CT Scan in Hong Kong: Where to Go and Costs

Computed tomography scan, or CT scan in short, is a common imaging technology used for diagnosis of tumors, internal injuries, bone fractures and many other health conditions. It involves the use of sophisticated X-ray machines but can offer more details for medical diagnosis than regular X-ray images. Read our guide below for your options to get a CT scan in Hong Kong and their costs.

What is a CT Scan?

Computed tomography scan (CT scan), formerly known as computed axial tomography or CAT scan, is a precise diagnostic imaging technique used by doctors to examine body tissues and organs. It creates cross-sectional images using computers and rotating X-ray machines, and is performed by a radiologist.

By visualizing the internal body structures, the technology finds its application in diagnosing and locating tumors, bone fractures, internal injuries, heart diseases, blood clots and infections. A CT scan can be performed on all parts of the body, but are most commonly used to image:

• Heart
• Thorax
• Abdomen
• Pelvis
• Bones and joints

Most of the time, you will need to get a CT scan only when doctors recommend it for diagnostic purposes. The results will be interpreted by a radiologist, who will then prepare a report for your doctor to follow up on your condition.

CT Scan vs. MRI: What is the difference?

CT scan and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are commonly used diagnostic technologies that are often put into comparison. Technologically speaking, MRI makes use of radio waves and magnets to capture images, instead of X-rays in a CT scan. MRI scans usually produce a more detailed image of soft tissues, though the procedure costs more and takes slightly longer to be done.

Normally, your doctor will suggest the most appropriate diagnostic method for you based on the specific diagnostic purpose. Be sure to let your doctor know any health conditions or concerns you have.

What to expect during a CT Scan?

Before the procedure, you may be advised not to eat or drink for a few hours. Contrast materials made of iodine or barium sulfate will be given orally or by injection, if necessary, to help doctors identify structures like blood vessels and organs more easily. You may have to change into a hospital gown and remove all metal objects like necklaces, watches and earrings.

During a CT scan, you will lie on a table that slides you inside the doughnut-shaped CT machine, in which X-rays will move to produce two-dimensional slices to visualize the organs and tissues inside your body.

Make sure you lie very still on the table as movements may cause blurriness in the image. The scanning process usually takes a few minutes only and the entire procedure should finish within half an hour.

If you are pregnant, allergic to contrast dye, suffering from thyroid disorders or have kidney problems, you may not be suitable for a CT scan. Please talk to your doctor for recommendations.

How Alea can help you save on insurance

Where to get a CT Scan in Hong Kong and how much does it cost?

CT Scan in the Public Sector

In the public healthcare system, CT examination is categorized under private services and costs $740-5,480, depending on the body parts involved. You may refer to the Hospital Authority Radiology Services website for more information.

Keep in mind that waiting times can be very long in the public sector.

CT Scan in the Private Sector

Private hospitals

There are 13 private hospitals in Hong Kong and each of them provides a range of CT scan services with their radiology departments. To save your time, we have summarized their fees for you as below.

Private hospital	Head & Neck	Spine	Thorax	Upper Abdomen	Pelvis	Extremity/Joints
Canossa Hospital Tel: 2522 2181	HK$ 2,950 - HK$ 5,460	n/a	HK$ 4,410 - HK$ 12,240	HK$ 6,615 - HK$ 19,635	n/a	n/a
CUHK Medical Centre Tel: 3946 6533	HK$ 2,250 - HK$ 5,370	HK$ 3,360 - HK$ 6,140	HK$ 2,250 - HK$ 6,780	HK$ 3,100 - HK$ 6,260	HK$ 3,200 - HK$ 6,150	n/a
Evangel Hospital Tel: 2760 3415	HK$ 2,100 - HK$ 8,900	HK$ 1,100 - HK$ 7,400	HK$ 3,000 - HK$ 10,300	HK$ 3,000 - HK$ 8,900	HK$ 3,000 - HK$ 8,900	HK$ 2,600 - HK$ 7,900
Gleneagles Hong Kong Hospital Tel: 2122 1333	HK$ 2,970 - HK$ 12,480	HK$ 4,620 - HK$ 14,240	HK$ 4,050 - HK$ 12,800	$HK $3,690 - HK$12,000	HK$ 6,840 - HK$ 20,800 (abdomen + pelvis)	HK$ 4,230 - HK$ 12,480
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Stubbs Road Tel: 2835 0515	HK$ 2,500 - HK$ 8,320	HK$ 4,300 - HK$ 7,950	HK$ 6,400 - HK$ 11,840	HK$ 6,200 - HK$ 11,470	n/a	HK$ 3,700 - HK$ 6,840
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Tsuen Wan Tel: 2275 6688	HK$ 1,890 - HK$ 10,050	HK$ 4,130 - HK$ 9,750	HK$ 2,940 - HK$ 10,500	HK$ 2,730 - HK$ 10,050	HK$ 2,730 - HK$ 10,050	n/a
Hong Kong Baptist Hospital Tel: 2339 8982	HK$ 2,380 - HK$ 12,510	n/a	HK$ 4,110 - HK$ 10,980	HK$ 3,530 - HK$ 10,230	HK$ 3,530 - HK$ 9,550	n/a
Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital Tel: 2835 8900	HK$ 3,340 - HK$ 11,220	HK$ 4,010 - HK$ 10,820	HK$ 4,740 - HK$ 10,240	HK$ 4,180 - HK$ 9,020	HK$ 4,740 - HK$ 10,240	HK$ 4,790 - HK$ 9,770
Matilda International Hospital Tel: 2849 0111	HK$ 2,670 - HK$ 9,090	HK$ 2,070 - HK$ 14,890	HK$ 4,250 - HK$ 12,720	HK$ 4,250 - HK$ 12,720	HK$ 4,250 - HK$ 12,720	HK$ 3,880 - HK$ 11,260
Precious Blood Hospital Tel: 3971 9948	HK$ 2,205 - HK$ 7,245	HK$ 4,410 - HK$ 6,615	HK$ 5,565 - HK$ 9,923	HK$ 5,145 - HK$ 7,718	HK$ 5,145 - HK$ 7,718	n/a
St Paul’s Hospital Tel: 2830 3786	HK$ 2,040 - HK$ 8,170	HK$ 4,170 - HK$ 10,010	HK$ 3,400 - HK$ 9,800	HK$ 3,000 - HK$ 9,260	HK$ 3,000 - HK$ 9,260	HK$ 2,860 - HK$ 8,570
**St Teresa’s Hospital** Tel: 2715 8660	HK$ 1,450 - HK$ 8,500	n/a	HK$ 2,250 - HK$ 9,100	HK$ 2,250 - HK$ 9,100	HK$ 2,250 - HK$ 9,100	n/a
Union Hospital Tel: 2608 3388	HK$ 2,300 - HK$ 4,200	n/a	HK$ 4,000 - HK$ 6,600	HK$ 3,200 - HK$ 6,100	HK$ 3,200 - HK$ 6,100	n/a

*Charges in private hospitals are different for plain/contrast scanning, the exact body part(s) scanned, inpatient/outpatient services and various types of rooms. Some hospitals offer special packages for a combination of scanning items.

*All amounts are in HKD and were last updated in June 2024. No responsibility is accepted for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. It is always best to call ahead to make sure the information is still up-to-date.

Private clinics/Imaging centers

Some private clinics and imaging centers in Hong Kong also offer CT scanning options. As charges may be subject to changes, you may consider giving them a call in advance for the latest pricing and consult your options.

Clinic/Imaging center	Address
EXACT CT Imaging Centre Tel: 2397 6899	Suite 1001, 10/F, 26 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Hong Kong Advanced Imaging Tel: 9885 9813	Mong Kok: 12/F, Office Tower, Langham Place, 8 Argyle Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon; Tsim Sha Tsui: Rm 210- 213, 2/F, HK Pacific Centre, 28 Hankow Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon; Yuen Long: Shop No.11-12, Block 2, Yuccie Square, 38 On Ning Road
Hong Kong Imaging and Diagnostic Centre Tel: 2801 6338 / 2801 6869	Suite 515-519, 5th Floor, Central Building, 1-3 Pedder Street, Central, Hong Kong
Quality HealthCare Central/ PET CT Scan Centre Tel: 2896 1109	4/F, EuBank Plaza, 9 Chiu Lung Street, Central, Hong Kong
Trinity Medical Centre Tel: 2197 0122	7B, Entertainment Building, 30 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong

Does health insurance cover CT Scan in Hong Kong?

CT Scan costs are reimbursed in Hong Kong when prescribed by a medical doctor and used to make a diagnosis for treatment. That being said, most local plans in Hong Kong impose an annual limit and depending on how high the CT Scan costs are, you may have to pay any outstanding amount out-of-pocket. As for high-end medical plans, most cover CT Scan costs in full without any sub-limit. When reading your health insurance table of benefits, look for the following categories: Diagnostic scans and tests, Brain and Body scans, Diagnostics, or Advanced Medical Imaging. If you have any health insurance questions, contact an Alea advisor at hello@alea.care.