Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Hong Kong
- Hong Kong does NOT require health insurance for visas, but private coverage is essential—public hospital wait times can be YEARS for non-emergency care.
- Public hospitals (Hospital Authority) are cheap but overcrowded. A&E visits cost HKD $180 (~$23), but specialist wait times average 2-3 years.
- Private healthcare is world-class but among Asia's most expensive—a night in a private hospital room costs HKD $4,000-12,000+ ($500-1,500+).
- Most employed expats get corporate group insurance—check your benefits before buying individual coverage.
- Top private hospitals: Matilda International, Hong Kong Sanatorium, Adventist, Gleneagles—expect to pay premium prices.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong does not mandate health insurance for work visas, investment visas, or dependent visas. However, the practical reality is that most expats need private insurance due to extreme public healthcare wait times. Many employers provide group medical insurance as a standard benefit—always check your employment package first.
You likely need private insurance if:
- All expats without employer-provided coverage—public wait times make private insurance essential
- Families with children—pediatric care and hospital deliveries in private hospitals are expensive
- Anyone with chronic conditions requiring regular specialist care
- Expats over 40—premiums increase significantly with age in Hong Kong's market
- Self-employed professionals and entrepreneurs without corporate coverage
Public vs Private Healthcare in Hong Kong
Public Healthcare
Hospital Authority (HA)
- Access: Hong Kong ID card holders (residents). Non-residents pay significantly higher rates.
- Cost: Residents: HKD $180 (~$23) for A&E, HKD $50 (~$6) for general outpatient. Non-residents: Full cost recovery (thousands of HKD).
Hong Kong's public hospitals provide excellent emergency care at subsidized rates. The problem is wait times: specialist appointments average 2-3 years, and 'semi-urgent' surgery waits can exceed 18 months. The system is severely overcrowded. Public hospitals include Queen Mary, Prince of Wales, and Princess Margaret—all excellent for emergencies but impractical for routine care.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: Local plans (BUPA HK, AIA): HKD $3,000-8,000/month ($400-1,000). International plans: HKD $4,000-12,000/month ($500-1,500).
Hong Kong has world-class private hospitals but they're expensive by any standard. A simple consultation costs HKD $800-1,500 ($100-200). Hospital rooms run HKD $4,000-12,000+/night. Maternity packages at private hospitals cost HKD $80,000-150,000+ ($10,000-20,000+). Top hospitals: Matilda International, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Hong Kong Adventist, Gleneagles. English is standard at all major private facilities.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Hong Kong. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Expats planning to relocate—portable coverage that continues when leaving HK
Not ideal for: Long-term HK residents—BUPA HK or AIA offer better local hospital networks at lower cost
Allianz Care
Best for: Frequent travelers needing worldwide coverage beyond Hong Kong
Not ideal for: HK-only residents—local insurers have stronger private hospital relationships
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions—BUPA also operates BUPA HK locally with good conversion options
Not ideal for: Employed expats with corporate coverage—may be redundant
IMG Global
Best for: Budget-conscious expats willing to manage higher out-of-pocket costs
Not ideal for: Anyone wanting comprehensive HK private hospital coverage—HK healthcare is expensive
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Hong Kong
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Expats planning to relocate—portable | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | Frequent travelers needing worldwide | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions—BUPA also operates | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget-conscious expats willing to | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Hong Kong
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Public hospital wait times are extreme—2-3 years for orthopedic specialists, 1+ years for many others. Don't rely on public care for non-emergencies.
- Hong Kong insurance premiums are among Asia's highest. Expect 10-15% annual increases, especially after age 40.
- Many corporate plans have lifetime and annual caps that sound high but get exhausted quickly with Hong Kong prices. Check your limits.
- Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded or have long waiting periods. Some local insurers won't cover them at all.
- If you have employer coverage, understand what happens when you leave—COBRA-style continuation is rare in Hong Kong.
- Maternity is expensive and often requires separate riders or plans with 10-12 month waiting periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need private insurance if my employer provides coverage?
Check your employer plan limits first. Many corporate plans in Hong Kong have annual caps of HKD $500,000-1,000,000—which sounds like a lot until you need surgery or extended hospitalization at private hospital rates. Consider supplementary coverage if your employer plan has low limits, excludes family members, or doesn't cover maternity/dental.
How bad are Hong Kong public hospital wait times really?
Very bad for non-emergency care. Official HA statistics show median specialist wait times of 100+ weeks for orthopedics, 70+ weeks for ophthalmology, and 50+ weeks for ENT. A&E and genuine emergencies are handled promptly and competently. But routine care, elective surgery, and specialist consultations require private healthcare or extreme patience.
Which local insurers are best for Hong Kong?
BUPA Hong Kong, AIA, and Prudential are the major players for individual plans. BUPA is generally preferred for comprehensive coverage and pre-existing conditions (with waiting periods). AIA offers competitive rates for younger expats. Many expats also use international insurers (Cigna, Allianz) if they travel frequently or may relocate.
How much should I budget for maternity in Hong Kong?
Private hospital deliveries in Hong Kong cost HKD $80,000-150,000+ ($10,000-20,000+) depending on the hospital and room type. Caesarean sections cost more. Most insurance plans have 10-12 month waiting periods for maternity coverage. If planning a family, get maternity coverage well in advance or budget for out-of-pocket costs. Public hospital deliveries cost a fraction but have less comfortable facilities.
What happens to my insurance when I leave Hong Kong?
Local Hong Kong plans (BUPA HK, AIA) typically terminate when you leave. International plans (Cigna Global, Allianz Care) can continue worldwide. If you're planning to relocate eventually, an international plan provides continuity. Some corporate plans offer conversion to individual policies, but premiums increase significantly—ask HR about portability before you need it.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.