Can Pakistani Expats Buy Dai-ichi Life Insurance in Vietnam?

Part 1: The Eligibility Question – Can You Buy It?

This is the primary concern for every Pakistani expat. After extensive analysis of the Vietnamese insurance market and Dai-ichi Life’s current operations, here is the most accurate picture regarding Pakistani expat Dai-ichi Life Vietnam eligibility.

The Official Position: No Citizenship-Based Exclusion

Based on the available information, Dai-ichi Life Vietnam does not explicitly exclude foreign nationals from purchasing policies . Unlike Vietnam’s compulsory social insurance program (which is strictly reserved for Vietnamese citizens), private life insurance contracts operate on residency status, not nationality.

This is a critical distinction for Pakistani passport holders.

What Dai-ichi Life Vietnam Actually Looks At:

1. Legal Residency Status: You must possess a valid work permit, Temporary Residence Card (TRC), or a business visa with clear long-term intent. Tourist visa holders are generally not eligible.

2. Insurable Interest in Vietnam: You must have a financial presence here—employment income, business ownership, or property.

3. Health and Age: Standard medical underwriting applies regardless of nationality .

Verdict: Yes, you are likely eligible. There is currently no policy document, regulation, or agent manual that bars Pakistani nationals. However, your application strength depends entirely on your visa validity period. The longer your remaining stay, the stronger your application.

The "South Asian" Consideration

Pakistani expats often wonder if they face different treatment compared to Korean, Japanese, or Western expats. In Dai-ichi Life’s official underwriting guidelines, nationality is not a risk-rating factor. Unlike travel insurance (which often rates by passport strength), life insurance underwriting is based on:

• Age

• Medical history

• Smoking status

• Occupation (hazard level)

• Sum assured amount

A 35-year-old Pakistani software engineer and a 35-year-old Vietnamese accountant with the same health profile will receive the same premium rate for the same term life product .

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Part 2: Specific Considerations for Pakistani Expats (Muslim & Takaful Perspective)

Before discussing products, we must address the elephant in the room: Is conventional life insurance Halal?

The Takaful Gap in Vietnam

Vietnam’s insurance market is entirely conventional. There is currently no standalone Takaful (Shariah-compliant) operator licensed in Vietnam. Dai-ichi Life Vietnam is a Japanese-Vietnamese joint venture operating on traditional insurance models involving elements of Gharar (uncertainty) and Riba (interest) in its investment component.

So what should a Pakistani Muslim expat do?

Option A: Pure Term Life (Protection Only)
Many contemporary Islamic scholars permit pure term life insurance when it serves as a Takaful cooperative arrangement—not as an investment vehicle. If you select a term life plan with no savings/investment element and the pure intention of protecting your family from hardship, this is widely considered permissible out of necessity (Darurah) when living in a non-Muslim country.

Option B: Family Takaful from Malaysia/Singapore
Some Pakistani expats maintain Takaful certificates from Malaysia or Singapore. While this is permissible, it does not solve the "local payout" problem.

Option C: Nominate a Muslim Executor
If you proceed with Dai-ichi Life Vietnam, ensure your beneficiary nomination is structured to avoid inheritance complications under Shariah. You should consult a local imam or Islamic scholar in Ho Chi Minh City regarding the nomination structure.

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Part 3: Products Available to Pakistani Expats

Assuming eligibility and personal comfort with the product, what exactly can a Pakistani expat purchase? Dai-ichi Life Vietnam offers a range of products suitable for foreign professionals .

1. Term Life Insurance (Pure Protection)

This is the most suitable product for Pakistani expats who want maximum family protection at minimum cost. It pays a lump sum upon death or Total Permanent Disability (TPD).

• Why choose this? Lowest premium, no interest-bearing investment component, purely cooperative risk-sharing.

• Best for: Breadwinners with young families in Pakistan or Vietnam.

• Term Length: Typically 10, 15, or 20 years .

Monthly Premium Estimate: 400,000 – 1,500,000 VND (~$16 – $59 USD) .

2. Whole Life & Endowment (Savings + Protection)

These plans combine life coverage with a forced savings/investment component. The cash value grows over time and is paid out at maturity or upon death.

• Caution for Muslim expats: This element involves guaranteed interest rates and investment in conventional bonds, which may involve Riba.

• Best for: Expats who do not have Shariah concerns and want to accumulate wealth within Vietnam .

Monthly Premium Estimate: 1,000,000 – 3,000,000 VND (~$39 – $118 USD) .

3. Critical Illness Rider (Dread Disease Coverage)

This is an essential add-on for expats living in Southeast Asia. It provides a lump sum cash benefit upon diagnosis of specified conditions such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure.

• Why it matters: Vietnam’s healthcare system is improving, but cancer treatment costs can easily exceed $20,000 USD. This rider ensures you have cash to seek treatment in Singapore or Thailand if needed.

• Monthly Premium: 500,000 – 1,500,000 VND (~$20 – $59 USD) .

4. Education Savings Plan

Many Pakistani expats send their children to international schools in Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC, BIS, TAS) or plan for university in Pakistan, the UK, or the US. Dai-ichi offers structured savings plans designed to mature when your child reaches university age.

• Premium Estimate: 800,000 – 2,000,000 VND (~$31 – $78 USD) .

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Part 4: The Cost Breakdown – What Will You Actually Pay?

Let us move from estimates to reality. Below is the detailed pricing matrix for 2025 based on verified data . Prices are converted to both VND and USD for your reference.

Insurance Type	Monthly Premium (VND)	Monthly Premium (USD)	Target Age Group	Suitable for Pakistani Expats?
Term Life (Pure Protection)	400,000 – 1,500,000	$16 – $59	25-45 years	✅ Highly Recommended
Whole Life (Savings)	1,000,000 – 3,000,000	$39 – $118	25-50 years	⚠️ Check Shariah compliance
Critical Illness Rider	500,000 – 1,500,000	$20 – $59	30-60 years	✅ Essential
Education Savings	800,000 – 2,000,000	$31 – $78	Parents w/ children	⚠️ Investment element present
Accident Rider	200,000 – 600,000	$8 – $24	All ages	✅ Recommended

Factors That Impact Your Premium

1. Age is King: A 40-year-old applicant will pay approximately 40-50% more than a 30-year-old for the exact same coverage amount.

2. Smoking Status: Vietnam has a high smoking prevalence. If you are a non-smoker, you qualify for "preferred non-smoker" rates. Be honest—misrepresentation voids claims.

3. Sum Assured: Higher coverage = higher premium. Most expats opt for coverage equivalent to 5-10 years of their annual salary.

4. Medical History: Pakistani expats with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of heart disease may face premium loading or exclusion riders .

Is this cheap or expensive?
Compared to term insurance plans in Pakistan (State Life, Jubilee Life), these rates are slightly higher. However, the advantage is local currency settlement in Vietnam. If you die in Vietnam and your beneficiary is in Pakistan, a Vietnamese insurer can wire the claim amount internationally in USD. An Pakistani insurer processing a foreign death claim can take 6-18 months.

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Part 5: Services and Customer Experience for Pakistani Expats

Price matters, but service matters more when you are navigating insurance in a foreign language.

Language Support: English Availability

The single biggest challenge for Pakistani expats is the Vietnamese language. Dai-ichi Life Vietnam operates primarily in Vietnamese .

What you need to know:

• Agents: Dai-ichi operates through a tied agency force. While the majority speak only Vietnamese, the company maintains dedicated English-speaking advisors in expat-heavy districts such as Thao Dien (District 2), Phu My Hung (District 7), and select Hanoi Tay Ho offices.

• Your action: You must explicitly request an International Consultant. Do not assume every agent speaks English. Call ahead or ask the branch manager to assign an English-capable representative.

Contracts are in Vietnamese
This is non-negotiable. Under Vietnamese law, the Vietnamese language contract is the legally binding document. You have two options:

1. Request an official English translation appendix (some branches provide this).

2. Hire an independent translator for the initial policy summary.

Do not sign a contract you cannot read fully.

Customer Service Reputation

Dai-ichi Life Vietnam scores 84% in independent reviews, praised for:

• Professionalism of agents

• Financial stability (backed by Japan’s third-largest life insurer)

• Responsive claims processing

• Strong brand trust 

Areas for improvement:

• Digital tools are limited compared to AIA or Prudential Vietnam

• No 24/7 Urdu or English call center—you must rely on your agent 

Claim Settlement for Foreigners

This is the ultimate test. If a Pakistani expat passes away in Vietnam, how does the family claim?

Process:

1. Beneficiary (or agent) notifies Dai-ichi Life Vietnam.

2. Required documents: Death certificate (Vietnamese, with notarized English translation), policy contract, beneficiary ID, and proof of insurable interest.

3. Payout is issued in VND to a Vietnamese bank account, or wired internationally in USD.

Processing time: Typically 15-30 working days for straightforward claims.

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Part 6: Step-by-Step Application Guide (Pakistani Expats)

If you decide to proceed, follow this tailored workflow designed for Pakistani nationals:

Step 1: Document Preparation
You will need:

• Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity)

• Temporary Residence Card (TRC) or work permit with at least 12 months remaining

• Proof of address (rental contract, utility bill in your name)

• Entry/exit history (available from Immigration Department)

Step 2: Medical Examination
If you are under 45 and applying for coverage under 2 billion VND, you may qualify for non-medical underwriting (declaration only).

• If medical is required, Dai-ichi partners with international clinics such as Diag, CarePlus, or Family Medical Practice. The insurer pays for the basic check-up.

Step 3: Proposal Form Completion
Critical: Have the agent write the answers in Vietnamese, then read them back to you in English. Ensure consistency—your name spelling must match your passport exactly.

Step 4: Beneficiary Nomination
This is extremely important for Pakistani Muslims:

• You can nominate your spouse, children, or parents.

• If your wife/parents reside in Pakistan, you must provide their full name, CNIC number, and relationship proof.

• Consider setting up a Vietnamese bank account in your spouse's name if she resides with you—this simplifies payout.

Step 5: Premium Payment Setup
Payments must be made in VND from a local bank account. Set up auto-debit to avoid policy lapse.

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Part 7: Comparison – Local Policy vs. Pakistani Policy

Many Pakistani expats keep their State Life or Jubilee Life policies active. Should you cancel them?

Keep Pakistani Policy (Pros):

• Familiar brand, trusted by family

• Beneficiaries in Pakistan can claim directly in PKR

• No currency conversion risk for them

Keep Pakistani Policy (Cons):

• Pakistani insurers often require local police reports and embassy certifications for foreign deaths—this causes severe delays

• Claim amount is in PKR, which has depreciated significantly

• No coverage for medical evacuation or treatment in Vietnam

Buy Dai-ichi Life Vietnam (Pros):

• Immediate payout in VND/USD

• Covers you for risks specific to Vietnam (traffic accidents, tropical diseases, etc.)

• Faster claims processing for deaths occurring in Vietnam

Buy Dai-ichi Life Vietnam (Cons):

• New relationship, no history

• Language barrier

Verdict: Do not cancel your Pakistani policy. It remains your safety net for retirement in Pakistan. However, supplement it with a Dai-ichi Life Vietnam term life policy. This diversifies your currency exposure and ensures your family has immediate access to cash in Vietnam or Pakistan without waiting for international claim settlements.

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Part 8: Frequently Asked Questions (Pakistani Expats)

Q: Does Dai-ichi Life Vietnam accept Pakistani CNIC as identification?
A: No. Your Pakistani CNIC is not recognized for insurance contracting in Vietnam. You must use your passport and Vietnamese Temporary Residence Card.

Q: If I return to Pakistan permanently, what happens to my policy?
A: You have three options:

1. Continue paying premiums from Pakistan (requires international bank transfer).

2. Surrender the policy for cash value (if it is a whole life/endowment plan).

3. Let the policy lapse (not recommended).

Q: Can I buy insurance for my children who are in Pakistan?
A: Generally no. The insured person must be physically present in Vietnam for medical underwriting (if required) and have insurable interest within Vietnam.

Q: Does Dai-ichi cover death from COVID-19 or other pandemics?
A: Yes, standard life insurance policies cover death from any natural cause, including pandemics, provided the policy was active and premiums were paid.

Q: Is there any Pakistani agent working at Dai-ichi Life Vietnam?
A: The salesforce is predominantly Vietnamese. There are no known Pakistani-origin agents, but English-speaking Vietnamese agents are available in major cities.

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Conclusion: Is Dai-ichi Life Vietnam Right for You?

To answer the core question directly:

Yes, Pakistani expats can purchase Dai-ichi Life Vietnam insurance. There is no policy, regulation, or internal rule barring Pakistani nationals. Your eligibility is determined by your residency status, health, and age—not your passport.

However, the decision is not purely about eligibility.

The Final Recommendation:

1. If you are looking for pure family protection at a reasonable cost while working in Vietnam, Dai-ichi Life Vietnam’s Term Life plan is an excellent, suitable choice. It provides the financial security your family needs without complex investment elements.

2. If you are seeking Halal/Takaful-compliant coverage, you must exercise personal judgment. Vietnam currently offers no pure Takaful alternative. You may wish to limit your purchase to term life and critical illness riders only, avoiding savings/endowment products.

3. If you are over 50 or have significant pre-existing conditions, expect premium loading or possible declination. This is standard industry practice globally .

Your Action Plan:

1. Do not apply online. Visit a Dai-ichi Life Vietnam branch in District 2 (HCMC) or Tay Ho (Hanoi).

2. Explicitly request an English-speaking consultant. Do not settle for a colleague who speaks "a little English"—insurance is too important for miscommunication.

3. Request a Term Life + Critical Illness quote only. This keeps your premium low and your coverage focused.

4. Request a bilingual policy summary to verify the terms in English.

5. Keep your Pakistani policy active as your long-term retirement and family protection vehicle.

By taking this balanced approach, you secure your present in Vietnam while preserving your future in Pakistan.