PET scan in Hong Kong: Where to Go and Costs

What is a PET scan?

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging technique used by medical professionals to check for abnormal metabolic activities in your body. This is helpful for identifying and diagnosing diseases. A radioactive tracer (aka radiotracer or radiopharmaceutical) is inhaled, ingested, or injected into your body. The tracer then collects in different organs and tissues. The scanner detects emissions from the tracer, and a computer produces three-dimensional images of the body part being examined.

Since tracers build up in areas where abnormal metabolic activity is present, these areas appear as bright spots in the PET scan. PET scans are commonly used to detect cancer, brain disorders (such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, dementia and epilepsy), and heart disease. They can also be used to monitor the spread of cancer, stage of cancer and effectiveness of cancer treatment. PSMA PET scans allow doctors to more effectively and precisely detect prostate cancer.

PET scans can often pick up on cancers and other diseases before they can be picked up by CT and MRI scans. They are frequently combined with CT or MRI as PET-CT or PET-MR (sometimes PET-MRI) scans.

What to expect during a PET scan

Before you proceed, you should tell the medical team if you are diabetic, pregnant or potentially pregnant, breastfeeding or claustrophobic. You should also notify the medical team if you are taking drugs or supplements, and tell them about your allergies (in case you might have a reaction to the radiotracer).

The medical team will provide you with detailed instructions before your PET scan. In most cases, you will need to avoid vigorous exercise for a day or two, fast for 4 to 6 hours, empty your bladder, and put on a hospital gown. If it’s a PET-CT or PET-MR scan, you will probably need to remove metal or magnetic jewelry.

During the PET scan, you will be given the radiotracer by intravenous injection, or you will be asked to swallow or inhale it. You will have to wait around an hour for your body to absorb the tracer. You will be asked to lie on a bed that will enter the donut-shaped PET scanner machine. The scanner may be a bit noisy, emitting whirring or clicking sounds – you might be allowed to wear headphones to listen to music during the scan. You must lie completely still while the scan is taking place, or the images will not be clear.

After the PET scan, you should drink lots of water to flush the radiotracer from your body. Because the radiotracer is radioactive, you might want to avoid spending time with pregnant women or infants for a few days. A radiologist will interpret your PET scan images and share them with your doctor.

PET scan charges in Hong Kong

PET scan costs in the public sector

In Hong Kong’s public healthcare system, the Hospital Authority lists PET-CT scans as private services under Radiology Services, Group VI (Nuclear Medicine) (第六組（核子醫學)).

Prices in the public sector range from HK$2,560 to HK$19,850, depending on the body parts involved. Note that the listed prices do not include the charge for radio-pharmaceuticals (tracers).

Wait times in the public sector can be very long. Since demand for radiological imaging tests outpaces supply in the public sector, the Hospital Authority has set up the Private Healthcare Info Desk to direct patients to private medical imaging services.

Discounts for HA patients

Some private hospitals and private medical clinics may provide a discount to patients with a referral letter from a public hospital or clinic under the Hospital Authority. You can call ahead to ask if this is the case.

PET scan prices at private hospitals

PET scan prices at private hospitals can cost anywhere from HK$7,000 to over HK$40,000.

*Private hospital charges depending on the type of PET scan (PET-CT vs PET-MR), whether contrast dye is used, what type of ward, which body parts are examined, and so on.

*All amounts are in HKD and were last updated in September 2022. 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.

PET scans at private clinics and imaging centers

Some private medical diagnostic centers also provide PET, PET-CT, and/or PET-MR scans. Below you may find listings of private clinics for your reference. Because prices are subject to change, it’s best to call directly to find out the charges so you can decide which service is most suitable for you.

Remember, if you have a referral letter from the Hospital Authority, you might be able to get a discount.

Are PET scans covered by insurance?

The cost of a PET scan can be reimbursed by insurance if the PET scan was prescribed by a doctor and used to make a diagnosis for treatment. Note, however, that different types of insurance plans provide different amounts of coverage.

Most standard local insurance plans in Hong Kong have an annual limit, so, depending on the cost of the PET scan, you may have to pay any outstanding amount out of pocket.

Most high-end health insurance plans cover the cost of PET scans in full without any sub-limit.

On your health insurance table of benefits, PET scans would fall under one of these categories: Diagnostic scans and tests, Brain and body scans, Diagnostics, or Advanced medical imaging.

If you have any health insurance questions, feel free to contact an Alea advisor at hello@alea.care