Buying Health Insurance in Vietnam–Sign-Up,Customer Service..

Been shopping around for health insurance covering Vietnam + South East Asia Countries. I chatted with a BIC/BIDV agent on zalo who initially told me they don't offer any packages covering Thailand or Cambodia, but later I did some research (using AI) and learnt that they offer Smart Care/VIPCare (which do have regional options). So I asked him about it. He then backtracked and said those require BIDV bank registration. It felt a bit sloppy—like he wasn't fully upfront or knowledgeable about their full product range at first.

Has anyone else experienced similar issues with BIC/BIDV agents? For example:

- Sloppiness or inconsistencies in sales/advice (e.g., not mentioning all options upfront)?

- How's the overall customer service? Quick responses, helpful, or frustrating?

- Claims handling: Have you filed any (inpatient/outpatient)? Was it smooth, fast payouts, or lots of paperwork/delays/denials? Any experiences with partial payments or exclusions kicking in?

- Other factors: Network of hospitals (e.g., FV, Vinmec?), app usability for claims, value for money (premiums vs. coverage), reliability for expats/foreigners, or any red flags with waiting periods/exclusions? Note: I asked him for the direct billing network and he sent me a link, according to that FV in Saigon participates in direct billing with BIC/BIDV, but not Vinmec, so I guess if I do visit Vinmec I would need to settle beforehand then claim from BIC/BIDV.

I'm considering their Platinum (Bạch Kim) tier for domestic coverage (~5.88M VND/year for age 48), but curious about real expat experiences. Also, how does BIC compare to other local providers like PTI, Bao Viet, PVI, or Liberty? Any recommendations for affordable plans with decent claims processes?

Thanks very much.