How Can Expats Get Insurance in Hong Kong - Everything You Need to Know

As an international commercial hub, Hong Kong attracts talent from all over the world. For many expats relocating to Hong Kong is both a fresh challenge and a valuable career opportunity. However, when living in Hong Kong, medical protection is a critical consideration that cannot be overlooked. How can expats get insurance in Hong Kong? What specific considerations should they keep in mind when buying a policy?

1. Private Medical Treatment Costs Are Expensive

Hong Kong’s medical standards rank among the best in the world, but private medical costs are extremely high. If expats choose to seek treatment at private hospitals or clinics, hospitalisation or surgical expenses can be very costly without insurance. For example, according to reference data provided by the Hospital Authority, a medium-level digestive system surgery, such as an appendectomy, costs around HK$30,450 to HK$37,800¹.

2. Long Waiting Times in the Public System

Hong Kong’s public healthcare system charges relatively low fees, but waiting times are long, particularly for specialist outpatient clinics and non-urgent surgeries, which may require several months of waiting before treatment. For non-permanent residents, such as tourists or certain short-term visa holders, the lack of subsidies means  daily hospitalisation charges can cost up to HK$5,100. Purchasing private medical insurance allows the insured person to receive prompt treatment at private hospitals, greatly reducing waiting times and enjoying more flexible, comfortable medical services.

3. Protection Against Unexpected Medical Risks

Major illnesses or emergency hospitalisations often result in significant expenses. Having medical insurance allows you to share the burden of these high costs during emergencies, avoiding financial pressure. Some premium plans also include international emergency medical evacuation and repatriation benefits, as well as hospital cash coverage, providing added peace of mind.

Many expats believe that the group medical insurance provided by their employeris sufficient to cover most medical needs. In reality, this is not always the case.

1. Coverage Limits May Be Insufficient

Employer-provided health insurance usually comes with a benefit cap. In the event of a serious illness or long-term treatment, the coverage may not be sufficient. Take cancer treatment as an example, costs can range from hundreds of thousands to several million Hong Kong dollars. Purchasing a top-up medical insurance plan can increase your overall benefit limit, significantly easing the financial burden and preventing hardship.

2. Coverage Is Non-transferable

Many expats may not realise that when they leave their job or change employers, their group medical insurance coverage ends. While some plans may allow conversion to an individual policy, this is often subject to strict conditions and may not be guaranteed. Therefore, relying solely on employer-provided medical benefits does not ensure long-term medical protection. Purchasing your own individual health insurance offers more stable and continuous coverage.

International medical insurance is specifically designed for expats living, working, studying, or migrating overseas long-term. It provides year-round coverage, including chronic conditions, critical illness, and day-to-day medical care, making it ideal for those who are truly “living abroad.”

 In contrast, travel insurance is designed for short-term trips, mainly covering emergency medical treatment and accidental events, and offers limited coverage for chronic conditions or long-term treatment.

Expats in Hong Kong can purchase insurance through the following three main channels:

1. Through an Insurance Broker

Insurance brokers represent the client’s interest and can compare products across multiple insurers, providing impartial recommendations. It is critical to choose a licensed broker; you can verify their licence on the Insurance Authority (IA) website. This ensures that your policy is valid, and selling insurance without a license is  illegal and can compromise your policy

2. Through an Insurance Agent

Insurance agents represent a specific insurer and typically sell only that company’s products. Expats can contact a licensed agent directly to complete the application. As with brokers, you should verify the agent’s license on the IA website before purchase to protect your rights.

3. Direct Online Purchase

Some insurers allow direct purchase via their official website or mobile app. Applicants simply need to complete the form, upload required documents, and pay the premium to receive an e-policy. However, products like life insurance or savings-type policies usually still require physical signing in person.

When purchasing insurance, you typically need to prepare the following:

• Valid passport or Hong Kong Identity Card
• Proof of entry to Hong Kong (e.g., entry stamp or landing slip)
• Work visa or other residence permit
• Health report or medical history (if applicable)
• Proof of address proof (e.g., utility bill or tenancy agreement from the last three months)

Different insurance products may require different documentation, so it’s best to confirm with the insurance agent or company beforehand.

When purchasing insurance in Hong Kong, expats should pay special attention to the following points to ensure their policy is legally valid and offers comprehensive protection:

1. Eligibility and Residency Requirements

The first condition for expats to buy insurance is meeting eligibility requirements. Typically, they must hold a valid Hong Kong ID card (either permanent or non-permanent),  a valid visa, and must currently reside in Hong Kong. Some Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) plans do allow non-residents to apply, but acceptance is at the insurer’s discretion, and tax deductions  would not apply to non-taxpayers.

2. Compliance with “Onshore Signing” Requirement

According to IA regulations, expats must sign their policy documents physically in Hong Kong. Any signing completed outside Hong Kong is considered a violation of sales regulations and could result in the policy’s validity being questioned at the claims stage, leading to unnecessary disputes.

3. Review Coverage and Policy Terms

Before purchasing, carefully review the policy wording to confirm coverage scope, exclusions, renewal terms, and cooling-off period. Pay attention to the geographic coverage. Is it worldwide, Asia-wide, or Hong Kong-only? Some plans include overseas emergency medical coverage. Select a plan that matches your personal needs and ensures you are covered wherever you may be.

4. Understand the Claims Process

Familiarise yourself with how to claim benefits, including whether there is a cashless settlement service, deductible options, and co-payment percentages. Also, understand how to file a claim, whether receipts, medical certificates, and claim forms can be submitted online or must be submitted physically. Some insurers now allow online claim submissions for faster processing.

5. Understand Policy Renewal and Coverage After Relocation

Even if expats move to another country, policies generally remain valid as long as premiums are paid on time. To avoid coverage gaps, it is recommended to proactively notify the insurer and confirm coverage scope and claims procedures after relocation, ensuring uninterrupted protection.

For expats living in Hong Kong, purchasing medical insurance is an important step in protecting your health and finances. However, given the wide range of products and complex terms, it can be challenging to choose the most suitable plan based solely on personal knowledge. For those new to Hong Kong’s insurance market, professional advice is especially valuable. 10Life is a licensed insurance brokerage firm that specialises in providing professional insurance advice, product comparisons, and related services. Want to know which plan is most suitable for you? Contact a licensed 10Life insurance advisor to receive impartial, professional recommendations.

References:

1. Hong Kong Hospital Authority - Operations
2. Hong Kong Hospital Authority - Fees and Charges