L'ABC de l'assurance santé à Hong Kong

One of the main concerns of an expatriate when moving abroad is health and how to properly protect it. Most of the time, this involves insurance. However, it is difficult to know which product to choose when you do not know the specific characteristics of the country you are moving to.

Here is an expert explanation of the Hong Kong healthcare system, as well as an overview of your health insurance options.

Public Sector vs. Private Sector

In Hong Kong, it is essential to clearly understand the difference between the public and private healthcare systems, in order to know what type of insurance is right for you and your family.

1 - The Network:

The Hong Kong public healthcare system comprises 43 public hospitals, 74 general outpatient clinics, and 49 specialist clinics spread across the territory. This represents 18 emergency wings and approximately 28,000 beds.

On the other hand, the private sector has 12 hospitals distributed between Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. This is equivalent to 4,600 beds and two emergency departments, located at Union Hospital and Gleneagles Hospital.

2 - Waiting Times

The Hong Kong public hospital network faces a significant challenge regarding waiting times. These can be very long and can reach 1 year or more to see certain specialist doctors. Conversely, this is not the case in the private sector, where it is possible to see a doctor extremely quickly.

3 - Costs

Apart from the network, the main reason for the congestion in the public sector is its highly affordable price for eligible persons (Hong Kong residents and people holding an HKID). For example, a routine medical consultation costs HK$50, which is approximately 6 euros.

In contrast, the private sector is the second most expensive in the world after the United States. If you wish to opt for the latter, it will be important to consider taking out health insurance.

4 - Comfort

As in France, the public sector is not always renowned for its comfort or its food. Patient comfort is not among its top priorities; its main goal is to treat. This is not the case for the private sector, which must stand out from its competitors. The comfort of its patients is therefore important, and they are treated almost like customers to be satisfied. Hospitals thus offer very attractive facilities with extremely comfortable rooms and high-quality food, sometimes prepared by famous chefs.

5 - Language

As explained above, the private sector seeks to satisfy its customer-patients, and the doctors, like most of the medical staff, speak English. This is why many expatriates choose to receive treatment in the private sector. Indeed, going to the public sector can sometimes prove to be a difficult experience because, unlike the doctors, the nursing and care staff often speak little English. Communication can then become difficult.

6 - Choice

One of the advantages of the private sector is the choice of your healthcare practitioner. You can see the dermatologist, gynecologist, or general practitioner of your choice. In case of hospitalization or childbirth, for example, you can even choose your entire medical team, from the pediatrician to the obstetrician, as well as the anesthesiologist. Conversely, the public sector does not allow you to choose your doctor; one will be assigned to you based on staff rosters.

To Take or Not to Take Health Insurance?

Due to the public/private differences and depending on your choice, it may not be necessary to take out health insurance. Indeed, if you decide to receive care in the public sector, taking out medical coverage is not mandatory given the low cost of healthcare. Conversely, if you plan to use the private sector, subscribing to health insurance is highly recommended.

In any case, and due to the very long waiting times in the public sector, it is advised to always have at least inpatient / hospitalization coverage. Indeed, if you need surgery quickly but do not fall under the emergency medical cases of the public sector, it is important that you have the option to turn to the private sector. There are insurance products that allow you to be covered only for hospitalization cases (inpatient), which will also significantly lower the cost of your insurance premium.

Your Health Insurance Options

Here are the options available to you when it comes to insurance:

• Group Insurance: This is provided by your employer. Be careful, however, as it is often far from sufficient. Sub-limits exist, and these can be low compared to the costs of the private sector. It may then be worthwhile to have personal top-up coverage.

• Individual / Family: You can also take out insurance on your own. This can be local or international.

• The Caisse des Français de l'étranger (CFE): This organization is an advantage for French citizens or anyone who has previously been affiliated with the French social security system. The CFE provides coverage up to the level of French social security reimbursement, and it does not discriminate with respect to pre-existing conditions (explained below).

When Do You Need Health Insurance the Most?

In Hong Kong, insurers discriminate with respect to pre-existing conditions. This means that you will not be covered in the same way, nor will you pay the same price, depending on your medical history.

Indeed, all illnesses or conditions that arose before your subscription must be declared to your insurer. This history will then be reviewed, which may result in an additional surcharge on your annual premium or an exclusion of coverage. Because of this, the best time to take out health insurance is when you are young and in good health.

This may seem shocking to French citizens accustomed to their healthcare system, but this discrimination is entirely standard in the insurance world. If your medical history is not clear and you wish to take out health insurance, do not hesitate to contact a broker in order to receive proper advice for your specific case.