Healthcare in Hong Kong

Healthcare in Hong Kong is world-class. Both public and private hospitals are equipped with the latest medical technology operated by highly trained medical staff, many of whom speak good English.

However, the region also carries some of the world’s highest healthcare costs – so expats should ensure that they have adequate insurance coverage. 

Public healthcare in Hong Kong

The standard of care in public hospitals is generally high. The Hospital Authority (HA) manages public hospitals in Hong Kong and ensures the provision of medical and rehabilitation services in the city-state. Chinese medicine services are also available in Hong Kong. 

While public health facilities in Hong Kong are excellent, service levels can be lacking, and efficiency can suffer. The public healthcare system in Hong Kong largely caters to locals, and expats won't be seen by doctors in the system if they don't have a Hong Kong Identity Card. Public physicians also require patients to book an appointment 24 hours in advance. Most expats, therefore, opt for private healthcare. 

Private healthcare in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has around a dozen private hospitals with international accreditation. Private healthcare services are popular with expats because they offer shorter waiting times, privacy, and other comforts. 

Fees range from slightly higher than in the public sector to extremely pricey if one decides to use luxury services. Either way, expats should organise some form of health insurance to cover costs.

Health insurance in Hong Kong

Anyone with a Hong Kong Identity Card is entitled to subsidised medical services, but foreigners without permanent residency must shoulder costs similar to those incurred by private entities, as services are charged at market rates.

Health coverage is often included in employment contracts, but expats who don't have such perks can choose from a wide variety of service providers offering various programmes and packages. We do recommend negotiating with employers for healthcare subsidies.

Healthcare schemes vary widely, so finding out what is included in an employer-sponsored scheme is important and, for those securing a plan themselves, we recommend comparing quotes before settling on a service provider. 

Best private hospitals in Hong Kong

Canossa Hospital

Website: www.canossahospital.org.hk
Address: 1 Old Peak Road, Hong Kong

Matilda International Hospital

Website: www.matilda.org
Address: 41 Mount Kellett Road, The Peak, Hong Kong

Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital

Website: www.hksh-hospital.com
Address: 2 Village Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong

Pharmacies in Hong Kong

There are plenty of well-stocked pharmacies in Hong Kong. Most are open seven days a week, with some operating 24/7. Pharmacies in Hong Kong are identifiable by a logo with a red cross. There are also medicine stores that not classified as pharmacies but sell common painkillers and flu drugs. 

Useful links

• Hong Kong Government Drug Office

Health hazards in Hong Kong

Air pollution in Hong Kong is arguably the region's biggest health concern. Despite the government's best efforts, the city-state's air quality continues to fall short of international benchmarks. As a result, expats with asthma and chronic respiratory diseases often have aggravated symptoms. 

Children, the elderly, and those with vulnerable immune systems are most commonly affected, while even healthy foreigners may suffer from nose, throat, and chest irritation. That said, most healthy people exposed to air pollution for a short time experience no lasting negative effects. 

Vaccinations for Hong Kong

Several vaccinations are recommended for travel to Hong Kong, including routine ones like the influenza, measles, chickenpox, and shingles vaccines. There is a risk of typhoid spread through food and water in Hong Kong, so expats making the move are encouraged to get a typhoid vaccine. Other vaccinations necessary for travelling to Hong Kong include: 

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Polio
• Rabies

Japanese encephalitis and the Chikungunya virus are also possible risks in Hong Kong. Expats should ensure they adequately protect themselves from mosquito bites. 

Emergency services in Hong Kong