CT Scan in Hong Kong: Where to Go and Costs
CT scan is an imaging diagnostic technique used to examine internal body tissues and organs. Find out your options for CT scan in Hong Kong and their costs.
Reviewed by a licensed advisor
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.
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 $740-5,480, depending on the body parts involved. You may refer to the Hospital Authority Radiology Services website for more information.
Keep in mind that waiting times can be very long in the public sector.
CT Scan in the Private Sector
Private hospitals
There are 13 private hospitals in Hong Kong and each of them provides a range of CT scan services with their radiology departments. To save your time, we have summarized their fees for you as below.
Private hospital | Head & Neck | Spine | Thorax | Upper Abdomen | Pelvis | Extremity/Joints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HK$ 2,950 - HK$ 5,460 | n/a | HK$ 4,410 - HK$ 12,240 | HK$ 6,615 - HK$ 19,635 | n/a | n/a | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 |
|---|---|
Suite 1001, 10/F, 26 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon | |
Mong Kok: 12/F, Office Tower, Langham Place, 8 Argyle Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon; | |
Hong Kong Imaging and Diagnostic Centre | Suite 515-519, 5th Floor, Central Building, 1-3 Pedder Street, Central, Hong Kong |
Quality HealthCare Central/ PET CT Scan Centre | 4/F, EuBank Plaza, 9 Chiu Lung Street, Central, Hong Kong |
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.
How long does a CT scan take?
Subject to the body parts concerned, a CT scan may take 10-30 minutes. But you should allocate more time before the actual scan for preparations, i.e. giving the contrast dye, finding the right position, etc.
Are there any risks?
Some people are allergic to the contrast dye and develop responses like itchiness, rash, nausea, vomiting, headache or dizziness. In addition, the ionizing radiation of X-rays used in CT scans may damage your DNA and with a low chance, cause cancer.
Written by
Julien Mathieu
Co-Founder & CEO | Official CFE Representative
Need some help?
We’re here to provide support and assistance.
