Maternity insurance offers expectant mothers and their families financial security by covering expenditures associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care, such as prenatal checkups, delivery fees, hospital stays, and follow-up visits. It’s important to note that Hong Kong is the second most expensive country in the world for medical care.
If you are considering having a baby, then adequate cover for maternity treatment in Hong Kong is essential, especially because the cost of treatment in this region can be really high. Learn more about the Healthcare System in Hong Kong here. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into every aspect of maternity insurance in Hong Kong, offering detailed insights to help you make informed decisions for yourself and your growing family.
How does Maternity Insurance work?
Maternity insurance is a benefit on your health insurance plan that specifically covers costs relating to pregnancy. With some health insurers, maternity is a fixed benefit that will always come as part of your health insurance policy.
With other health insurers, you will need to add this as an optional benefit.
The types of medical expenses generally covered by international maternity insurance plans include:
- Prenatal pregnancy treatment
- Postnatal pregnancy treatment
- Routine vaginal delivery
- Medically-necessary Cesarean section
- Delivery following complications
Some more comprehensive plans also offer coverage for:
- Newborn care
- Treatment for congenital birth defects
- No newborn underwriting
The actual coverage benefits you’ll have will depend on the particular plan you’ve secured, the insurer, and even the main country where you want to receive maternity care and give birth at.
Why Maternity Insurance is Important for Expats
Maternity insurance is vital for expats in Hong Kong due to the high cost of private maternity care. Without insurance, you could be facing expenses that can easily exceed HKD 100,000 for prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal services. Maternity insurance provides coverage for these expenses, ensuring that you receive the best possible care without the financial burden.
Moreover, maternity insurance policies often include coverage for complications during pregnancy and delivery, as well as neonatal care for your newborn. This comprehensive coverage provides peace of mind, knowing that you and your baby are protected in the event of unforeseen complications.
How much coverage do you need for maternity insurance in Hong Kong?
The benefit amount can range a lot between insurers for HKD 16,000 to HKD 200,000.
Maternity Care in Hong Kong
Expats in Hong Kong enjoy a myriad of options when it comes to seeking medical treatment. With one of the most efficient and accessible healthcare infrastructures in the world, it’s no wonder why Hong Kong has one of the world’s longest average life expectancies!
As can be expected, public hospital fees will generally be more affordable than fees charged at private hospitals for those deemed as “eligible persons”. These include holders of the HKID card, and anyone approved by the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority.
On the other hand, “non-eligible persons” could easily be charged HKD 90,000! There is a total of 9 registered private hospitals in Hong Kong (listed in the section below), with some of the most popular choices for expectant parents including the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital and The Matilda International Hospital. Most expats prefer visiting private facilities due to:
- higher quality of service,
- additional privacy,
- shorter waiting times, and
- longer visiting hours.
The extra perks offered in private hospitals are undeniably attractive, but they do come with a steep price tag, meaning that securing maternity insurance is essential in offsetting these costs.
Cost of Maternity Care in Hong Kong
The cost of maternity care in Hong Kong can vary significantly depending on whether you choose public or private healthcare. In the public system, costs are relatively low, with most services heavily subsidized by the government. However, private healthcare can be expensive, with costs for prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care easily reaching HKD 100,000 or more.
Maternity insurance can help offset these costs, but it’s important to choose a plan that offers sufficient coverage for your needs. Be sure to factor in the cost of any additional services you may require, such as neonatal care or specialist consultations.
Public Healthcare Delivery Costs
Hong Kong’s public healthcare system offers highly subsidized maternity care, making it a more affordable option for many. However, while the costs are lower, the demand for public services is high, leading to longer waiting times and less personalized care.
Prenatal Check-ups: In the public system, prenatal check-ups are generally affordable, with costs ranging from HKD 50 to HKD 100 per visit. These costs are heavily subsidized by the government, making routine check-ups accessible to all expectant mothers.
Delivery Costs: The cost of delivery in a public hospital is minimal, typically around HKD 100 per day for a standard room. However, this low cost comes with trade-offs, such as shared rooms and potentially longer waiting times for non-emergency deliveries.
Postnatal Care: Postnatal care in public hospitals is also subsidized, with costs similar to those of prenatal check-ups. The focus is on essential care, and while the quality of care is high, the services are less personalized compared to private hospitals.
Private Healthcare Delivery Costs
Private healthcare in Hong Kong offers a higher level of comfort, personalized care, and quicker access to specialists, but these benefits come at a significantly higher cost. The expenses for maternity care in private hospitals can vary widely depending on the services and level of luxury you choose.
Prenatal Check-ups: Prenatal care in a private hospital can range from HKD 1,000 to HKD 2,500 per visit, depending on the complexity of the care required and the hospital chosen. This cost covers consultations with obstetricians, ultrasounds, and routine tests, but additional tests may incur extra charges.
Delivery Costs: Delivery in a private hospital is the most significant expense, with costs ranging from HKD 50,000 to HKD 100,000 or more. This includes the fee for the obstetrician, anesthetist (if required), and the hospital stay. The cost can increase substantially for caesarean sections or if complications arise during delivery.
Postnatal Care: Postnatal care in private hospitals is often tailored to the mother’s specific needs and preferences. Costs can range from HKD 5,000 to HKD 20,000, depending on the length of stay and the services provided, such as lactation consultation, newborn screenings, and postnatal check-ups.
Best Hospitals for Childbirth in Hong Kong
The delivery costs table below shows the typical prices charged for a standard private room in Hong Kong’s most popular private maternity wards. Prices below are separated into normal delivery fees with 4-day and 3-night accommodation, and c-section delivery fees with 5 days and 4-night accommodation. Please keep in mind that prices advertised are for delivery packages.
The actual cost can be anywhere from 100% – 500% higher, as these packages don’t include additional costs such as doctors’ fees (e.g. obstetrician, pediatrician, anaesthesist, and consulting physicians), laboratory tests, epidural anaesthesia, multiple pregnancies, nursing care, and additional costs for delivery in off-peak hours or public holidays.
Delivery Costs in Hong Kong
Hospital | Location | Standard Delivery (HKD) | Cesarean Section (HKD) |
Hong Kong Island | 40,800 | 54,500 | |
Hong Kong Island | 49,900 | 60,500 | |
Hong Kong Island | 44,600 | 55,200 | |
Hong Kong Island | 43,900 | 54,400 | |
Hong Kong Island | 36,000 | 36,000 | |
Kowloon | 31,800 – 32,800 | 35,800 – 36,800 | |
Kowloon | 43,800 | 49,800 | |
New Territories | 28,800 | 38,500 | |
New Territories | 35,000 | 43,000 |
What are the waiting periods with maternity insurance?
All individual medical insurance policies that cover pregnancy treatment have a waiting period. This can range from 10 months to 2 years, so it is good to plan ahead.
Treatment can only be claimed for upon the expiration of the waiting period, and any claims submitted before the end of the waiting period are not eligible for reimbursement.
But what happens when you buy a maternity plan and get pregnant in, let’s say, the middle of your waiting period? The table below explains the three most common types of situations that might happen:
Policy Start Date | 1 Jan 2021 | 1 Jan 2021 | 1 Jan 2021 |
Waiting Period | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months |
Beginning of Maternity Benefit
|
1 Jan 2022 |
1 Jan 2022 |
1 Jan 2022 |
Date of Conception | 1 Sep 2021 | 1 Jun 2021 | 1 April 2021 |
Date of Delivery | 1 May 2022 | 1 Feb 2022 | 1 Dec 2021 |
Prenatal Covered? | Yes | Only after 1 Jan 2022 | No |
Delivery Covered? | Yes | Yes | No |
Newborn Covered? | Yes | Yes | Yes (*) |
* Newborn coverage is subject to policy terms and conditions.
Generally speaking, the cost of giving birth is the highest vs. other types of maternity treatment. So even if, say, you conceive while still being on your waiting period, as long it passes before your delivery date, you can enjoy world-class care for the birth of your child.
Your baby will also have medical coverage should any complication arise. On the whole, there are no individual plans which have no waiting period when it comes to maternity coverage. However, some company policies do have this for their employees.
Additional Maternity Costs in Hong Kong to Consider
In addition to the basic costs of prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care, there are several other expenses that expats should consider when planning for maternity care in Hong Kong:
Neonatal Care: If your baby requires neonatal care, such as treatment in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the costs can escalate rapidly. In private hospitals, NICU care can cost upwards of HKD 10,000 per day, depending on the level of care required.
Specialist Consultations: If your pregnancy is considered high-risk or if you require consultations with specialists (such as a cardiologist or endocrinologist), these appointments can add to your overall costs. Specialist consultations in private healthcare typically range from HKD 2,000 to HKD 5,000 per visit.
Vaccinations and Newborn Care: While some newborn care is included in the postnatal care package, additional services such as vaccinations, hearing tests, and developmental screenings may incur extra charges. These costs can range from HKD 1,000 to HKD 5,000, depending on the services provided.
Maternity Packages: Many private hospitals in Hong Kong offer maternity packages that bundle prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care services. These packages can offer some cost savings but can still range from HKD 80,000 to HKD 150,000 or more, depending on the level of service and the hospital chosen.
Best Insurance Providers for Maternity Insurance
Some insurance plans may offer additional benefits such as maternity wellness programs, newborn care, or coverage for complications during pregnancy or childbirth. These additional benefits can enhance the overall value of your maternity insurance coverage. Some of the Best Maternity Insurance Providers in Hong Kong include:
- April International
- Cigna Global
- Allianz Worldwide Care
- Bupa Global
- AXA Health
- Pacific Cross Health Insurance
- VUMI
- IMG Global
These providers offer various health insurance plans that include maternity insurance to suit customers unique maternity needs by providing a range of insurance plans that incorporate different types of maternity coverage and criteria.
How to Choose the Right Maternity Plan
When evaluating maternity insurance plans, consider these steps:
- Assess Your Needs: Consider your unique needs regarding maternity care, delivery preferences, and hospital choice.
- Compare Plans: Evaluate plans based on coverage, costs, network hospitals, waiting periods, and additional benefits.
- Consult an Expert: Talk to an insurance advisor or broker who specializes in maternity coverage to navigate complex options.
Coverage options to consider
When selecting a maternity insurance plan in Hong Kong, several factors should be taken into account:
Waiting Period: Most maternity insurance policies come with a waiting period, which can range from 10 to 12 months. It’s crucial to plan ahead and purchase your policy well before you plan to conceive to ensure that you are covered when the time comes.
Coverage Limits: Maternity insurance policies often have coverage limits for different services, such as prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care. It’s essential to review these limits carefully to ensure that they align with your expected expenses.
Choice of Hospitals: Some insurance policies restrict you to a network of approved hospitals and clinics. If you have a preferred hospital or doctor, make sure they are included in your insurance plan’s network.
Complications and Neonatal Care: Comprehensive maternity insurance should cover complications during pregnancy and delivery, as well as neonatal care for your newborn. Ensure that your policy includes these critical coverages to avoid unexpected expenses.
Direct Billing: Some insurance providers offer direct billing arrangements with hospitals, which means the hospital will bill the insurer directly, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses. This can be a significant advantage, especially for high-cost procedures.
Our Advice
In conclusion, Maternity insurance offers crucial protection for your family’s financial health. Understanding your options and carefully choosing the right plan will ensure you have peace of mind as you prepare to welcome your new family member.
For expectant mothers in Hong Kong, the high cost of private maternity care makes having maternity insurance a no-brainer. Without insurance, you could be facing expenses that can easily exceed HKD 100,000 for prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal services. Maternity insurance provides coverage for these expenses, ensuring that you receive the best possible care without the financial burden.
Before purchasing maternity insurance in Hong Kong, it’s advisable to carefully review the policy details, including coverage, exclusions, waiting periods, and premium costs. Ultimately, selecting a maternity insurance plan requires assessing your unique situation and carefully comparing options. Consulting an insurance advisor can help ensure that your plan aligns with your healthcare needs and budget. With the right maternity insurance, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re protecting your family’s financial health and preparing for the joyous journey of parenthood.
Contact us now and one of our specialists can assist you finding the perfect plan.