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Moving abroad to a metropolis like Hong Kong can certainly be exciting, yet daunting at the same time. While relocating and stress are synonymous, being well prepared for the move can help ease some of the pressure. By this point, you probably already know that Hong Kong is an extremely expensive place to live. In fact, it remains
one of the most expensive cities for expats in 2020.
But, no matter if you’re an expat or a local, one thing you’ll spend on sooner or later is healthcare. Fortunately, having the right medical insurance can help you save a lot of money. That’s why
Pacific Prime Hong Kong is here to discuss how to find the best international health insurance in Hong Kong.
Tips for choosing the best international health insurance plan
If you’re moving to Hong Kong for work, then your employer has probably arranged some form of medical coverage for you. However, employer-provided health plans generally have several limitations, such as low benefit limits and local coverage only. If that’s the case, you can either obtain a top-up plan or secure your own medical insurance policy. Keep the following tips in mind when looking for a health insurance plan.
1. Understand your healthcare needs
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all plan that suits everyone. A twenty-something employee and a 60-year-old retiree are not going to have the same healthcare needs, and their insurance coverage should reflect that. Some questions to think about when determining your healthcare needs include:
- Do you have any pre-existing conditions?
- How often do you visit a general practitioner or specialist?
- Do you travel frequently?
2. Choose the level of coverage you need
After identifying your healthcare needs, you can choose the level of coverage that’s right for you. In Hong Kong, basic medical plans tend to only cover hospitalization treatment while extensive benefits come with more comprehensive plans. Some of the most popular benefits amongst expats in Hong Kong include:
- Inpatient/outpatient
- Health check-ups
- Maternity care
- Dental and vision care
- Vaccinations
- Global coverage
3. Have a long-term vision for your plan
When getting new medical insurance, you’ll find that any pre-existing conditions are excluded automatically. That means if you change insurers frequently, any conditions you’ve developed with your former insurer(s) will be excluded by the latest one(s). Look at your health insurance plan as something that you’ll keep indefinitely by going with a trustworthy insurer.
4. Compare health insurance plans
Cheap plans are attractive because they’re, well, cheap. But these seemingly more affordable plans usually cost you more in the long run, with drawbacks such as high out-of-pocket charges and restrictive provider networks.