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 can be used to diagnose tumors, internal injuries, bone fractures and many other medical conditions.
It creates cross-sectional images using computers and rotating X-ray machines, and is performed by a radiologist.
In this blog post, we are going to share with you what to expect from a CT scan, where to get a CT scan in Hong Kong and what the costs for CT scan in the region are.
What should you expect from a CT scan?
Prior to a CT scan, 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 the procedure, 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 speak to your doctor for recommendations.
In Hong Kong, which medical provider can you take a CT scan with and how much does it cost?
CT Examination in the Public Healthcare System
In the public sector, CT scan is classified under private services and costs HKD 740 – 5,480, depending on the body parts involved. You may refer to the Hospital Authority Radiology Services website for more information.
Be mindful that waiting times can be very long in the public sector.
CT Examination in the Private Healthcare System
Ten private hospitals in Hong Kong offer a range of CT scan services with their radiology departments. Here, we have put together a table of their costs of CT scan for you below.
| Private Hospital Name and Contact Number | Extremity/Joints | Head and Neck | Pelvis | Spine | Thorax | Upper abdomen |
| Canossa Hospital
Tel: 2522 2181 |
N/A | HKD 2,410 – 4,750 | N/A | N/A | HKD 3,800 – 7,490 | HKD 5,820 – 19,635 |
| CUHK Medical Centre
Tel: 3946 6533 |
N/A | HKD 1,940 – 4,640 | HKD 2,830 – 5,350 | HKD 2,890 – 6.680 | HKD 3,200 – 5,350 | HKD 2,830 – 5,350 |
| Evangel Hospital
Tel: 2760 3415 |
HKD 2,500 – 7,400 | HKD 2,200 – 8,960 | HKD 2,700 – 8,000 | HKD 4,400 – 7,100 | HKD 2,700 -8,000 | HKD 2,700 – 8,000 |
| Gleneagles Hong Kong Hospital
Tel: 2122 1333 |
HKD 3,580 – 9,350 | HKD 2,200 – 8,960 | HKD 6,060 – 16,320 (abdomen and pelvis) | HKD 4,602 – 12,070 | HKD 3,300 – 10,100 | HKD 3,320 – 10,100 |
| Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Stubbs Road
Tel: 2835 0515 |
HKD 3,700 – 14,800 | HKD 2,350 – 9,990 | HKD 3,500 – 10,910 | HKD 4,300 – 9,250 | HKD 3,500 – 10,910 | HKD 3,500 – 10,910 |
| Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Tsuen Wan
Tel: 2275 6688 |
HKD 6,600 – 10,650 | HKD 2,000 – 8,550 | HKD 2,900 – 8,550 | HKD 4,700 – 9,750 | HKD 3,100 -8,700 | HKD 2,900 – 8,700 |
| Hong Kong Baptist Hospital
Tel: 2339 8982 |
N/A | HKD 2,180 – 8,265 | HKD 3,020 – 8,760 | N/A | HKD 3,520 – 9,405 | HKD 3,020 – 8,760 |
| Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital
Tel: 2835 8900 |
HKD 4,350 – 16,750 | HKD 3,030 – 10,180 | HKD 4,300 – 9.290 | HKD 4,540 – 9,800 | HKD 4,300 – 9,290 | HKD 3,800 – 8,210 |
| Matilda International Hospital
Tel: 2849 0111 |
HKD 2,070 – 14,890 | HKD 2,670 – 9,090 | HKD 4,250 – 12,720 | HKD 3,880 – 11,260 | HKD 4,250 – 12.720 | HKD 4,250 – 12,720 |
| Precious Blood Hospital
Tel: 3971 9948 |
N/A | HKD 2,100 – 3,975 | HKD 4,900 – 7,350 | HKD 4,000 – 6.045 | HKD 4,330 – 9,495 | HKD 4,900 – 7.350 |
Takeaway
On the whole, when prescribed by a medical doctor and used to make a diagnosis for treatment, CT scan fees are reimbursed in Hong Kong.
However, most Hong Kong local plans have an annual cap and depending on the actual fees, you may have to pay any outstanding balance out of pocket.
In the meantime, high-end medical plans are more likely to pay CT scanning charges in full with no sublimits. Read your health insurance table of benefits for these categories: Diagnostic scans and tests, Brain and Body scans, Diagnostics, or Advanced Medical Imaging.
In addition, if you have any questions whether health insurance covering costs of CT scan in Hong Kong or not, feel free to speak to us at [email protected].