Since many medical insurance plans can’t be transferred to other countries, health insurance is an important consideration when settling in – especially if you’ve come to Hong Kong with family. Here, the Bupa Global team shares three reasons why global healthcare cover is a very good idea.
1. Options
Hong Kong’s public healthcare system provides a high standard of medical care and modern equipment. However, the public system is geared towards emergency care; waiting times can be long, especially for specialist treatment or consultation. Private healthcare generally costs more but you benefit from shorter waiting times, and most private medical insurance plans cover part or all of the cost.
2. Flexibility
Even if you have corporate insurance provided by your company, it likely won’t meet all your needs. Many of Bupa’s clients look at a second policy as a top-up, for a greater range of benefits with higher annual policy limits and coverage when you need it, beyond the time you’re with your current company.
There’s further flexibility, too, as some plans provide optional modules such as outpatient care, drugs and dressing; so you can tailor a plan to your own healthcare needs. If you’re an expat with a global lifestyle, for example, you can access a portable, global health solution.
3 Extras
Bupa Global offers clients access to leading specialist care around the world with its family health insurance packages. These premium health plans provide access to more than 1.5 million medical providers worldwide, and with direct billing services; plus, with Global Virtual Care, they can access a global network of doctors via the phone or in-app video anytime. Other services include a 24/7 Healthline, second medical opinion service, doctor referrals and direct access to specialists without the need for a GP referral.
Things to consider when choosing a private medical insurance plan:
- annual policy limits
- geographic coverage (for example, does it include the US?)
- maternity coverage (can a baby be covered by a parent’s policy?)
- whether it covers for pre-existing, mental, hereditary, congenital and chronic conditions
- whether it includes preventive benefits (comprehensive health checks, vaccinations and so on).
Global Virtual Care service is provided by a third party, Advance Medical, a Teladoc Health Company. Terms and conditions apply; visit bupaglobal.com for full details on the insurance plans. The plans are insured by Bupa (Asia) Limited and administered by Bupa Global. Bupa Global is a trading name adopted by Bupa (Asia) Limited in relation to its portfolio of International Private Medical Insurance products and services. Bupa (Asia) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Hong Kong Insurance Authority. This material shall not be construed as an offer to sell or solicitation to buy or provision of any insurance product outside Hong Kong.
This article first appeared in the City Guide 2021/22 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
