Hong Kong Travel Guide

Healthcare overview

Hong Kong offers world-class healthcare with top-tier medical facilities and English-speaking professionals, but tourists are not covered by the public healthcare system and must use expensive private facilities. Public hospitals provide emergency care to tourists, but wait times can be extremely long (8-12 hours), and non-emergency services must be paid out-of-pocket. Private healthcare is exceptionally expensive, with general clinic visits costing HK$200-400 ($25-50 USD), hospital outpatient visits HK$300-400 ($40-50 USD), and private hospital admission ranging from HK$800-3,000+ ($100-380+ USD) per day depending on room type. Major private hospitals include Matilda International Hospital, Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, and Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, all offering excellent care with English-speaking staff. Medical costs in Hong Kong rank among the highest in Asia, making comprehensive travel insurance essential. Emergency services can be accessed by calling 999. Most doctors and medical staff speak fluent English. Pharmacies are widely available, with prescription medications requiring a doctor's note. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies, hospitalization, and medical evacuation is strongly recommended for all visitors.

Typical medical costs

• General clinic visit: HK$200-400 ($25-50 USD) including medication
• Hospital outpatient visit: HK$300-400 ($40-50 USD) plus medication costs
• Private hospital admission: HK$800-3,000+ ($100-380+ USD) per day depending on room type
• Emergency room visit: HK$1,000-2,000 ($130-260 USD) in private hospitals
• Hospitalization with surgery: HK$50,000-200,000+ ($6,400-25,600+ USD)
• Medical evacuation to nearest adequate facility: $30,000-50,000 USD
• Medical evacuation to United States: $50,000-150,000 USD
• Recommended minimum coverage: $50,000 medical, $250,000 evacuation