Healthcare in HK

By Ellen Smith, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

One thing you don’t want to think about is should the worse happen what happens with hospitals? Luckily for you I’ve had to deal with both doctors appointments and hospital stays since being here so here’s how it works.

Firstly, if you are staying in HK for over 180 days you are required to get a HKID. I cannot emphasise enough how important this is. By having a HKID you receive the benefits of a permanent resident, which most essentially is (majorly) discounted healthcare. UoM insurance policy does cover you in HK, but I would recommend also purchasing international backpacker insurance to ensure you are covered abroad as well.

Doctors appointments

The HKU health service is available to exchange students and is the easiest way to see a doctor in HK. There is an online portal for booking appointments; usually you won’t be able to get one for sooner than a few days in advance as it tends to be quite busy, but once you have your appointment, the doctors run on time. These appointments are free for students, as are the prescriptions they give you. I was given a course of antibiotics for free, as well as various cough medicines following a chest injection I picked up. If you ask the doctors here for a medical exemption note, they are able to provide one on demand (provided you have a valid reason) to excuse you from class and gain extensions on work. Usually the lecturers at HKU will require a copy of this form as proof to excuse you for missing class or not completing assignments.

Hospitals

The first thing to note is with a HKID, ambulances are free and very quick. Public hospitals in HK have a very bad reputation for being overcrowded with very very long waits. However, before going to hospital you can check online the wait times at the hospitals local to you to help find one that will see you faster. If you are living in Kennedy Town, the closest hospital is Queen Mary, which less than a 10 minute drive away. English is very widely spoken in hospitals so there is no need to worry about lack of understanding or communication issues, and the doctors and nurses are more than happy to answer any questions. I spent 3 days in Queen Mary Hospital following some very intense food poisoning. You tend to be on single sex wards, with 3 meals per day provided. There is not options on food and some of it is a tad questionable, however you can have people bring external food to you. Visiting hours for my ward were 2 hours over lunchtime and 2 in the evening, however before you have been admitted you are allowed to have someone with you in the waiting room or ER indefinitely.

Now, for hospital costs: it is so low you can’t even claim it on insurance usually! I paid 420 HKD (£41.63) for 2 nights (3 days) in hospital. It is 180 HKD per ER visit regardless of the issue, and 120 HKD per full day while admitted to a ward. For all the medications and prescriptions I received during my stay and after, there was no fee. However, without my HKID, this will would have been a minimum of 11,430 HKD (£1,133) hence you see the importance.

Hospital Authority : Fees and Charges – You can see various fees here

*A point to note. The food poisoning you experience in HK and while travelling is not comparable to food poisoning in the UK. If you feel seriously unwell go to hospital, don’t downplay the seriousness. A number of students I know, including myself, have required IV drips and medication to help us recover and keep hydrated. This being said, don’t be afraid of eating out or trying new foods, majority of the time you will be absolutely fine and you will always recover within a number of days.