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Expats living in Hong Kong have access to the city-state’s excellent healthcare system. It doesn’t come cheap though, especially if you choose private healthcare. But with advantages like exceptional service, shorter waiting times, and English-speaking staff, many expats still prefer the private route. The good news is that the right health insurance can help balance out the costs.
When it comes to buying insurance, one of the first things you need to think about is whether you want an inpatient-only plan or one with outpatient benefits as well. This article from our friends at
Pacific Prime Hong Kong takes a closer look at
inpatient vs outpatient insurance to help you choose.
Inpatient vs outpatient insurance: The basics
Inpatient insurance, also commonly called inpatient coverage or hospitalization insurance, provides coverage for short- and long-term stays at a hospital due to an accident, illness, or intensive care. Since inpatient insurance is the most basic type of insurance plan, virtually all health insurance plans in Hong Kong provide it. However, the exact benefits will depend on the place you choose. The
best medical insurance in Hong Kong typically covers diagnostic tests, surgery costs, and intensive care rooms, to name a few.
Outpatient insurance, on the other hand, covers you when you don’t need to stay in the hospital overnight. For instance, scheduled health check-ups with your general practitioner would be considered an outpatient benefit. Other benefits that fall under an outpatient insurance plan include vaccinations, prescription medication, and medical practitioner consultation costs. Many Hong Kong health insurance plans that cover outpatient treatment include inpatient coverage as well.
The difference between inpatient vs outpatient insurance
Even though inpatient costs are often notably higher, outpatient costs can easily add up.
Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority states that inpatient charges at private acute hospitals can cost up to HKD $6,650 per day. Similarly, outpatient consultations (which don’t include medication, prosthesis, or diagnostic service costs) can cost up to HKD $2,210 per consultation and HKD $1,990 per follow-up consultation.
Adding outpatient insurance coverage to a standard inpatient-only plan essentially gives you access to quality medical care without having to worry if you’re spending more than you can afford. Both inpatient and outpatient coverage is highly recommended, especially if you and/or your family visit the doctor frequently.
Add-on benefits
If you’re looking for additional coverage benefits, then your best bet is to secure a comprehensive insurance plan that provides add-on benefits such as
dental insurance, vision insurance, and
maternity insurance. Add-on benefits usually come with a waiting period, so be sure to read the fine print. Even though full coverage plans typically charge higher premiums, you can end up saving a lot of money if you need an expensive procedure that most standard health insurance plans won’t cover.
Looking for the best outpatient insurance in Hong Kong, inpatient-only, or other types of insurance? Contact us at Pacific Prime for impartial insurance advice and a free plan comparison today.