. While Halong Bay is *very* touristy, its majesty is simply not to be missed.

MUST KNOW TIPS

April 30th is Reuinification Day, a public holiday celebrating the Fall of Saigon and the capture of the South by the People's Army of Vietnam and the Viet Cong. Marking the end of the Vietnam war, major cities come alive with a wash of fireworks, lights and parades. It is also a day of significant hurt for some, and is nicknamed 'Black April'. So be aware that reception to the festivities may be mixed, depending on where you are and who you speak to.

Don't underestimate the size of the country! While narrow, it stretches along the South China Sea from Cambodia's south, past Laos' eastern border, and then into China's south - the trip from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is over 26 hours by car, while the whole country end to end is nearly 40 hours! So if you want to 'see it all' give yourself at least three to four weeks.

Because of how long the country is, the climate varies significantly - the north can snow during winter, while the south only has two seasons - hot and wet or hot and dry!

Don't bother with trying to pay with a credit card - it makes you vulnerable to scammers and cash is king anyway. So take out what you need from the ATMs at the start of the day and get ready to haggle.

Don't drink the tap water - it's that simple. Even in the major cities where water is chlorinated, pollutants can enter the water supply due to ageing infrastructure. Drink bottled, boiled, or filtered water instead.

ZOOMING ELSEWHERE?

Are you planning to zoom somewhere else on your Asian holiday? Flying to the Philippines or is the next stop Nepal? Wherever you're headed, we've got helpful advice on other popular travel destinations to check out. What are you waiting for? Zoom to it!
 

WHY BUY WITH ZOOM

Medical cover

medical cover

Relax knowing that your hospital expenses are covered with Zoom's unlimited medical coverage. Zoom to top notch cover!

travel delays

Travel delays

Troubles on your trip are never much fun. Cover your Vietnamese adventure in a flash with Zoom travel cover. We keep things zippy!

luggage cover

LUGGAGE COVER

Your stuff is precious and we get that. Take off on your South East Asian sojurn knowing your luggage is protected with Zoom.

Family emergencies

Family emergencies

Had to rush home or cancel your trip due to a family emergency? We'll cover your non-refundable deposits so you can focus on the rest.

kids go free

kids go free

Family holiday to Europe? Save your euros with all dependants under 19 included under your policy at no additional cost.

Car Hire Excess

rental car excess

Driving Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City? Our rental vehicle excess add-on is a must for roadtripping travellers.

easy claims

easy claims

We've done away with lengthy forms and have kept our claims process simple. We guarantee to assess fully documented claims in a flash.

cheapest travel insurance

Peace Of Mind

Zoom to Zen. You can sit back and relax on your holiday knowing that you’re covered by award winning travel insurance.

VIETNAM TRAVEL INSURANCE FAQs

Got some curly questions in regards to your Vietnam travel insurance cover?
Be in the the know before you go with answers to the most common queries below.

  • Am I covered medically while holidaying in Vietnam?

  • Yes, all our policies cover for unlimited medical coverage. Zoom provides cover for your overseas medical expenses including hospital stays, surgery, doctor visits, emergency evacuation and repatriation home if required. We can provide written guarantees of payment of reasonable expenses directly with your hospital in emergency situations. Phew!

  • What happens if I need medical assistance in Vietnam?

  • Have complete peace of mind on your  adventure. Zoom provides immediate support through our emergency assistance provider, First Assistance. Help is just a phone call away any time of day 365 days a year. This includes access to medical advisors, medical transfers and emergency evacuation if required. We also assist with passing on messages to family and returning unsupervised dependants back to Australia.

  • How do alcohol and drugs affect my cover?

  •  When it comes to alcohol we advise you to drink in moderation. One too many rice wines could see you jeopardizing your cover. Please note that we may exclude any claims where excessive drugs or alcohol have been involved.

  • I have high value items; how much can I insure them for?

  • If you have an expensive item that you just can’t leave behind you can insure it separately for up to $5,000. Please note that high value item cover is only available under our comprehensive plan.

  • Am I covered for pickpocketing in Vietnam?

  • Yes, you’re covered for pickpocketing and muggings, provided of course you were acting with reasonable care (i.e. did not leave your belongings unattended). If you’re the victim of a pickpocket, you’d be covered for loss, theft and damage to your luggage and personal effects. If you are robbed, it’s important that you get a police report and contact us as soon as possible.

  • What age limits apply to Zoom travel insurance policies?

  • You must be under the age of 85 to buy a policy with Zoom. Those under 79 years can purchase a policy for a maximum trip duration of 365 days. Those aged between 80-85 years can purchase a policy for a maximum trip duration of 184 days only. You must also be under the age of 69 to purchase our add-on ski or adventure packs.

  • Can I reduce my excess with Zoom products?

  • Yes you can reduce the standard excess of $200 by paying a excess reduction fee within the payment process. 

  • What is a dependant?

  • This means your dependant children or grandchildren under the age of 19 at the date of policy issue who are travelling with you.

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"Zoom Travel Insurance" is a registered Business name of the Insurance Geeks Limited, Company No. 5904999 (a NZ company). We are a Registered Financial Service Provider FSP505566. The Insurance Geeks is an authorised representative of Coffre-Fort Pty Limited ABN 66 125 358 518, AFS Licence No. 472457. This site contains general guidance only on insurance products available to you and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before you buy a policy, please read the Policy Wording to determine if the product suits your needs giving consideration to your personal circumstances. This insurance is underwritten by HDI Global Specialty SE – New Zealand.
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