When Medical Check-ups Are Required
Foreign nationals on long-term stays in Nha Trang should undergo regular health check-ups in the following cases:
- Work visa application/renewal: Foreign workers in Vietnam require a health check-up to obtain a work permit or residence certificate.
- Insurance application and renewal: When applying for international travel insurance or local health insurance
- Medical records: To track your health status during your local residence and maintain medical continuity after returning to Korea
Main Check-up Items
For work visa applications, physical examinations (height, weight, BMI measurement, blood pressure), medical examinations (internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, dentistry-jaw-facial, dermatology), and laboratory tests (blood type, urinalysis) are included.
For routine health check-ups (visa not required), the following items may be considered based on your age and health condition:
| Item | Applicable To | Key Content |
|---|---|---|
| Blood test | All | Blood sugar, cholesterol, liver/kidney function |
| Blood pressure & pulse | All | Screening for hypertension & heart disease |
| Abdominal ultrasound | 35 and over | Examination of liver, bile ducts, pancreas, kidneys |
| Chest X-ray | All | Lung disease screening |
| Gastroscopy | 40 and over | Early diagnosis of stomach cancer |
| Colonoscopy | 45 and over (recommended) | Early diagnosis of colon cancer |
| ECG | 40 and over | Screening for arrhythmias & myocardial infarction |
Check-up Costs
Foreign health check-up costs typically range from $100–$300, with some hospitals charging $400 or more depending on the scope. For hospitals in central Nha Trang, equivalent check-ups generally start at 150–250 USD (approximately 2.5–4 million VND), but costs increase if additional tests (CT, endoscopy, etc.) are included.
In Vietnam, foreign nationals bear the full cost of medical care. Therefore, it is important to clarify your test items and expected costs with the hospital before your check-up.
Selecting a Medical Facility and Making Reservations
Major Medical Facilities in Nha Trang
In central Nha Trang and along the beach, there are general hospitals and clinics offering international medical care. When selecting a check-up facility, confirm the following:
- Experience with foreign patient care and ability to issue medical records in English
- Availability of interpretation in Korean or English
- Appointment waiting time and number of days required for tests
- Format of check-up result reports (availability in English or Korean)
Reservation Procedure
- Hospital selection: Get recommendations through your hotel, real estate agency, or local Korean community, or check the hospital's website or call to confirm international medical care availability.
- Consultation on test items: During phone or in-person consultation, specify the required test items and obtain an estimated cost. Be clear that this is a check-up for a work visa.
- Booking: If appointments are required, book by phone or online a few days in advance. Request an interpreter in advance if needed.
- Documents to bring: Passport, ID (Foreign Residence Card), fasting (8–10 hours) for blood collection.
- Results collection: Confirm the date for results and ask if additional signatures or official seals are needed for an official diagnosis (for work visa application).
Check-up Frequency and Renewal
Work Visa-Related
Health check-up results submitted for a work visa application are generally valid for 6–12 months after issuance. If visa renewal is needed, you must undergo a re-check before renewal.
Routine Health Check-ups
For generally healthy adults with no specific conditions:
- 30s: Basic check-up every 2 years (blood test, blood pressure, weight measurement)
- 40s and over: Basic check-up every 1–2 years + gastroscopy (5-year cycle)
- 50s and over: Basic check-up annually + colonoscopy (5–10 year cycle)
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol: Re-check every 3–6 months as recommended by your primary care physician
Check-up frequency varies based on individual health status and family history. After your first check-up, consult with your doctor to establish a personalized schedule.
Precautions During Check-ups
- Language communication: Hospital interpretation may be limited, so clarify in advance whether you need English or Korean interpretation.
- Record keeping: Obtain copies of check-up results (blood values, imaging, etc.) and keep them as personal medical records. This will be helpful for continuous medical care when you return to Korea.
- Prescription confirmation: If additional treatment or medication is needed, clearly record the English names and dosages of any medications.
- Cost receipts: Obtain medical receipts and diagnosis certificates in English for international travel insurance claims or tax deductions.
- Residence card renewal: A health check-up result may be required when renewing a long-term residence card (Temporary Residence Card), so plan your check-up before your residence card renewal date.
Additional Information
Check-up costs, exact test items, interpreter availability, and other details may vary by hospital and timing. Always verify the latest information through the hospital's official channels (phone, email, website) before making a reservation. Real estate agencies and local Korean communities can also recommend trustworthy hospitals based on recent experiences.
Verifying Latest Information
Operating hours, medical departments, interpretation services, and insurance claim conditions at medical facilities may change, so confirm directly with the hospital and insurance company before your visit.