Filipinos heading to Vietnam should secure travel insurance before their trip, the Philippine Embassy in Hanoi urged, pointing to a string of food poisoning cases across the country as reason to prepare for possible medical emergencies.
Health data cited by the embassy underscored the concern. Vietnam’s Ministry of Health logged 84 food poisoning outbreaks in 2025, sickening 2,301 people and leaving 16 dead. The pace has continued into 2026, with 58 outbreaks reported in the first six months alone—1,573 people affected and 10 fatalities.
In an advisory dated September 8, 2026, the embassy explained why coverage matters for travelers. “Travel insurance ensures adequate funding to cover medical and other emergencies,” it said.
Beyond insurance, the embassy pressed visitors and Filipino residents alike to be careful about what they eat and drink. “While in Viet Nam, Filipino travelers and residents are advised to patronize only hotel and restaurant facilities of good repute and standard. Drinking bottled water is highly recommended,” the bulletin stated.
The embassy also laid out how Filipinos can seek help if something goes wrong. In the event of a medical emergency, they may contact +84 904 126 164 through SMS, WhatsApp, Viber, or Zalo, or send an email to hanoipe.atn@dfa.gov.ph.
