Cost of CT scan in Hong Kong

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 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. For addittional information about Healthcare in Hong Kong for expats, click here.

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].  At i-Brokers, we take great pride in offering the best service possible when it comes to insurance. 82% of consumers who compare insurance with i-Brokers find lower premiums. Can you afford not to? Click here to get a quote on your medical insurance.