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Looking to buy health insurance in Hong Kong? Then, you should pay attention to insurance exclusions to know what is and what isn’t covered. Your insurance policy is dependent on any health conditions you disclose when requesting a quote. Our friends at Pacific Prime Hong Kong will give a rundown of the most common health exclusions to watch out for.
What are insurance exclusions?
Simply put, they are conditions excluded from cover in your health insurance plan. It’s not uncommon that your doctor suggests a course of treatment, only for you to find out that the insurance plan only pays for a portion of the price or none at all. It can be incredibly upsetting. Aside from a dent in your bank account, this can also be a massive barrier to you receiving the care you need. Here are 8 common health exclusions you need to know. Want an easy-to-read visual guide? Check out Pacific Prime’s infographic.
1. Pre-existing conditions
Pre-existing conditions are medical conditions you’ve had prior to purchasing your health plan. This may include chronic conditions such as diabetes.
2. Behavioral and personality disorders
Psychological disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder are examples. Keep in mind that these are different from mental problems.
3. Fertility treatments
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and other Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatments are excluded. Nevertheless, certain countries do provide plans that cover fertility treatment with a number of restrictions, such as a long waiting period.
4. Sleep disorders
Insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy are some of the several sleep disorders that are excluded from cover.
5. Specific scenarios
Illnesses and injuries sustained from natural disasters, participation in illegal activities, and self-inflicted injuries are just a few scenarios listed as exclusions in most health plans.
6. Cosmetic surgery
Insurers only cover treatments that aredeemed as medically necessary. That’s why elective surgeries for aesthetic purposes will not be covered.
7. Obesity
Both the diagnostic and treatment process of obesity are considered exclusions. However, some policies may be open to covering specific conditions if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more.
8. Acquisition of an organ
From donor search to live organ transportations, the entire process of organ acquisition is unfortunately not covered by your insurer.
Finding the right health insurance plan
This list of insurance exclusions can be daunting to look at. You might be wondering, ‘so what is covered?’. Rest assured that most doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, wellness care, and medical services are included in health plans.