Healthcare in Hong Kong

As an expatriate, getting yourself to know about how the healthcare structure of Hong Kong and how while living in the territory is essential. As there is a considerable diversity in medical treatment costs in Hong Kong so we have made up an expat hands-on guide of what to experience.

Public Healthcare in Hong Kong 

Hong Kong’s public medical facilities are geared towards the locals rather than the expats. Public medical facilities in Hong Kong are substantially more affordable than their private counterparts. However, long waiting times for medical treatment are prevalent and one of the highest in Asia. In fact, the long waiting time for specialist care in Hong Kong has led to approximately 66% of its residents being dissatisfied with public health services. 24-hour notice must additionally be executed before you visit your physician of your choice in public hospitals. It is heavily subsidized through the public health care program. As an expatriate, you will not be seen in a public hospital unless you have a Hong Kong Identity Card. 

Although public hospitals in Hong Kong have adequate equipment, some medical personnel also do not speak English. This creates a language barrier for expats, especially those who are not fluent in the native language of Cantonese.

Private Healthcare in Hong Kong

There is no need for you to make appointments beforehand with medical professionals in private healthcare facilities. In contrast to public healthcare system, you can just walk in a private facility and see your preferred physician immediately for most of the time without 24-hour prior appointment.

Private healthcare is better than its public counterpart and therefore are more popular with expats living Hong Kong in the following aspects. Shorter waiting times for medical treatment are expected at private healthcare facilities. Additionally there is a larger percentage of English-speaking medical personnel at private healthcare.

Click here to view the Country Guide: Healthcare system and Insurance in Hong Kong. This guide provides a more comprehensive outlook of expatriate life in Hong Kong. 

Cost of Medical Treatment in Private Hospitals Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s cost of medical treatment is the second most expensive in the world only behind the USA. Medical costs vary considerably based on the location and reputation of physicians. If you are hospitalized in a private healthcare venue in Hong Kong, the key to minimize your medical costs is to select the least costly room even if the identical servicing level is offered.

Cost of Medical treatment in Public Hospitals Hong Kong

For eligible persons, the cost of seeing a doctor in a public hospital in Hong Kong varies. An A&E consultation costs HK$180, a GP consultation costs $50, and the first consultation with a specialist is priced at $135. Non-eligible persons, however, face significantly higher consultation fees, with A&E consultations costing HK$1,230, GP consultations priced at $445, and specialist consultations at $1,190. 

Healthcare affordability in Hong Kong

Inpatient Care Hospitals in Hong Kong

Adventist Hospital on Stubbs Road, Canossa Hospital on Old Peak Road and Matilda and War Memorial Hospital in The Peak District are expat-friendly due to their English-speaking medical staff and their superb medical service.

Canossa Hospital Hong Kong

Emergency Number Hong Kong

The local emergency contact number in Hong Kong is 999. This will allow to get an ambulance which will take you to public facilities. Meanwhile, dialing 1878 000 will drop you at hospitals of your request and this service belongs to The St John ambulance service. This emergency service is free of charge.

In general, the emergency service of Hong Kong is fast, efficient and you can expect to meet competent ambulance personnel.

Outpatient Care in Hong Kong

Medical practitioners with expertise in outpatient care are based at Central Kowloon Health Centre in Kowloon, Kwong Wah Hospital General Outpatient Department on Waterloo Road and Madam Yung Fung Shee Health Centre in Yuen Long.

Alternatively, you can also search for the best outpatient care specialists who cater more to your personal requirements on the following two online websites, namely, PC Directory and HK Doctors.