I. International health insurance Hong Kong

I. International health insurance Hong Kong

Do you need an international health insurance in Hong Kong? 

Public hospitals in Hong Kong are efficient and subsidized, but mainly structured for permanent residents and local citizens. 

Expats often face long waiting times, limited English-speaking providers, and restrictions on specialist care

Private healthcare offers superior comfort and speed, but at a high cost without insurance.

Hong Kong is a global financial hub offering exceptional opportunity, cosmopolitan lifestyle, and access to world-class medical facilities.

However, despite a robust public healthcare system, expatriates often face limitations in access, language, and waiting times.

International health insurance is the optimal solution for those seeking immediate, high-quality care, both locally and abroad.

International health insurance in Hong Kong offers: 

Instant access to premium private clinics and hospitals

Freedom to choose your provider, locally or globally

Full coverage for maternity, dental, vision, and outpatient care

Protection across Asia and worldwide

Our Hong Kong-based advantages 

What our expat clients in Hong Kong value most?

No waiting period or exclusions for chronic conditions

Lifetime renewable coverage, even after relocation

Maternity care and newborn protection from day one

High benefit limits for surgery, oncology, and rehabilitation

Seamless support for cross-border families and regional professionals

Destinations covered for Hong Kong residents 

Our clients based in Hong Kong often require coverage in: 

What is the average cost of medical care in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong’s private healthcare system is excellent but among the most expensive in Asia: 

Routine medical care 

In Hong Kong, general care is easily accessible, but fees in the private sector can rise quickly without local or international insurance.

GP consultation (private):

HKD 500 to HKD 1,200

Annual check-up:

HKD 2,000 to HKD 6,000

Blood tests (basic panel):

HKD 800 to HKD 2,000

Dental care

Dental care is fully private in Hong Kong, with quality service but high price, especially for implants and crowns.

Dental cleaning (scaling):

HKD 800 to HKD 1,500

Tooth filling (composite):

HKD 1,000 to HKD 2,500

Dental crown:

HKD 5,000 to HKD 10,000

Dental implant:

HKD 15,000 to HKD 30,000

Optical care

Hong Kong offers a wide selection of optical clinics and eyewear, but costs for exams and lenses remain high without coverage.

Standard eyeglasses (frames + lenses):

HKD 1,500 to HKD 4,000

Monthly contact lenses:

HKD 300 to HKD 600

Eye exam with:

HKD 500 to HKD 1,000

Medical imaging

Imaging services in Hong Kong’s private sector are fast and moder, but pricing is among the highest in Asia.  

MRI scan:

HKD 7,000 to HKD 15,000

Ultrasound:

HKD 2,000 to HKD 4,500

Mammogram:

HKD 1,500 to HKD 3,000

Ct scan:

HKD 5,000 to HKD 10,000

Specialist consultations

Specialist care is world-class, but many clinics require upfront payment unless you have a compliant international plan.

Cardiologist:

HKD 2,000 to HKD 4,000

Gynecologist:

HKD 1,500 to HKD 3,000

Psychiatrist:

HKD 2,000 to HKD 4,000

Neurologist:

HKD 2,500 to HKD 5,000

Dermatologist:

HKD 1,200 to HKD 2,500

Hospitalization in Hong-Kong

Hospitalization in Hong Kong is costly, especially in private rooms. Insurance is crucial to avoid advance deposits and delays.

Shared room (per night):

HKD 5,000 to HKD 8,000

Private room (per night):

HKD 10,000 to HKD 20,000

Maternity (natural birth):

HKD 50,000 to HKD 120,000

Surgery:

HKD 80,000 to HKD 300,000

ICU per day :

HKD 20,000 to HKD 40,000

II. What every expat should know before moving to Hong Kong

II. What every expat should know before moving to Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a fast-paced, international city with an excellent healthcare infrastructure, but public access is limited for non-permanent residents.

Understanding your insurance options is essential to avoid high out-of-pocket costs and access private hospitals without delay.

Visa and Hong-Kong residence permit

Work, investment, and dependant visas are common among expats. While there’s no compulsory health insurance requirement, private coverage is strongly advised as public options have limitations and long queues for non-residents. 

Accommodation and housing 

Housing is one of the largest expenses in Hong Kong. Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Central or Mid-Levels can exceed HKD 40,000/month. Serviced apartments are popular among short-term professionals. 

Hong Kong offers British, American, IB, and French international schools, but spaces are limited and tuition ranges from HKD 150,000 to HKD 300,000 per year. Early application is essential. 

Hong Kong’s public transport is world-class, efficient, fast, and inexpensive.

The MTR system, minibuses, and ferries connect the city.

Owning a car is rare and unnecessary for most expats. 

Hong Kong is ideal for finance, legal, and consulting careers.

Entrepreneurs can open businesses via fast-track programs.

High-level professionals benefit from flexible visa options, but must secure their own healthcare solutions. 

Cantonese is the most widely spoken language, but English is common in business, healthcare, and expat areas.

Integration is easy in professional circles, though understanding local etiquette is important. 

Private insurance is necessary to avoid high upfront costs and delays in care.

Local employer policies may be limited in scope or region.

OnlyHealth offers full access to private healthcare, international second opinions, and high-limit coverage. 

Hong Kong is consistently ranked among the most expensive cities in the world.

Aside from rent, healthcare and education represent major costs.

Local transport and food can be affordable with the right lifestyle choices. 

III. Empowering your health journey in Hong Kong

III. Empowering your health journey in Hong Kong

Hong Kong offers opportunity, speed, and global access, and your healthcare coverage should match.

OnlyHealth gives you the freedom to choose, the confidence to move, and the reassurance of knowing you’re covered every step of the way.