An Expat Guide To Health Insurance In Hong Kong

By Author: Sunny
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Expat Life in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a former British colony that was passed over to China in 1997 when Britain’s 99 year lease expired. It is now a special administrative region of China and is still widely regarded as the place where East meets West. With cosmopolitan business districts and vibrant islands, life in Hong Kong is exciting, varied and eye-opening. It’s no wonder around 360,000 expats have settled there. Hong Kong is a major corporate and banking center despite its size. Expats and travelers should research about healthcare in the country before moving to Hong Kong as it recently got voted the most expensive place in the world to live in. This makes the need for expat health insurance in Hong Kong ever more important when residing in the territory.

Medical Insurance in Hong Kong
Health insurance in Hong Kong is an essential investment for anyone living or working in this vibrant city. With the rising cost of healthcare and medical services, having insurance coverage can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected medical expenses. Hong Kong is a country whose ...
... medical costs are among the highest in the world. In fact, it is second highest in the world only to the USA. As the public medical care system might not be an option for all expats, buying private medical insurance is certainly recommended. Additionally, you might want to supplement your employer-provided insurance plan if it does not cover everything you find necessary.

Private hospitals in Hong Kong exist purely for those who opt to purchase private medical insurance in Hong Kong. These facilities are used the vast majority of the time by expatriates. They are a great choice if you need to be seen or treated immediately, want to speak to a medical professional in English (which is not always possible in the public system) and see the best possible consultants and specialists for you and your family.
For visits to see a doctor about a minor ailment or illness, consultations are available at both public and private hospitals. While procedures vary by facility, there are generally no appointments made in the private sector. You can often arrive and be seen instantly. Private outpatient clinics can usually take patients without delay, while the public system has a six-month waiting period for some outpatient clinics. The public system adheres to a strict booking system where at least 24 hours notice must be given before you go to see a GP.