Choosing a health screening package involves more than comparing prices. This guide compares typical package prices, explains what is usually included at each screening level, and estimates the total trip cost so you can decide whether flying to Vietnam for a health screening makes financial sense.
Quick price comparison: Vietnam vs Singapore health checkup
The table below compares typical health screening packages at accredited private hospitals in both countries. Singapore prices are listed in SGD with USD equivalents based on the June 2026 rate of 1 SGD = 0.77 USD. Vietnam prices are quoted in USD, the standard billing reference for international patients.
| Package tier |
Vietnam (USD) |
Singapore (SGD / USD) |
You save |
| Basic (blood panel, urine, ECG, chest X-ray) |
$100-$200 |
SGD 200-500 ($155-$385) |
~35-50% |
| Comprehensive (+ ultrasounds, cancer markers, thyroid) |
$200-$350 |
SGD 700-1,300 ($540-$1,000) |
~55-65% |
| Executive (+ MRI or CT, cardiac workup, endoscopy) |
$400-$800 |
SGD 2,000-4,000 ($1,540-$3,080) |
~65-75% |
| Platinum / VVIP (advanced imaging, extensive laboratory tests, specialist consults) |
$500-$900 |
SGD 4,000-11,500 ($3,080-$8,855) |
~75-90% |
Sources: Raffles Hospital Singapore package list (Jun 2026), Thomson Medical Singapore guide (May 2026), Meditrips Vietnam cost guide (Jun 2026), healthscreening.sg (May 2026). Vietnam prices reflect private hospital rates for international patients at facilities including Hong Ngoc (Hanoi) and FV Hospital (HCMC). Exact prices confirmed with the hospital before booking.
What each tier actually includes
Package names vary between hospitals, but the tests they cover fall into predictable tiers across both countries. Comparing the scope of tests, not just the price, helps determine whether two packages offer comparable value.
Basic screening ($100-$200 in Vietnam)
Covers blood count, fasting glucose, lipid profile, liver and kidney function, urine analysis, ECG, and chest X-ray. Some Vietnamese hospitals add a basic eye exam and ENT check, or a physician consultation, at no extra charge. In Singapore, a similar scope at a private clinic runs SGD 200-500 ($155-$385), though subsidized Screen for Life packages at CHAS GP clinics drop to SGD 0-5 for eligible citizens and permanent residents. Those subsidized packages check only for diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, so they are not comparable to a full basic screening.
Comprehensive screening ($200-$350 in Vietnam)
Adds abdominal and thyroid ultrasound, cancer tumor markers such as AFP, CEA, PSA, or CA-125, depending on age, sex, and clinical indication, hepatitis B/C serology, and a more detailed cardiac assessment. The exact number and type of tumor markers vary between hospitals. Some private hospitals in Vietnam include multiple tumor markers within a single package, while others offer them as optional add-ons. In Singapore, Raffles Hospital's "Deluxe Plus" package covers a similar scope at SGD 705 ($543), while other private clinics charge SGD 500-1,000 for comparable panels.
Executive screening ($400-$800 in Vietnam)
This is also where the price difference between Vietnam and Singapore becomes more noticeable. Executive packages typically include an MRI (one region) or a CT scan, treadmill stress test, full cancer marker panel, bone density screening, and sometimes gastroscopy. At Raffles Hospital Singapore, the Executive package for men is SGD 1,312 ($1,010) and for women SGD 1,457 ($1,122). Their Elite tier, which adds more imaging and specialist reviews, runs SGD 2,066-2,309 ($1,591-$1,778). In Vietnam, a comparable executive package at a JCI-accredited hospital costs $400-$800, although the exact tests included vary by hospital. Many hospitals are able to complete most screening tests within a single day, with final reports available later the same day or within 24-48 hours.
Singapore's Screen for Life: who it covers and what it misses
Singapore's Screen for Life program offers subsidized chronic disease screening at SGD 0-5 per visit, but it is restricted to Singapore citizens and permanent residents enrolled in Healthier SG at participating CHAS GP clinics. The tests check for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, colorectal cancer, and cervical cancer for eligible groups. It does not include imaging, cancer markers, cardiac stress tests, or the kind of full-body assessment that executive checkup packages provide. If you are an expat, tourist, or Employment Pass holder in Singapore, you do not qualify for these subsidies and will pay full private rates.
What to know:
Singapore's subsidized screening is excellent for what it covers, providing evidence-based screening for selected chronic diseases and cancers. However, it is designed for population screening rather than comprehensive preventive health assessments. If you want a comprehensive picture of your health, particularly if you are over 40 or have a family history of cancer or heart disease, you will need a private screening package regardless of which country you choose.
Total trip cost: flying from Singapore to Vietnam for a checkup
For residents of Singapore considering a health screening trip to Vietnam, the total out-of-pocket cost includes flights, accommodation, the checkup itself, and daily expenses. The comparison below assumes a three-night trip to Hanoi, which is generally sufficient for a one-day executive health screening, followed by time to receive results or attend a post-screening consultation if needed.
| Expense |
Vietnam trip (3 nights) |
Singapore (local) |
| Health checkup (executive tier) |
$400-$800 |
SGD 1,300-2,300 ($1,000-$1,770) |
| Round-trip flight (SIN-HAN direct) |
$180-$300 |
- |
| Hotel (3 nights, 4-star) |
$120-$210 |
- |
| Meals + transport (3 days) |
$60-$100 |
- |
| Total |
$760-$1,410 |
$1,000-$1,770 |
Sources: Flight prices from Google Flights and Momondo (Jun 2026). Hotel estimates based on 4-star properties in Hanoi's Old Quarter / Ba Dinh district. Meal costs reflect the average prices for international visitors at restaurants in Hanoi.
For executive and premium health screenings, the cost difference can often cover part or most of the travel expenses. Singapore residents paying SGD 2,000 or more ($1,540) for an executive screening at a private hospital could get the same tests done in Vietnam, including flights and hotel, for roughly the same total, or less if they book a mid-tier package. For higher-tier packages, where private screening costs in Singapore may exceed SGD 3,000, the potential cost difference can be even greater.
However, if your preferred screening package costs less than around SGD 700 in Singapore, traveling solely for a health checkup may offer limited financial benefit once flights and accommodation are included. The trip may provide better overall value if it is combined with a holiday, business visit, or family travel to Vietnam.
Hospital quality: how Vietnam compares to Singapore
Singapore is globally recognized for its high-quality healthcare system and internationally recognized private hospitals. Vietnam is not at that level overall, but several leading private hospitals serving international patients have obtained internationally recognized accreditation and provide care that meets global quality standards.
Several private hospitals in Vietnam hold international accreditation, including JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation, an accreditation program also held by leading Singapore hospitals like Raffles and Mount Elizabeth. Vinmec (Hanoi and HCMC) was the first hospital in Vietnam to achieve JCI certification. Hong Ngoc General Hospital in Hanoi holds ACHS (Australian Council on Healthcare Standards) accreditation. FV Hospital in HCMC has been JCI-accredited since 2016.
For foreigners getting healthcare in Vietnam, the main differences often involve convenience and continuity of care, rather than the quality of diagnostic testing. Private hospitals typically offer shorter wait times, quicker health screenings, and English-language reports within 24-48 hours, though follow-up care may vary. If your screening reveals something that needs further investigation, you may need to return to Singapore or your home country for specialist treatment, where access to specialists, long-term follow-up, and insurance networks may already be established.
Be realistic about this:
A health checkup is primarily a diagnostic service rather than a treatment or ongoing medical care. Vietnam's accredited hospitals are well equipped to provide comprehensive laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, and preventive health screening. However, if your screening identifies a condition that requires additional investigation or treatment, such as a biopsy, cardiac catheterization, or cancer staging, you may choose to continue your care in Singapore or your home country, where your medical records, specialist team, and insurance coverage may already be established.
Who should consider Vietnam over Singapore for a checkup
Not everyone benefits from traveling for a health screening. The decision depends on your insurance situation, the tier of checkup you want, and whether you can combine the trip with other plans.
Vietnam makes sense if you:
- Are paying out of pocket for an executive or premium health screening in Singapore (typically SGD 1,000 or more)
- Want a comprehensive checkup with advanced imaging (MRI, CT, endoscopy) that would cost SGD 2,000+ in Singapore
- Are an expat in Singapore not eligible for subsidized public screening programmes
- Plan to combine the checkup with a holiday or business trip to Vietnam
- Are an overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu) returning to visit family, and want to add a checkup to your trip
Stay in Singapore if you:
- Qualify for Screen for Life subsidies and only require recommended screening for chronic disease
- Have corporate insurance that covers executive screening locally
- Need ongoing specialist follow-up or treatment that is already coordinated with a Singapore hospital
- Prefer the convenience of receiving both screening and follow-up care within the same healthcare system
- Prefer not to travel for medical services
For a detailed walkthrough of what to expect during a health checkup in Vietnam, including preparation steps and how results are delivered, we have a separate guide.
How to book a health checkup in Vietnam from Singapore
Booking a health checkup package in Vietnam as an international patient is straightforward. Most JCI and ACHS-accredited hospitals have international patient departments with English-speaking coordinators who handle scheduling, pre-arrival questionnaires, and delivery of medical reports.
You have two options. You can book directly with a hospital's international department by email or phone, specifying your preferred package tier and travel dates. Confirmation typically comes within 2-3 business days. Alternatively, you can use a medical concierge service that coordinates the appointment alongside airport pickup, hotel, and transport to the hospital, so you do not have to manage logistics yourself.
If you are flying from Singapore, direct flights operate daily on Singapore Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Scoot, and VietJet, with flight times around 3 hours 30 minutes. No visa is required for Singapore passport holders for stays under 30 days. Travelers should check the latest Vietnam visa requirements before departure, as entry policies may change. Check whether you need an e-visa for Vietnam.
Our team in Hanoi coordinates health checkup bookings for international patients end-to-end. We confirm the package and pricing with the hospital in advance, arrange a private transfer from the airport, and accompany you to the appointment with English-language support throughout.
FAQ
Is a health checkup in Vietnam as thorough as one in Singapore?
At accredited private hospitals (JCI or ACHS-certified), the diagnostic tests are equivalent. Blood panels, imaging scans, and cancer markers are performed using internationally recognized laboratory standards and equipment, although the exact tests and technology may vary by hospital. The main difference is in follow-up: Singapore hospitals can often connect you to on-site specialists more quickly, while Vietnam hospitals may refer you to a separate specialist appointment or recommend follow-up in your home country.
Can I use my Singapore health insurance for a checkup in Vietnam?
MediSave cannot be used for health screening packages in Singapore or abroad. Some private international health insurance plans cover preventive screening globally, but you should confirm with your insurer before booking. Most patients traveling to Vietnam for checkups pay out of pocket, which is why cost comparison matters.
How long do I need to stay in Vietnam for a health checkup?
A comprehensive or executive checkup is completed in a single day, typically 4-7 hours. Results are available within 24-48 hours, either collected in person or sent by email in English. Plan 2-3 nights if you want to collect results before flying home, or arrange for digital delivery and return the same week.
Are health checkup results from Vietnam accepted by Singapore doctors?
Yes. Accredited hospitals in Vietnam issue standardized English-language reports with laboratory reference ranges. These reports follow internationally recognized medical reporting formats and can generally be reviewed by Singapore GPs and specialists. Your Singapore GP or specialist can interpret them directly. Some hospitals also provide results in a format compatible with international insurance claims.
What is the best time of year to fly from Singapore to Vietnam for a checkup?
Flights are cheapest in January and September, with round-trip fares on budget carriers starting around $180 USD. Avoid December (peak season) and Lunar New Year (late January or February) when both flights and hotels are more expensive. The checkup itself can be booked year-round since hospitals operate on normal schedules outside of Tet.
