At Harrow International School Hong Kong, we are aware that relocating to a foreign country may present a number of hurdles, with health care frequently ranking among families’ primary concerns. Being an international school, we welcome families from all over the globe, and we understand how difficult it may be to navigate healthcare in a foreign setting. This resource is intended to provide parents with clarity and peace of mind, regardless of whether they are new to Hong Kong or are just trying to learn more about the healthcare system here.
Overview of Hong Kong’s Public and Private Healthcare
For good reason, the healthcare system in Hong Kong is considered to be among the most advanced in Asia. Families may choose from a dual healthcare system that includes both public and private providers. Every choice has its own advantages, and knowing the distinctions between them will enable you to choose the best course of action for your family.
Source: Hong Kong Government
Public Health in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s public healthcare system provides excellent treatment, and a large number of its physicians and other healthcare workers have received training abroad. Public hospitals can treat a variety of medical ailments and are well-equipped. One of the main advantages of the public system is affordability, especially for those with a Hong Kong ID card, since most citizens may get medical treatment at government-subsidised costs.
There are a few things to take into account, however. Public hospitals may be quite crowded and often have lengthy wait periods for non-emergency treatments. You may feel secure knowing that public hospitals prioritise emergency care. Also, they are well-known for their cutting-edge infrastructure and therapeutic skills.
Source: Localiiz website
Private Healthcare in Hong Kong
Families looking for individualised treatment or reduced wait times will find the private healthcare system to be a great substitute. There are many high-quality private hospitals and clinics in Hong Kong, several of which provide services specifically designed for families living abroad. Private healthcare offers superior facilities and more freedom in selecting physicians and experts.
That said, there is a trade off. It is strongly advised to get comprehensive medical insurance in order to prevent significant out-of-pocket costs, since private healthcare may be costly. Families with existing international health insurance should confirm that their plan includes coverage for medical treatments in Hong Kong.
Examples of costs of private healthcare treatment costs. Please note that these are illustrations only and we highly recommend contacting hospitals directly for the most up-to-date information.
Source: Localiiz website
How Does Health Insurance Work in Hong Kong?
Getting health insurance is crucial for many expat families that are relocating to Hong Kong. The majority of foreigners choose private healthcare due to its simplicity and comfort, even if the public healthcare system is more economical for locals residents.
Expats may choose from a variety of insurance options that cover everything from regular check-ups to emergency operations. As an alternative, a lot of international insurance companies provide packages made especially for families relocating overseas that provide them the freedom to choose between public and private services.
Hong Kong’s Pediatric Healthcare System
Children’s health and wellbeing are the focus of our attention at Harrow International School Hong Kong. It’s valuable for families with younger children to understand that Hong Kong offers excellent paediatric care. Specialised paediatric treatments are provided by both public and private hospitals, and the city is home to a large number of private paediatric clinics. Families living abroad may find it quite reassuring that many of these clinics employ physicians who understand English.
It’s also important to remember that young people in Hong Kong are required to get vaccines. International standards are followed while creating the immunisation schedule, and both public and private healthcare institutions are used for administering several vaccinations. It is advisable to see your healthcare practitioner to confirm that your child has received all the necessary vaccines, particularly if you are moving from a country where the vaccination schedule is different.
Hospitals and Emergency Services
Hong Kong’s emergency medical services are prompt and effective in case of an emergency. You may reach ambulance, fire, or police services by dialling 999 in an emergency. Public hospitals provide Accident & Emergency (A&E) services around-the-clock, and most of the time, ambulances are sent out for free.
It is important for parents to know where the closest hospital is located. There are first-rate hospitals offering emergency care in Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, Matilda International Hospital, and Gleneagles Hong Kong are a few of the best private hospitals. For emergency treatment, public facilities like Queen Mary Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital are very well respected.
Healthcare for International Families
We are aware that the expectations for healthcare that many of our families have might differ greatly depending on their prior experiences in different nations. The good news is that Hong Kong’s medical staff is used to caring for a wide variety of international patients. In public and private healthcare settings, English is frequently spoken, and many hospitals offer bilingual personnel to help patients who don’t speak Mandarin or Cantonese.
Hong Kong has outstanding knowledge in a range of medical specialties for continuing medical requirements, such as treating chronic illnesses or receiving specialised therapies. Both the public and private sectors have specialists in fields including mental health, orthopaedics, and cardiology. To choose a specialist that best suits their family’s requirements, we advise parents to speak with their insurance company or ask other expat parents for advice.
Healthcare at Harrow
Our on-site Health Care Centre operates 24/7 during term time, offering primary care, medication administration, and overnight observation when necessary. Staff triage emergencies, coordinate hospital visits, and provide essential health services including vaccinations, vision and hearing tests, dental checks for younger pupils, and BMI assessments. The centre also conducts suicide risk evaluations and trains staff on relevant health issues to ensure comprehensive care for all students.
Maintaining Your Health in Hong Kong
Although some families may need to acclimate to Hong Kong’s hectic city life and environment, the city also provides many chances for leading a healthy lifestyle. There are a multitude of options for both parents and children to be active, ranging from fitness facilities and outdoor activities to hiking trails and public parks. For optimal health and wellbeing, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated, particularly during the steamy summer months.
In addition, there are seasonal variations in Hong Kong’s air quality, especially during the winter when pollution tends to increase. It’s a good idea to use applications or official websites to check the quality of the air, particularly for families with small children or those who have respiratory issues.
We at Harrow International School Hong Kong are dedicated to helping our families in all facets of their Hong Kong experience, and medical assistance is no different. Whether you choose the public or private path, Hong Kong provides excellent medical services for families with a variety of alternatives and a world-class healthcare system. Families may confidently manage this part of life by being aware of the healthcare environment and obtaining the necessary insurance, secure in the knowledge that their health and well-being are in skilled hands.