Your guide to choosing health insurance in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has an abundance of health insurance options sure to keep you and your loved ones healthy. While the city’s public healthcare system is world-class and virtually free, many expats opt for private health insurance of some kind. Peace of mind, more holistic care and shorter waiting times are just some of the reasons Hong Kongers invest in private health insurance. Here are some of the things we encourage you to consider when choosing a healthcare plan.

Do I need private health insurance in Hong Kong?

If you ask whether or not you need health insurance in Hong Kong, you will most likely receive the same answer across the board: “It depends”. Unlike places like the US where healthcare costs are high and health insurance is extremely beneficial, Hong Kong gives us the option of a much cheaper government system, or on the flipside, one of the most expensive private systems in the world.

For those without employer-provided health insurance, you just need to work out which system is going to be best for you and your family – private or public healthcare. If going private, chances are you will opt for health insurance to cover those hefty fees. 

If you are single, or a young couple living in Hong Kong you will probably get by just fine without any sort of health insurance, navigating the public system as you go. If you are a family with children, you may well benefit from health insurance in order to save some money when going private.

Should I choose public or private healthcare?

Public healthcare

Pros

It’s much, much cheaper than going private. For example, at hospitals like Queen Mary, no matter the treatment your visit will only cost you $100 per day. All it takes is the swipe of your Octopus Card! A full set of charges can be found here. Government hospitals actually have the best medical facilities in Hong Kong. If you are delivering a baby at a private hospital and there are complications, you will be transferred to a public facility like Queen Mary anyway.

Cons

Wait time is long. Most government clinics and emergency departments work on a ‘worst case’ basis, with those who have more severe issues seen to first. In general, if there are no life-threatening cases needing immediate treatment, it will be ‘first come first served’ with queues often forming before the clinic has even opened – so be prepared for a long wait time. The public healthcare system also doesn’t include dental care.

Details of all public hospitals in Hong Kong can be found here.

Private healthcare

Pros

Shorter wait times. At a hospital like Adventist Hospital, you will only wait around 15 minutes before being assessed. This is convenient if you have a distressed child with a broken bone.

Cons

The cost. A visit to Adventist Hospital for example could set you back around $1,500, compared to the $100 visit at a public hospital. This is also excluding necessary medication, which is why health insurance is a good option if you are thinking of going private. Giving birth at a private hospital can cost over $250,000 when adding things like epidurals and private rooms – another reason to think about health insurance.

Many private hospitals do not have A&E departments, and do refer patients to the closest public hospital.

Read more about the 12 private hospitals in Hong Kong.

How much does private health insurance cost?

Hong Kong’s insurance sector is pretty competitive and prices are therefore pretty reasonable. Still, you’ll want to shop around to make sure you are getting the best deal. Costs differ vastly depending on the sort of cover you want, from minimal accident coverage to comprehensive cover including dentistry, opticians and routine body checks. Of course, health insurance price also depend on your age, profession, nationality and pre-existing conditions. Most quotes will come in between $5,000 and $30,000.

What should I consider?

There’s a lot to consider when purchasing health insurance aside from the initial price. What services are covered? Are they fully covered or what are the overall annual limits? Is there a deduction or an amount of money you need to spend yourself before you can start claiming? Does your insurer pay the bill directly to health service providers? Does the coverage limit you to certain hospitals or doctors? Are extras such as opticians, dentists and maternity included? How do existing health conditions affect the price and is a health examination required?

What are my options?

One of your biggest choices will be whether to choose a local plan (only covering Hong Kong treatment) or global coverage. International coverage will obviously suit people who spend a lot of time abroad, either travelling or perhaps back in your home country. You can, of course, mix and match private healthcare and insurance with Hong Kong’s public healthcare system. For example, you might choose to buy coverage for inpatient care in the event of a serious accident or illness. You could, meanwhile, continue to receive outpatient care using Hong Kong’s public system.

Which providers should I consider?

• HSBC Medical Insurance: Offers flexible health plans for you and your family.
• AXA: Rated as the number one global insurance brand.
• Manulife: Medical care packages cover all major hospitals and medical centres.
• BUPA: For local expertise and global healthcare knowledge.
• Or talk to a broker: If you are unsure about whether or not you and your family will benefit from health insurance, contact a broker to get the best information.