International Health Insurance in Hong Kong

Thanks to qualified doctors and high-quality infrastructures. the healthcare system in Hong Kong is generally good. There's a public system, which is partly funded by the State, and a private system. The Hong Kong ID card is used as a health insurance card for coverage in all public facilities.

The Food and Health Bureau (FHB) supervises the public sector and the Department of Health (DH) monitors the private hospitals and clinics (registered in the medical clinics registry) - but the quality of medical care is the same in all facilities. The main difference is the level of comfort (choice of treating doctor, waiting time during consultation etc.) and the rates (higher in the private sector).

Healthcare costs in Hong Kong are the 2nd highest in the world (after the USA), so we strongly recommended you take out international private healthcare insurance. 

GPs
A large proportion of doctors in Hong Kong have been trained in Anglo-Saxon countries and are fluent in English. 
They are also very open to alternative medicine such as acupuncture and plant-based remedies. 
Going to a private doctor reduces waiting time but will be more expensive. Make sure you keep all your bills so that you can be reimbursed by your health insurance! 

Specialist Doctors
Consultation fees at a specialist doctor cost around HKD 735 (USD 95). Traditional Chinese medicine is very popular in Hong Kong and a wealth of specialities are on offer.  

Public hospitals

If you have a Hong Kong ID card, you will be able to access public hospitals at a low rate. They provide high-quality services and advanced technology equipment, but waiting times are often long.
 

Private Hospitals

The services provided in the private sector are almost the same as in the public sector but they cost much more. For example, the average cost for childbirth can vary between HKD 17,886 (USD 2,300) and HKD 35,000 (USD 4,500).

N.B. Emergency services are available 24/7 but waiting times are very long.

In case of emergency, dial 999.

Most pharmacies are open from 10am-7pm seven days a week.

Application Requirements are quite similar for all nationalities, however some have to supply more documents.

To apply for a visa in Hong Kong, you have to:                                                         
-  Be aged 18 -30 inclusive
-  Be without dependents
-  Have a valid passport 
-  Have proof of adequate savings
-  Have a clean criminal record 
-  Have a medical certificate proving that you're in good health  
-  Have international health insurance to cover the length of your stay 
-  Have never had a working holiday visa for Hong Kong before (1st participation)

If you're a French national applying in French

Getting a visa for Hong Kong starts with this form
Once you've completed the form, you need to send it to the embassy with all the documents required: passport, proof of financial resources showing you can live autonomously in Hong Kong, return flight tickets or proof of your capacity to buy them, and a check for 160 HKD. 
 

Other nationalities

Please visit the official website to check if your nationality is eligible for a WHV in Hong-Kong

The best health insurance solution for your working holiday abroad is Start'Expat - our ready-to go package for international coverage from 1 to 12 months.