The healthcare system in Hong Kong: An informative overview

One of the most crucial things to think about as an expat moving to, or living in Hong Kong is, undoubtedly, how to go about accessing its healthcare system. In this vibrant metropolis, you’ll find that there are many quality healthcare options available from both the public and private systems, and rest assured that the healthcare infrastructure holds worldwide recognition for its efficiency and reliability.

Of course, Hong Kong’s healthcare system is not without its flaws, and a number of medical infrastructure challenges do exist, just like they would in any other city. We’ve created this informative overview of Hong Kong’s healthcare system to help uncover some key information on healthcare and health insurance in the city-state.

Should I go public or private?

One of the first things you’ll want to consider when in need of a medical service is, of course, which facility you would like to seek treatment from. There are pros and cons to both the public and private healthcare systems, and the ideal choice for you will depend on your own budget requirements and preferences.

The public healthcare system

The heavily subsidized public system ensures that everyone who meets the eligibility requirements has access to essential healthcare, regardless of their financial means. It is managed by the Hospital Authority (HA), which is a statutory body providing public hospitals and related services to the citizens of Hong Kong. The HA offers essential medical treatment and rehabilitation services to patients through hospitals, day hospitals, specialist clinics, general outpatient clinics, Chinese medicine services, and community outreach services.

The public sector consists of 43 public hospitals and institutions (around 28,000 beds), as well as 49 specialist outpatient clinics and 74 general outpatient clinics organized into 7 hospital clusters.

Click here for a list of public hospitals, outpatient clinics, Chinese medicine centers, and locations of other public health services.

The pros

The advanced quality of medical care coupled with very affordable rates are both major reasons behind why the public system is so attractive to the majority of Hong Kong Identity Card (HKIC) holders. For example, the cost of availing general out-patient services starts at just HKD $50; and public accident and emergency fees are only HKD $180 per attendance. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that the public system provides 90% of all in-patient bed days.

Table of public charges for eligible persons

Source: Hospital Authority – Amendments effective 18 June 2017

The cons

The public system in Hong Kong has become increasingly overburdened, resulting in infamously long waiting lists and waiting times for a majority of services. As of writing, A&E waiting times vary from around 2 hours (Ruttonjee Hospital) to over 5 hours (Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital).

Lack of doctors

The primary challenge faced by the public health system is the lack of doctors. Currently, the doctor-to-patient ratio in Hong Kong stands at 2:1000, according to statistics from the Department of Health (DH) in Hong Kong. This is low given the city’s status as a medical hub within the region.

This could prove fatal to the future of public health and its ability to provide high-quality and safe medical care. A comprehensive healthcare manpower review by the Food and Health Bureau projected a shortfall of 1,007 doctors by 2030 if Hong Kong maintains its current level of service.

Short-term expats are not eligible

What’s more, it’s important to note that not everyone gets to enjoy the attractively low hospital charges available to “eligible persons”.

In fact, many short-term expats (non-eligible persons) will find themselves subject to different public charges, which can be alarmingly expensive compared to the costs charged in your home country. If you’re not covered by a subsidy, either because you’re in Hong Kong for a short trip or you’re not sponsored for a visa, then an accident and emergency visit will set you back by HKD $1,230 per attendance, and a visit requiring intensive care will jump to HKD $24,400 per day.

Table of public charges for eligible persons

Source: Hospital Authority – Amendments effective 29/01/2020

Considering the drawbacks associated with the city’s public system, an increasing number of expats and locals alike are choosing to avail the private system instead.

The private healthcare system

With a total of 11 registered hospitals, the private sector offers all kinds of amenities and has witnessed an increase in demand locally, as well as from Mainland Chinese patients looking to take advantage of the luxurious perks and short wait times offered by private facilities.

Click here for a list of private hospitals.

To ensure that private hospitals are at the highest standards, the DH monitors the compliance of private hospitals with relevant regulations by conducting comprehensive inspections. In addition, the DH handles medical incidents and complaints lodged by the general public against private hospitals and their subsidiaries in the sector.

The pros

Private sector hospitals in Hong Kong are truly world-class, with some hospitals even providing patients the option of ordering 5-star hotel meals to be delivered straight to their hospital beds. Private rooms with your own TV, “VIP suites” with a balcony overlooking the city, and à la carte meals are just a select few of the myriad of luxurious services and personalized choices available to those who can afford to seek treatment from private facilities.

Despite its high price tag, the superior service provided by medical staff, who are often able to speak a number of foreign languages, as well as much shorter waiting times and longer visiting hours, all point to why a growing number of people prefer private healthcare treatment in Hong Kong, especially expats and their families.

The cons

The increasing cost of private healthcare in Hong Kong is widely known, and there is little indication that this trend will be slowing. For instance, first-class in-patient care will set you back by around HKD $5,640 per day, and a C-section maternity delivery package costs up to HKD $60,500 (excluding all additional charges, such as doctors’ and nursing fees).

What you will find with private facilities is that the fees advertised for services are often not very transparent, and extra charges can be very exorbitant. As such, it’s paramount that you protect yourself financially with a robust health insurance plan.

What are Hong Kong’s best hospitals?

The best hospital for you will depend on your medical needs and requirements, so the answer to this question is not so simple. However, if you’re looking for recommendations based on hospital rankings, be sure to check out the Scimago Institutions Rankings.

And you will notice that many of the top-ranked facilities on the site belong to the private sector, so if you wish to receive private treatment without breaking the bank, having a comprehensive health insurance plan is essential.

Finding the best health insurance in Hong Kong

Those of you from countries where securing personal health insurance isn’t necessary (e.g. the UK) may find securing a private health plan quite confusing. The rest of you may be more familiar with the types of insurance coverage you can expect from an individual health insurance policy:

• Inpatient coverage: This coverage, also commonly known as hospital insurance coverage, will cover your hospitalization expenses. Generally speaking, all health insurance plans offer inpatient coverage as their bare minimum.

• Outpatient coverage: This benefit provides coverage for medical treatment that does not require an overnight stay or hospitalization (e.g. General Practitioner (GP) visits).

• Maternity coverage: This type of insurance is available as an add-on benefit for those expecting to conceive a child. The benefit covers prenatal and delivery costs and in some cases, postnatal emergency care. Be warned that maternity coverage does have a waiting period (10 – 24 months) that must elapse before you can submit claims, so it is best to secure it before you get pregnant.

• Dental coverage and vision coverage: These are common add-ons for those looking to cover their dental and optical expenses.

Then, there’s also a number of things you’ll also need to consider, such as whether you would like coverage for your pre-existing conditions (if applicable) and whether you’d like local or global health insurance coverage. If you’re stuck on finding the best health plan, consulting an established broker, like Pacific Prime, means you can take advantage of our 20+ years’ experience and knowledge in the insurance industry in Hong Kong to ensure that you have the policy you need at a price you’re comfortable with.

Contact us for obligation-free advice today!