Diabetes treatment in Hong Kong

Hi,


I have read some messages about diabetes in Hong Kong, but I still have some doubts...


I'm a 34 yr Spanish girl who has diabetes and who is moving to Hong Kong in 3 weeks to work as a Spanish teacher. The academy I'm going to work for told me that I would have a basic health insurance. As I read, that means that diabetes wouldn't be covered.


To be honest, I don't think I would need to visit a doctor to check or control my diabetes (I have diabetes for 20 years), but I will need insulin (Lantus and NovoRapid), needles and strips to check the blood sugar. It is in this point where I have a lot of doubts. What I would have to do to get all what I need? How much I would have to pay for it? It is because I am not going to earn a lot of money, so even I am thinking to ask my doctor here (actually, I live in the UK) for everything that I would need for at last one year and take all the stuff with me. Well, I don't know if they will allow me to do that...


I don't know yet where I will stay, because the academy told me that they would book something like a hostel for the first weeks until I will be able to get a flat.


Please, I would be very grateful if someone could help me. I am lost and I am a bit afraid...


Thanks in advance.


(Sorry for my mistakes. My English is not very good)


Maria

Hong Kong has good, affordable public health care so I think you should be able to get inexpensive treatment.


As for accommodation you might consider a share flat http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/property/share-flats/


I hope everything works out for you - Hong Kong is a great place to live and work

Once you have your HK ID card (which you will get soon after arrival as long as you are coming on a work visa) you will be entitled to public health care. For example I was just diagnosed with gestational diabetes and I was able to get the BGM machine for free (just had to pay a $400 deposit which I will get back when I return the machine) and even the needles and test strips were subsidised. Not sure about insulin as at this stage I don't need it. Medicine under public healthcare is also usually subsidised. But I would bring as much with you as possible.

There is a great clinic called LIFE Clinic on Queens Road Central, who utilise a great doctor who specialises in hormones and a nutritionist who can support on the diet side - I would give them a go, contact number 2881 8131 www.lifelclinic.com.hk

All the best

MRP