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When you’re seeking medical treatment, the last thing you want to worry about is how you’re going to pay for it. However, since Hong Kong is the
third most expensive city in the world when it comes to health insurance costs, being financially savvy is a must. This article from our friends at Pacific Prime Hong Kong discusses hospital billing methods that you can use to pay for treatment, including out-of-pocket payment and making an insurance claim.
If you don’t have
medical insurance in Hong Kong or have chosen to receive treatment without making a claim, there are some things you should know about out-of-pocket hospital billing.
Out-of-pocket hospital billing
Public hospital
The medical services categories for public hospitals in Hong Kong include public charges for eligible/non-eligible persons and private charges. If you’re eligible, you can access government-subsidized treatment through public hospitals. On the other hand, those who are not eligible can expect to pay a lot more for treatment.
Private hospital charges involve costs related to inpatient visits, such as a private ward or a private specialist. These charges also cost more than subsidies for eligible individuals. For this reason, those without residency, citizenship, or a valid HKID card often opt for
hospital insurance or private health insurance.
Private hospital
If you’re not insured, seeking treatment from a private facility will be costly. With room fees and procedure costs typically separate from other costs like doctor’s fees, amenities, etc., the total hospital bill is often much higher than public options. Additionally, it’s worth noting that some private facilities give you a certain amount of time to make payments, and the payments must be prompt.
Payment methods
Bills for
public and private hospitals in Hong Kong can be settled in several ways. Public hospitals usually require you to pay your bill at the end of your treatment, with out-of-pocket options including paying in person, by cheque, via internet banking/ATM, or by cash at 7-Eleven. Similarly, you can pay for your private hospital bill through the standard methods, including by cash in person, through a bank transfer, by cashier’s order, or via credit card or EPS.
Paying via health insurance
Alternatively, those with private health insurance can settle their hospital bills through patient reimbursement or direct billing. Patient reimbursement involves paying for your treatment upfront, then submitting your receipts to your insurer or broker to be reimbursed. Direct billing payment methods are perhaps the most streamlined option since the hospital bills the insurer directly for your treatment costs. Most policyholders prefer this method since they don’t have to pay anything upfront and don’t have to be meticulous about keeping receipts either.
Regardless of the payment method you choose, you should understand the process before seeking medical treatment to avoid extra stress or financial woes. Fortunately, Pacific Prime Hong Kong is here to discuss your healthcare concerns and answer your insurance inquiries.
Contact Pacific Prime for impartial advice or an obligation-free insurance quote today.