Healthcare in Hong Kong
Since the Hong Kong Hospital Authority began management over a decade ago, healthcare in Hong Kong is now world class.The local population is among the healthiest in the world, with a life expectancy of 82 recorded in 2011; a figure that’s higher than even that of the states and most Europe countries.
Both public and private hospitals in Hong Kong are modern and equipped with the latest medical technology, but they also carry some of the world’s highest healthcare costs, just behind the US and China.
Public hospitals charge higher fees for non-residents; although, most expats in Hong Kong use only private hospitals. It is important to have insurance with an overseas insurance company, and to make sure a chosen hospital is included in the coverage (usually almost all Hong Kong hospitals are usually included).
Doctors in Hong Kong regularly speak English, and many have received training from Western universities; though, the individuals who did receive accreditation from abroad are likely to charge higher rates than those with similar local degrees
Public healthcare in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong public healthcare system is made up of hospitals, day hospitals, specialist clinics, general out-patient clinics, Chinese Medicine services and community outreach services. Citizens, and those expats with a Hong Kong Identity Card, are entitled to subsidised service, but foreigners without residency must shoulder costs that are somewhat similar to fees incurred by private entities; services are charged at market rates.
Generally, most expats accept that the standard found in public hospitals is high, but they’re also of the opinion that service levels can be lacking and efficiency can suffer. If you ever visit a public hospital more than once, it’s unlikely you’ll see the same doctor twice.
Private healthcare in Hong Kong
Because costs are similar, service is better, waiting times are lower and soft comforts (like private and semi-private rooms) are more accessible, most expats choose to use private healthcare in Hong Kong.
There are 13 UK-accredited hospitals in this special administrative region, and an assortment of private practices and outpatient clinics.
Fees tend to be slightly higher than in the public sector, and expats will need to organise some form of local or international health insurance to cover costs. It’s common for employers to negotiate health coverage in an employment contract, but if this perk is not part of your package, there are plenty of service providers to choose from.
Plans vary widely, so be sure to find out what’s included in an employer-sponsored scheme, and if securing a plan yourself, it’s best to solicit a few comparative quotes.
Health concerns in Hong Kong
The biggest health concern in Hong Kong is the air pollution. Pollution levels hit record heights in 2010, and as emissions from Southern China continue to creep over the border and blanket the city, there looks to be little change in the trend.
Expats with asthma and chronic respiratory diseases may experience an increase in symptoms as a result, and even healthy foreigners may suffer from nose, throat and chest irritation. Children, the elderly, and those with vulnerable immune systems are most commonly affected. That said, most healthy people exposed to air pollution for a short time experience no lasting negative effects.
Otherwise, it’s safe to drink Hong Kong’s tap water, but expats should be wary of buying meats and seafood from local markets.
Private hospitals in Hong Kong
| Adventist Hospital | 40 Stubbs Road | Tel: (852) 3651 8888 | www.hkah.org.hk |
| Canossa Hospital | 1 Old Peak Road | Tel: (852) 2522 2181 | www.canossahospital.org.hk |
| Hong Kong Central Hospital | One Lower Albert Road, Central | Tel: (852) 2522 3141 | www.hkch.org |
| Matilda and War Memorial Hospital | 41 Mount Kellett Road, The Peak | Tel: (852) 2849 0111 | www.matilda.org |
| Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital | 2 Village Road, Happy Valley | Tel: (852) 2572 0211 | www.hksh.com |
