Health insurance in Hong Kong for foreign expats

Hong Kong’s healthcare system as with many other destinations, is a dual system, consisting of both public and private healthcare providers. Each sector sticks to the highest possible standards, with well-trained healthcare professionals, many of whom speak English or a second language, as well as modern facilities and state-of-the-art medical equipment. 

The public sector has over 40 hospitals – most of which offer a 24-hour accident and emergency service – and almost 50 specialist outpatient clinics. There are also plenty of healthcare centres that provide dedicated services like screenings and care for new and expectant mothers, as well as infants and toddlers.

Overall, Hong Kong has a well-regulated and highly regarded healthcare system that places a strong emphasis on patient-centered care and all-round health. 

Hong Kong’s Health Bureau is responsible for developing and maintaining the region’s healthcare policies. It promises ‘lifelong holistic healthcare to every citizen of Hong Kong, and ensure[s] that no one is denied adequate medical treatment due to lack of means’.¹ The public healthcare system in Hong Kong is, therefore, available to all citizens and eligible residents. 

Public healthcare services and functions are jointly operated by the Department of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority (HA). The DH provides communities with a range of subsidised healthcare services through health centres and clinics. Meanwhile the HA manages all public hospitals in Hong Kong, providing outpatient, inpatient and emergency services, as well as specialist and rehabilitation services.

Any resident or citizen with a Hong Kong Identity Card is eligible to receive public healthcare services at a heavily reduced rate. Public healthcare is funded by the government and residents aren’t required to pay into the scheme through social security or any other mandatory insurance-based contributions. This also applies to expat residents who meet certain eligibility requirements. 

However, if you’re not eligible, or you choose to use the private system, you’ll need to cover all your healthcare costs. As Hong Kong has some of the highest medical fees in the world, it’s advisable to make sure you have adequate healthcare cover to cover as much of the cost as possible.

In Hong Kong, the public healthcare system isn’t completely free, but it offers most healthcare services at a heavily discounted price to any citizen or eligible resident with a Hong Kong Identity Card. 

Healthcare is heavily subsidised by the Hong Kong government, so residents only pay nominal fees for most services at a public hospital or doctor’s office. The government also doesn’t ask for any monetary contributions towards the public healthcare system, so if you’re eligible for public healthcare, your overall spend should be very low. 

If you live in Hong Kong, you’ll need to meet certain criteria to be eligible for public healthcare at a lower cost. The good news is, you don’t need to have been there for a certain amount of time or be a permanent resident (who’s lived in Hong Kong for over seven years) to qualify. 

What you will need is a Hong Kong Identity Card. These are mandatory for anyone over the age of 11 that’s permitted to stay in Hong Kong for more than three months. To apply, you’ll need your passport and the appropriate long-term visa, and this has to be done within 30 days of your arrival. 

If you don’t meet the eligibility requirements for an ID card, you’ll be classified as ‘non-eligible’ for the public healthcare system. This means, while you can still be treated at a state-run hospital or clinic, you won’t have access to the subsidised rates so could pay four or five times as much for the same public services.

Everyone’s circumstances are different, so make sure you check your eligibility before you arrive. If you’re not eligible for public healthcare, you might want to consider getting a healthcare plan to cover any healthcare costs. This would also give you access to private services where you can avoid waiting lists and get faster medical care. More information can be found on Hong Kong’s government website.

Doctor visits

The Hong Kong healthcare system is first-class, but it does face a number of challenges. One of the most noticeable issues is the city’s lack of doctors. According to the government’s Health Bureau, the doctor-to-patient ratio in Hong Kong is around two for every 1000 people². This is lower in comparison to leading healthcare nations like the US, the UK, Japan and Australia and there can be lengthy waiting times as a result.²

Doctors are registered as primary care providers, so they’re generally the first point of contact for any ongoing healthcare requirements. You can find a local doctor to register with by using the government’s Primary Care Directory. You’ll usually need to make an appointment well in advance when using the public healthcare system, as services are in very high demand.

Public hospitals, outpatient clinics and medical services in Hong Kong are organised into regional groups (or ‘clusters’), so any referrals or ongoing care can be managed efficiently and in the same geographical area.

Emergency care in Hong Kong 

Most of the hospitals in Hong Kong offer 24/7 emergency care, and the emergency services are generally very reliable. The phone number for all emergency services, including ambulances, is 999.

Dental care in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong public healthcare system doesn’t include dental care. So, except for any emergency care that might involve dental work in the hospital, you’ll need to find a private dentist and cover your costs out-of-pocket or with a private healthcare plan.

Most of Hong Kong’s dental clinics offer everything from standard procedures to cosmetic dental surgery. The costs vary wildly depending on the clinic, the services you receive and the dentist you choose, so it’s a good idea to confirm the costs in advance. Costs can add up if you need multiple appointments and services, so it’s worth considering a private healthcare plan that covers dental services.

Dentists in Hong Kong are private practitioners, but they are listed as primary care providers in the government’s Primary Care Directory. While there are plenty of private dental clinics to choose from in Hong Kong, you might find the number of options a bit overwhelming, so this directory makes it easier to find the services you need. 

Hong Kong pharmacies 

Hong Kong has plenty of pharmacies, which can usually be identified by a red-and-white cross sign displayed outside. Not all pharmacies will carry this sign, and it isn’t a guarantee of quality, so it might be worth asking a healthcare professional for recommendations on where to find a reputable pharmacy. 

Hong Kong medicines

Pharmacies carry most prescription medications, though it’s worth noting that a medicine you’re familiar with might be sold under a different name, so you may need to check you’ve been given the right one. 

Prescriptions can also be dispensed at hospitals and they usually qualify for reduced costs if you’re eligible under the public system, so may only incur a nominal cost. Private hospitals, on the other hand, will charge full price for the same medication.

As a rule, private healthcare cover isn’t mandatory for expats in Hong Kong. But it’s worth noting that certain visas might not be issued unless you have cover, or your employer includes some kind of private healthcare plan as part of your package. 

It’s also worth noting that, if you don’t qualify for subsidised healthcare costs under the public system for any reason, you’ll have to pay. And Hong Kong has some of the most expensive standard and private healthcare costs in the world. You could therefore save a huge amount of money by ensuring you have adequate private health cover before moving to Hong Kong.

And even if you are eligible for the public healthcare system in Hong Kong, there can be very long waiting times for certain procedures and treatments. The exceptionally high standard of public services means it’s in very high demand from a growing – and ageing – population, so certain resources are very stretched. A private healthcare plan could give you faster access to medical care and provide a wider range of treatment options. 

Ultimately, whether or not you need private health insurance in Hong Kong depends on your individual circumstances and healthcare needs. It’s worth checking your eligibility and exploring all your options before you arrive.

The emergency services number in Hong Kong  is 999. 

For speech or hearing impairment you can call for assistance via SMS using 992.

Both numbers can be used for all types of emergencies.

Hong Kong’s dental system offers a mix of public and private dental care. Dental insurance is not a necessity but it can be helpful depending on your circumstances.

Public services are limited to emergency care, pain relief and extraction. The price of care is generally free or low cost but with less availability and longer waiting time.

The private dental sector is extensive with many private clinics providing a wide range of services. Standard of care is high with many dentists trained overseas and fluent in English. Overall, the cost of private dental care is more expensive than public dental care, with prices varying based on the clinic and treatment required. Having international medical insurance that includes dental cover can help reduce these costs.

Ultimately, whether you need dental insurance depends on your personal health needs, financial situation, and comfort with potential out-of-pocket expenses. 

How much you pay for health insurance in Hong Kong is dependent on whether you choose public or private, and other various factors. It’s helpful for you to consider both options before deciding.

Public Healthcare

Hong Kong doesn’t have a traditional public health insurance system like many other countries. Instead, the government heavily subsidises public healthcare services, making them more affordable for residents. Fees will vary depending on whether you fall into the following categories:

-          Holder of a valid Hong Kong identity card issued under the Registration of Persons Ordinance.

-          Child who is a Hong Kong resident and under 11 years of age.

-          Person approved by the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority.

If you fall into any of the above categories, you’re classed as an ‘Eligible Person’ and some examples of public hospital charges are as follows:

Source: Hospital Authority 2024

For ‘Non-Eligible Persons’ fees become a lot more expensive:

Source: Hospital Authority 2024

Private

For most expats private health insurance is an option worth considering. The Hong Kong government tends to issue a visa only if you’re signed up to a private insurance healthcare plan. This is to prevent the burden on the public healthcare system. The cost of private health varies greatly. Some of the factors that influence the cost are:

-          Age

-          Location

-          Inflation

-          Medical History

-          Level of coverage