HSBC Life | Learn about private hospital charges before choosing a VHIS plan

May 2022

4 min

When it comes to choosing between public and private hospitals, most people would prefer the latter. But affordability is the biggest issue. Acquiring medical insurance is a long-term solution. How should you plan to make sure your needs will be met?

The medical standards in Hong Kong are internationally recognised, but medical costs have been rising steadily. Over the past 10 years, per capita annual medical expenses have risen by 99%¹. Undergoing surgery and critical illness treatment at a public hospital is more affordable than at a private institution; but as everyone knows, there is usually a much longer wait for services, which is a problem when timely treatment is needed for a serious illness. Having a medical insurance policy gives you the option to receive appropriate treatment at a private hospital as soon as possible.

Surgical and hospitalisation charges at Hong Kong private hospitals

When you’re planning your medical protection, the first thing you should find out are the costs. Taking a look at the following common diseases will give you a good idea as to how much private hospitals costs.

Colorectal cancer

When cancer strikes, mutating cells spread throughout the body to threaten the patient’s life. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common life-threatening diseases in Hong Kong². Generally, risk increases due to age, genetic factors and bad lifestyle habits. Early detection and treatment can boost a patient’s chances of recovery.

Private hospital
Colonoscopy with polypectomy	HKD115,249³
Colectomy (laparoscopic)	HKD217,491³

Public hospital
Surgical procedure	HKD19,000 - HKD72,000^{4, 5}
Daily hospitalisation	HKD120⁶

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is another arch-enemy and one of the most common cancers suffered by women in Hong Kong². On their doctors’ recommendations, some patients undergo a lumpectomy or other surgical procedures in order to thoroughly remove cancerous cells. Many patients also choose to supplement it with breast reconstruction surgery afterwards, as restoring appearance and confidence are often considered important components of breast cancer treatment.

Private hospital
Surgical procedure and hospitalisation	HKD132,288³
Breast reconstruction surgery	HKD150,000⁷

Public hospital
Surgical procedure	HKD38,000 - HKD72,000^{4, 5}
Daily hospitalisation	HKD120⁶

Coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease is very serious condition. Arteriosclerosis can cause life-threatening myocardial infarction. Coronary artery bypass surgery is a common way to treat both acute and chronic coronary heart diseases. For public hospital non-urgent cases, however, there is a waiting period of 1 year⁸.

Private hospital
Coronary artery bypass surgery	HKD100,000 - HKD300,000⁸

Public hospital
Coronary artery bypass surgery	HKD40,000 - HKD80,000⁸

$Bone fracture$

Bone fracture

Daily life can take us by surprise. A car accident, sports injury or even just a slip and fall in the bathroom could cause a bone fracture. If the ambulance took you to a public hospital, you’ll be classified as an urgent, semi-urgent or stable new case. Semi-urgent new cases have a waiting period of several weeks before treatment can be provided. Understandably, you may want to transfer to a private hospital.

Private hospital
Open reduction and internal fixation (upper or lower limb bone fracture)	HKD180,066 or HKD124,936³

Public hospital
Surgical procedure	HKD38,000 - HKD72,000^{4, 5}
Daily hospitalisation	HKD120⁶

Does a VHIS policy offer sufficient protection coverage??

Aware that their group medical coverage may not offer enough protection, many employees supplement it with a VHIS policy, which can meet their medical needs even if they were resigning, changing jobs or becoming self-employed. But VHIS plans typically have itemised sub-limits, covering approximately 85% to 92%⁹ of medical expenses. Some plans offer full coverage^# for hospitalisation and surgical expenses with no itemised sub-limits. As a result, customers will find it easier to plan their budgets and won’t have to worry about unexpected costs. That’s why these are options worth considering.

Surgical procedure	Private hospital total cost (HKD) (including operating theatre, medical supplies, doctors' fees, hospitalisation^*)	Scope of coverage of HSBC VHIS Flexi Plan
Endoscopic examination (including or excluding surgery to remove polyps)	115,249	Full coverage^*
Laparoscopic colectomy	217,491
Lumpectomy (each side)	132,288
Breast reconstruction surgery (each side)	280,000
Coronary artery bypass surgery	100,000 - 300,000
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (upper limb bone fracture)	180,066
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (lower limb bone fracture)	124,936

*Doctors’ fees include surgeon’s and anaesthetician’s fees; hospitalisation charges include hospital bed, medications, injection fees, examination fees, costs of treatments and relevant medical supplies, meals and miscellaneous charges.

Non-surgical treatment at private hospitals

In recent years, some cancer patients have turned to targeted therapy and immunotherapy for their treatment. Targeted therapy can reduce side effects but is quite expensive. Currently, the price range for targeted therapy at a private hospital is quite broad, from HKD10,000 to HKD380,000¹⁰. The median treatment duration is 47 months¹¹. A budget for this type of treatment should take into account the type of medication, its dosage and frequency. These factors vary from patient to patient. For details, please seek advice from your doctor.

Costs of targeted therapy in Hong Kong

Type of cancer	Average monthly expenses (HKD)
Breast cancer	20,000 - 82,000
Colorectal cancer	20,000 - 142,000
Stomach cancer	30,000
Liver cancer	157,000
Lung cancer	53,000 - 137,000
Lymphom	16,000 - 170,000
Melanoma	85,000 - 380,000
Epithelial ovarian tumour / Primary fallopian tube cancer / Primary peritoneal carcinoma	30,000
Pancreatic cancer	10,000 - 27,000
Thyroid cancer	28,000 - 105,000

Immunotherapy costs HKD60,000 to HKD70,000¹² every 3 weeks, which adds up to over HKD1 million per year. Patients survive for an average of 48 months¹³. When choosing a VHIS plan, pay particular attention to the scope of coverage. There are VHIS plans on the market covering both surgical and non-surgical treatments (including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, etc.) to provide extra support.

Non-surgical treatment	Private hospital treatment cost (HKD)	HSBC VHIS Flexi Plan
Targeted therapy	10,000 - 380,000/month	Covers targeted therapy
Immunotherapy	60,000- 70,000 every 3 weeks	Covers immunotherapy

Modern medicine has led to advances that can help fight diseases effectively, but the costs can add up to a lot of financial pressure for patients and their families. To protect your loved ones, start planning early and prepare for the unexpected. Other than surgical fees, there are additional things to consider when choosing a VHIS plan, such as deductibles, waiting periods and exclusions. Our LIFE Talk series will cover these in more detail.

#Full coverage refers to the eligible expenses and other expenses as specified in the provisions for HSBC Life VHIS Flexi Plan.

Sources:

HSBC Life Protection Booklet: Awakening to a New Health Consciousness.
Hospital Authority: Hong Kong Cancer Registry data.
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital: Reference Charges for Common Surgical Procedures, Standard Room Charges 2020.
Civil Service Bureau: List of surgical procedures.
Hospital Authority (Section 113) Amendments of services charges.
Hospital Authority: Charges for medical services.
Hong Kong Breast Cancer and Disease Centre: Costs of breast cancer surgery – is surgery expensive? Is it covered by medical insurance?
Sing Tao Daily: Private hospitals launch ‘pandemic special’ bypass surgery, packages start at $60,000, similar to public hospital charges.
10Life: Comparing VHIS plans, VHIS Flexi Plan ratings for new season released.
MoneyHero: Targeted therapy for cancer/prices/side effects and eligibility for government subsidies 2022.
Yahoo! News: Early-stage symptoms not pronounced - 60% of lung cancer patients receive late-stage diagnosis! New targeted therapy prolongs survival by close to 4 years.
Ming Pao: Immunotherapy medications cost over $1 million a year, mostly self-paid.
AM730: Immunotherapy for Stage 3 lung cancer prolongs survival.

Special offers

Apply online for HSBC VHIS Flexi Plan with the promo code "MEDI30" to enjoy 30% off first-year premium discount.

And an extra 40% off when you apply with your family members.

Apply now

Offer ends 31 March 2025. T&Cs apply.

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Disclaimer:

The above examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only.

The information contained in this article is for general reference only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or advice to any person or to be the basis for any financial decision. No person should act on any information in the article without seeking professional advice. There are certain assumptions that are used in the above scenarios and/or illustrations. Details will need to be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to the terms of the relevant policy.

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All the information in the article is updated as of May 2022

Issued by HSBC Life (International) Limited (Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability)

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