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If you’re planning on having a baby, then you probably already know that there are so many things you need to consider. Being an expat in Hong Kong means that you’ll have even more to think about as you navigate a new healthcare system - especially if you are handling it all on your own. Our friends at Pacific Prime Hong Kong are here to share their expert advice on maternity insurance in Hong Kong to help ease the process.
What Maternity Insurance Covers
Maternity insurance basically covers the costs of childbirth, as well as pre and postnatal care. Generally speaking, it is a benefit that you can add to a standard health insurance plan rather than a standalone plan. Benefits vary among insurers and plans, with coverage ranging from basic to more comprehensive. Along with exams, delivery, and prenatal/postnatal care, more comprehensive plans may also cover fertility treatments, newborn care, unexpected medical treatment for newborns, and congenital birth defects.
How Maternity Insurance Waiting Periods Work
Maternity insurance plans come with what is known as a waiting period. Waiting periods describe the amount of time that you cannot claim any maternity-related expenses. Since maternity insurance waiting periods are usually between nine to 18 months, you cannot reap the benefits if you are already pregnant. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and secure maternity insurance as soon as possible.
But what if you become pregnant during the waiting period? If that’s the case, our advice is to pay for prenatal care with your own money and use the maternity benefit to cover the remaining costs once the waiting period is over.
Public Vs Private Healthcare
Whether you’re a local or an expat in Hong Kong, you’re going to have to decide whether you want public or private healthcare for maternity. Hong Kong’s healthcare options are outstanding, but they don’t come cheap. In fact, private healthcare services in Hong Kong happen to be one of the world’s most expensive. While public healthcare services are certainly more affordable, they also come with drawbacks such as long wait times and overcrowding. Fortunately, maternity insurance can help make the cost of giving birth in Hong Kong more affordable.
Working With An Insurance Broker
Buying Hong Kong maternity insurance might sound like a simple task, but the truth is that this type of insurance is rather complex. To ensure that you get the right benefits for your needs, it is advisable to work with a reputable insurance broker. By doing so, you won’t just avoid unnecessary stress, but also make sure that you’re not surprised by expenses that could otherwise have been avoided with the right policy.
To find out more about your maternity insurance options in Hong Kong, download our free Maternity Insurance Guide. Or contact us at Pacific Prime for impartial insurance advice and a free plan comparison today.