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Hong Kong

Healthcare quality & costs · 2023

Excellent — 85.1/100   Mixed system
Healthcare Index 85.1/100 +18.8pp vs Asia avg
Life Expectancy 84.8 yrs +6.7 vs region avg
GP / Doctor Visit $77 USD
Hospital Stay / Day $672 USD
Private Insurance / Month $192 USD
Public Coverage 100.0% of population
Health Spend (% GDP) 5.50%
Doctors per 1,000 2.00
Hospital Beds per 1,000 5.50
Infant Mortality Rate 1.90 per 1,000

Healthcare index trend

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Asia comparison

CountryIndexLife ExpGP VisitDoctors/1kCoverage
Singapore 85.5 83.6 yrs $96 2.60 100.0%
Hong Kong 85.1 84.8 yrs $77 2.00 100.0%
Japan 82.8 84.0 yrs $29 2.60 100.0%
South Korea 81.1 83.3 yrs $14 2.50 100.0%
Taiwan 78.8 80.9 yrs $14 3.40 99.0%
Thailand 66.8 76.9 yrs $29 0.95 99.0%
Malaysia 62.1 76.2 yrs $34 1.50 70.0%
China 60.8 77.9 yrs $24 3.10 96.0%
Vietnam 55.1 75.1 yrs $14 0.94 88.0%
Indonesia 47.5 71.4 yrs $19 0.47 56.0%
Philippines 45.8 72.2 yrs $17 0.64 40.0%
India 43.8 70.5 yrs $12 0.70 27.0%

Healthcare in Hong Kong — FAQs

How good is healthcare in Hong Kong in 2023?

Hong Kong scores 85.1 out of 100 on the LifeIndexed Healthcare Quality Index in 2023, rated as "Excellent". Life expectancy is 84.8 years. The country runs a Mixed (combination of public insurance and private providers) and spends 5.50% of GDP on health services.

How much does a doctor visit cost in Hong Kong?

A typical GP / doctor visit in Hong Kong costs approximately $77 USD. Hospital accommodation costs around $672 USD per day. These are out-of-pocket costs; insured patients may pay significantly less.

Is healthcare free in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong has near-universal public health coverage — essentially 100% of the population is covered. Basic medical services are free or heavily subsidised for all residents. The government funds this through 5.50% of GDP in health spending.

How much is private health insurance in Hong Kong?

Average private health insurance in Hong Kong costs approximately $192 USD per month. This provides access to private hospitals, shorter wait times and specialist care beyond what the public system offers.

What type of healthcare system does Hong Kong have?

Hong Kong has a mixed healthcare system combining public insurance with private providers. Public coverage extends to 100.0% of the population, with private options available for supplementary or faster care.

How many doctors are there per 1,000 people in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong has 2 doctors per 1,000 people. This is above the global average of approximately 1.8 per 1,000. The country also has 5.50 hospital beds per 1,000 people.

What is the life expectancy in Hong Kong?

Life expectancy in Hong Kong is 84.8 years in 2023, compared to the Asia average of 78.1 years. Life expectancy is a key indicator of population health, nutrition, and the effectiveness of the healthcare system.

What is the infant mortality rate in Hong Kong?

The infant mortality rate in Hong Kong is 1.9 deaths per 1,000 live births. This is a low rate, indicating strong maternal and newborn healthcare.

How does Hong Kong compare to other Asia countries?

Hong Kong ranks 2 out of 12 Asia countries on the healthcare quality index. Its score of 85.1/100 is +18.8pp above the Asia average of 66.3/100. Life expectancy is +6.7 years versus the regional average.

Can expats and foreigners access healthcare in Hong Kong?

Foreign nationals and expats in Hong Kong typically rely on private health insurance, as public healthcare access may be limited or require employment-linked contributions. International health insurance is strongly recommended before relocating.

Is Hong Kong a good destination for medical tourism?

Hong Kong is not typically considered a primary medical tourism destination. Patients seeking cost savings usually prefer regional alternatives. However, emergency and specialist care is available in major cities.

How much does a hospital stay cost in Hong Kong?

A hospital stay in Hong Kong costs approximately $672 USD per day for private or uninsured patients. Public system patients pay little or nothing for inpatient care. Hospital costs can vary significantly between public and private facilities.

Is Hong Kong's healthcare improving?

Hong Kong's healthcare quality index has improved by 2 points from 2022 to 2026, rising from 83.8/100 to 85.8/100. Life expectancy also rose from 84.4 to 85.1 years over the same period.

What is the quality of hospitals in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong has excellent hospital infrastructure. With 5.50 beds per 1,000 people and 2.00 doctors per 1,000, the country's hospitals are well-staffed and well-equipped. Major urban hospitals often hold international accreditation.

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