Cost of Common Surgeries in Hong Kong: Do You Need Hospital Insurance?

Every second counts when it comes to medical diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, the waiting time for stable new case bookings at public hospitals could be more than three years, according to a 2019 survey. 

Alternatively, many would opt for private hospitals where they can receive prompt treatment with access to top-notch facilities; only the hefty fees and charges remain  unaffordable to many. 

Reference charges for common surgical procedures in Hong Kong private hospital* 

While it’s hard to estimate the total on medical bills when sickness hits, we list out the costs of hospital admissions for some common surgical procedures for you to plan ahead.

*Based on the average charges of twelve private hospitals in Hong Kong; Canossa Hospital, Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Stubbs Road, Hong Kong Sanatorium Hospital, Matilda International Hospital, St Paul’s Hospital, Hong Kong Baptist Hospital, Evangel Hospital, Precious Blood Hospital, St. Teresa’s Hospital, Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Tsuen Wan, Union Hospital

Hospital insurance coverage

With a hospitalization insurance policy, one needs not to compromise quality healthcare out of financial concern as the plan helps lessen the burden of medical expenses. 

In general, a medical insurance policyholder should be entitled to -

• Basic needs, from hospital room to surgery, specialist, intensive care, and private nursing fees etc.
• Cash benefit for each day you’re in hospital 
• Medical appliances you may need, including stents and prosthetic ligaments etc.
• Cashless hospitalization arrangement

Preparing for your hospital stay

Hospital stay can seem impersonal and intimidating. It's always a good idea to come prepared. Here’s what to do before to help relieve some anxiety.

• Bring all the medicines you are currently taking. 
• Make sure your care team knows about any allergies to medications.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol for at least 24 hours before your procedure.
• Arrange for someone to be at the hospital or surgery center during your procedure and to take you home after your surgery or hospital stay.
• Hospitals may have different visiting hours. Please check with hospital staff for details especially during the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Do not bring a large amount of cash, jewellery etc. during hospitalization.

Cigna Care Manager: support you all the way 

Staffed by passionate registered nurses possessing proven clinical experience of handling complex situations, our in-house Care Managers will offer everything from pre-treatment preparation to post-hospitalization care.

• Pre-treatment: Care Manager’s professional advice, second medical opinion
• During treatment: 1:1 Care Manager assistance, explain medical terminology 
• Post-hospitalization: Provide home care services if necessary, provide continued emotional support to you and your family members, provide admission and discharge companion service upon request.

Cigna HealthFirst Elite 360 Medical Plan offers comprehensive and personalized medical coverage across the stage prevention, diagnosis, treatment and recovery, with a range of hospital and surgical benefits, optional insurance benefits with an annual limit of up to HK$50 million, personalized health assessment, three critical illnesses(cancer, stroke and heart attack) all-rounded care and international medical concierge service. A 360-degree total health protection that spans across all the key stages of your health journey. Learn more here.

Sources:

1. SCMP - Patients waiting more than three years for specialist care in Hong Kong, as doctors call for new department to manage public-private sector relationship 
2. MoneyHero -【手術費比較】白內障/痔瘡/割包皮等價錢表 2020 
3. HKET - 【手術收費】疫情下公院縮減非緊急手術 12間私家醫院相同手術收費全攻略 - 香港經濟日報 - TOPick - 健康 - 健康資訊