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Hong Kong guide

Health coverage in Hong Kong, get your estimate

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A special discount of 20–25% is applicable to Hospital & Surgery–only policies with a deductible. This discount is granted for a lifetime and will be carried forward upon renewal.

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Health & Protection Provider Service Ratings 2026

2M+

Healthcare professionals

40+

Years of expertise

190+

Countries covered

🇭🇰 Hong Kong · Destination insight

Medical excellence in the heart of Asia

A vibrant and demanding city, Hong Kong is home to world renowned healthcare facilities. To protect you from the high fees of the private sector, our local and international plans cover you from the very first dollar.

Facility access and direct billing depend on your plan's network, benefits, limits and deductibles. Prior approval may be required; some costs may remain payable by you.

Source : Visual Capitalist / Numbeo

Context

Why people come to Hong Kong

Hong Kong attracts international talent for a combination of professional opportunity, regional connectivity and quality of life. The city hosts the Asia-Pacific headquarters of many global companies in finance, trade and professional services, and its position as a gateway between Mainland China and the rest of the world makes it a natural base for regional roles, consulting work and entrepreneurship.

A regional business hub

Strong job market in finance, asset management, trading, tech and professional services, with many roles tied to Greater China and Asia-Pacific responsibilities.

Global connectivity

Hong Kong International Airport connects the city to most major destinations in Asia within a few hours , convenient for regional travel and family visits.

Efficient, low-friction environment

Simple tax system, reliable infrastructure and world-class public transport make day-to-day life straightforward for newcomers.

An English-friendly setting

English is an official language and widely used in professional, medical and administrative settings, alongside Cantonese and Mandarin.

Daily life

Life as a foreign resident in Hong Kong

Most international newcomers arrive under the General Employment Policy (GEP), the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, or as dependants of a principal visa holder. Your visa status and Hong Kong ID (HKID) eligibility shape access to housing, schooling and, importantly, to healthcare in the public system. Day-to-day life is generally smooth: the MTR is fast and reliable, neighbourhoods are dense and walkable, and most administrative processes have a digital equivalent.

However, the cost of living is among the highest in the world. Housing, international schooling for children, and healthcare are typically the three largest expenses for newcomers. Planning for these upfront helps avoid unpleasant surprises during the first year.

Healthcare system

The Hong Kong healthcare system: world-class but two-tiered

Hong Kong consistently ranks among the best healthcare systems in the world in terms of clinical outcomes and life expectancy. The system is built on two clearly separated tiers: the public sector, operated by the Hospital Authority (HA), and a large private sector regulated by the Department of Health.

Foreign residents on work or dependant visas can technically access public hospitals, but with important limits:

Public hospitals (e.g. Queen Mary, Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth) charge non-eligible persons a full-cost rate that is significantly higher than the subsidised rate reserved for Hong Kong ID holders, and waiting times for non-urgent care can be long.
Private hospitals (such as Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Matilda International Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, Adventist Hospital or Union Hospital) are the most common choice for international residents seeking shorter wait times and English-speaking care.
General practitioners in private clinics handle day-to-day consultations, with fees typically paid out of pocket at the visit.

Clinical quality is high across both sectors, the main difference for foreign residents is cost and access.

What to anticipate

Health and financial risks to plan for

Hong Kong is a safe place to live from a public-health standpoint, but the financial exposure tied to private medical care is significant for anyone without appropriate insurance.

High out-of-pocket costs

A short stay in a Hong Kong private hospital can easily run into five or six figures (HKD). Surgical procedures and intensive care escalate quickly.

Upfront deposits are standard

Private hospitals routinely request a deposit before admission and full settlement at discharge, direct billing depends on the insurer and the hospital.

Specialist consultations add up

Specialist visits, diagnostic imaging and lab tests are charged separately, and prices vary widely between providers.

Chronic and pre-existing conditions

Ongoing treatment, medication and follow-ups can become a meaningful recurring cost without adequate coverage.

Coverage

Why international health insurance matters in Hong Kong

Local Hong Kong products such as VHIS (Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme) plans are designed primarily for Hong Kong residents with a long-term horizon. International health insurance is built for a different reality: high-quality private care, multi-country mobility and predictable costs regardless of your visa status or how long you plan to stay.

An international plan typically covers:

Private hospitalisation in Hong Kong, including premium hospitals and rooms.
Outpatient care, GP and specialist visits, diagnostics and prescription medication.
Medical evacuation and repatriation if specialised care is required elsewhere.
Continuity of cover if you move between countries or travel frequently for work.
Optional dental, optical and maternity benefits to match your situation.

Audience

Who this coverage is for

International professionals on assignment

Employees on a GEP or TTPS visa, often with regional responsibilities, who want hospital and outpatient cover that matches private-sector standards.

Freelancers and entrepreneurs

Investment visa holders, founders and self-employed consultants who need to organise their own coverage without an employer plan.

Accompanying family members

Spouses and children on a dependant visa, who do not automatically benefit from the principal's employer plan and need their own coverage.

About

APRIL International

APRIL International is an award-winning provider of flexible, high-quality international health insurance for individuals, families, students and businesses of all sizes.

Part of the APRIL Group, we draw on 40 years of experience and a global network of 30,000 partners to support our members worldwide. With an established presence in 16 countries, we combine local expertise with digital innovation to facilitate access to quality healthcare globally. Our members also benefit from 24/7 support through our dedicated teams and international medical network, wherever they are in the world.

We work closely with brokers and advisers to provide responsive underwriting, tailored plan design and dedicated support, making it easier to place and manage international health risks. Whether supporting expatriates or digital nomads, APRIL International offers adaptable, scalable solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of internationally mobile populations.

An international insurance solution for every expat situation

Whether you are a student, an intern, looking for a working holiday programme, an employee or a retiree, whether you are moving alone or with your family, APRIL International can help you through your international experience with a full and flexible range of insurance solutions, adapted to each expat profile and budget.

Start-up entrepreneur, manager of a small business, or director of a large company, we are also at your side with turnkey or tailor-made solutions covering healthcare, assistance, and death and disability. No matter the destination, the duration of the stay or the type of assignment, our solutions adapt to all international mobility scenarios.

Our key figures

180,000

policyholders worldwide

30,000

distribution partners

2,000

corporate clients

350

employees

€350M

in premiums collected

nationalities

countries of operation

APRIL International locations

With a presence in 16 countries, our employees are at your side to help you manage your policy at all times.

Why choose APRIL International?

International healthcare expert

In France and abroad, we work with leading insurance partners, and our experience has brought us worldwide recognition.

Close to you every day

24/7 local support through our offices around the world, by phone, chat, email, Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp.

Simplified 100% mobile operations

With the Easy Claim app: submit invoices and track claims, talk to a doctor via telehealth, find a provider, send a medical estimate and access all your documents.

Fast processing times

Information request within 48 hours, prior agreement within 3 days, hospital care within 4 hours in emergencies (3 days if scheduled), reimbursement within 48 hours via Easy Claim.

Medical support at all times

Third-party payment for all hospitalisations, referral to doctors and facilities, 24/7 telehealth, preferential rates and emergency medical evacuation.

Awards

Recognition we have received over recent years:

2026Outstanding Services to the Policyholder, British Claims Awards
2026MGA of the Year, Modern Claims Awards
20265-star service rating for the 5th consecutive year, Health & Protection IPMI Report (86.4/100)
2025Winner, Best Group International Health Insurance Provider, Health & Protection Awards
2025Health Insurance Initiative of the Year for MyHEALTH, Insurance Asia Awards
2025Outstanding Claims Management for Easy Claim, Insurance Asia News Awards for Excellence
2025MGA of the Year for the 2nd consecutive year, British Claims Awards
2024Service Provider of the Year, Asia Insurance Industry Awards
2024Winner, Best Individual International Health Insurance Provider, Health & Protection Awards
2024Customer Service Initiative of the Year (Easy Claim) and MGA of the Year, Insurance Asia Awards
2024Argus d'Or, Personal Insurance category, for the Easy Pay Card
2024Silver, Best Corporate Healthcare Provider, HR Vendors of the Year
20233 Cas d'Or Banque Assurance awards for the Easy Pay Card
2023Gold, Best Corporate Healthcare Provider (APRIL Singapore), HR Vendors of the Year
2023IAG Quality Award for APRIL Assistance
2023Bronze, Trophées de l'Assurance, Distribution Innovation

Questions & answers

Hong Kong: frequently asked questions

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