Heading to Vietnam? Embassy urges Filipino travelers to get insurance amid food poisoning outbreaks

The Philippine Embassy in Vietnam has reiterated its call for Filipino travelers to secure travel insurance before visiting the country.

In an advisory posted on its official Facebook page, the embassy emphasized that coverage ensures sufficient funds for medical and emergency situations.

They also advised travelers and residents to patronize reputable hotels and restaurants and drink only bottled water.

The reminder follows growing food safety concerns, with Vietnam’s Ministry of Health reporting 84 food poisoning outbreaks in 2025—affecting 2,301 people and causing 16 deaths. In the first half of 2026 alone, the country monitored 58 outbreaks, resulting in 1,573 affected individuals and 10 fatalities.

A Straits Times report revealed that Vietnam's Ministry of Health inspected 118,009 food establishments in the first half of 2026. According to Deputy Minister Do Xuan Tuyen, 5,695 (4.8%) were in violation. Authorities sanctioned 3,772 of these businesses, imposing combined fines of 20 billion dong on 3,571 of them.

For medical emergencies, Filipinos in Vietnam may contact the embassy via SMS, WhatsApp, Viber, or Zalo at +84 904 126 164, or by email at hanoipe.atn@dfa.gov.ph.

Even if you aren't traveling to Vietnam, securing travel insurance should be at the top of your checklist. Here’s why you should get travel insurance.