Top 5 VHIS Options in Hong Kong
The top VHIS options in Hong Kong are from Cigna, Bupa, AXA, AIA, and Blue Cross. With the great variety of plans from these insurers, you can surely find the VHIS plan that meets your needs and fits your budget comfortably.
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The Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) offers certified hospitalization insurance plans for individuals, enhancing consumer protection with transparency and guaranteed renewals. VHIS plans represent a very viable choice for expats in addition to international health insurance.
5 Best VHIS Options in Hong Kong
The 5 best VHIS options in Hong Kong (and some of these insurers are among the top insurers in Hong Kong for expats) are:
- Cigna
- Bupa
- AXA
- AIA
- Blue Cross
Each of these five insurers has plans that will fulfill your healthcare needs while living within your budget, enabling you to make the most of your time in the Pearl of the Orient. Let’s look at them one by one in detail, exploring their plans’ features, benefits, and coverage options.
Cigna VHIS Series in Hong Kong
Cigna offers a comprehensive range of VHIS plans designed to provide robust medical protection while ensuring affordability and flexibility. These plans are certified by the Hong Kong government and cater to various health needs, with coverage up to HK$30 million annually.
Key Features of Cigna’s VHIS plans in Hong Kong include:
- Wide Entry Age Range: Applicants can be aged from 15 days to 80 years.
- Guaranteed Renewal: Coverage is guaranteed up to age 100, ensuring long-term protection.
- No Lifetime Benefit Limit: Policyholders can access necessary medical services without worrying about affecting benefits available in future years.
- Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions: Plans cover unknown pre-existing conditions from day one of the policy.
- Extensive Treatment Options: All cancer treatment expenses, including non-surgical therapies, are fully covered.
Cigna offers the following plans to suit different needs:
| Plan Type | Flexi Plan (Superior) | Flexi Plan (SMM) | Standard Plan |
| Annual Benefit Limit | HKD $30 million | HKD $5 million | HKD $1 million |
| Deductible Options | HKD $0, $15,000, $25,000, $50,000, $75,000 | HKD $0, $15,000, $25,000 | HKD $0, $15,000 |
| Room Type | Semi-private or Ward | Standard Ward | Standard Ward |
Policyholders are entitled to the following additional benefits:
- Cashless Medical Services: Streamlined process for hospital admissions and treatments.
- Cigna Care Manager: Personalized support from healthcare concierges to assist with medical needs.
- Tax Deductible Premiums: Premiums are eligible for taxable income deductions up to HKD $8,000 per insured person annually.
Bupa VHIS Series in Hong Kong
The VHIS plans from Bupa include MyBasic VHIS, MyFlexi VHIS, and Hero VHIS, each catering to different needs. These VHIS plans are designed to provide comprehensive coverage with a focus on customer flexibility and transparency.
The Bupa VHIS plan types are as follows:
- Standard Plan: MyBasic VHIS
- Flexi Plans: MyFlexi VHIS, Hero VHIS
Flexi plans come with additional features and customization options, allowing users to tailor their coverage.
Key Features of Bupa Hero VHIS include:
- Hospitalization/Surgery Coverage: Full coverage
- Pre-existing Conditions: No waiting period
- Coverage Start: Day 1
- Annual Benefit Limit: HKD $40 million
- Lifetime Benefit Limit: Unlimited
- Optional Coverage: Outpatient, dental, obstetrics
- Cashless Service: Available at no extra charge
Despite the generous benefits and user-oriented services, these VHIS plans remain affordable:
- MyBasic VHIS: Starting at HKD $149/month with a welcome discount of 20%.
- MyFlexi VHIS: Starting at HKD $238/month, offering savings of up to 60% on the first-year premium over three years.
- Hero VHIS: Premiums begin at HKD $136/month, with discounts available.
Purchasing a VHIS-certified plan qualifies individuals for tax deductions on premiums paid, making these plans financially attractive for both individuals and families.
AXA VHIS-Certified Plans in Hong Kong
AXA offers three comprehensive VHIS-certified medical insurance plans: Smart Medicare, WiseGuard Medical, and WiseGuard Pro. Each plan is designed to cater to varying healthcare needs, providing flexibility and peace of mind.
All AXA VHIS plans are tailored to meet diverse healthcare needs while ensuring financial stability against rising medical costs. Eligible taxpayers can claim up to HKD $8,000 in taxable income deductions per insured person.
Smart Medicare
Smart Medicare is available for individuals aged 14 days to 80 years, and it has no lifetime benefit limit with reimbursement for actual medical expenses until age 100. Moreover, renewal is guaranteed up to age 100 without premium increases due to claims.
There is no waiting period before coverage begins, and worldwide emergency support is included in the plan. Smart Medicare is available in 3 tiers, and the annual benefit limits are as follows:
| Benefit Item | Regular | Superior | Premier |
| Room and Board | HKD $800/day | HKD $1,600/day | HKD $4,500/day |
| Miscellaneous Charges | HKD $14,000/year | HKD $20,000/year | HKD $35,000/year |
| Specialist Fee | HKD $4,300/year | HKD $5,000/year | HKD $10,000/year |
| Pre/Post-Confinement Outpatient Care | HKD $580/visit, max HKD $3,000/year | HKD $780/visit, max HKD $5,000/year | HKD $980/visit, max HKD $7,000/year |
WiseGuard Medical
WiseGuard Medical is open to individuals aged 14 days to 80 years. It also imposes no lifetime benefit limit and offers reimbursement until age 100. Renewal is guaranteed until age 100, with premiums adjusted based on the age of the insured. Local psychiatric treatments are also covered.
WiseGuard Medical has the following annual benefit limits:
| Benefit Item | Limit |
| Room and Board | HKD $750/day |
| Miscellaneous Charges | HKD $14,000/year |
| Specialist Fee | HKD $4,300/year |
| Pre/Post-Confinement Outpatient Care | HKD $580/visit, max HKD $3,000/year |
WiseGuard Pro
Individuals from 14 days to 80 years are eligible for WiseGuard Pro, which provides comprehensive protection with no lifetime limits and annual benefit limits refreshed each year. Like the other plans, WiseGuard Pro guarantees renewal up to age 100.
Both inpatient and outpatient services are covered, with no waiting periods. The insured can further opt for supplementary major medical coverage. WiseGuard Pro offers the following annual benefit limits:
| Benefit Item | Limit |
| Room and Board | HKD $800/day |
| Miscellaneous Charges | HKD $14,000/year |
| Specialist Fee | HKD $4,300/year |
AIA VHIS Options in Hong Kong
AIA offers three distinct VHIS plans, each tailored to meet varying medical needs and financial considerations: the Standard Scheme (AVS), the Flexi Scheme (AVF), and the Privilege Ultra Scheme (AVPU).
Each plan is crafted to provide quality medical coverage, ensuring peace of mind while maximizing tax benefits for policyholders.
Standard Scheme (AVS)
AVS offers essential medical protection required by VHIS, with an annual benefits cap of HKD $420,000 and no cap on lifetime benefits. People from 15 days to 80 years of age are eligible.
Premiums can be paid annually, semi-annually, quarterly, or monthly, and core benefits include inpatient care, diagnostic tests, and outpatient services with coverage for long-term treatments. Policyholders can claim taxable income deductions of up to HKD $8,000 per insured person.
Flexi Scheme (AVF)
AVF features lifetime protection with guaranteed renewal and no annual or lifetime benefit limits. Individuals from 15 days up to 80 years of age are eligible to apply for coverage. Premium Payments can be made annually, semi-annually, quarterly, or monthly.
AVF Includes a no-claim discount of up to 25% for policyholders who remain claim-free for three consecutive years. Moreover, taxable income deduction benefits similar to those under AVS apply, allowing up to HKD $32,000 in taxable income deductions for families with multiple insured persons.
Privilege Ultra Scheme (AVPU)
AVPU offers comprehensive medical protection with no annual or lifetime benefit limits. Similarly, individuals from 15 days to 80 years old can apply for coverage, and premiums can be paid annually, semi-annually, quarterly, or monthly.
Moreover, AVPU offers additional benefits including Personal Medical Case Management and supplemental major medical benefits. Similar to other plans, premiums are eligible for taxable income deductions of up to HKD $8,000 per insured person annually.
The following table summarizes the key differences between the 3 plans described above:
| Feature | AVS | AVF | AVPU |
| Additional Benefits | Essential coverage only | Supplemental major benefits | Extensive, including case management |
| No-Claim Discount | Not applicable | Up to 25% for claim-free years | Not applicable |
| Premium Discounts | Standard pricing | 10% first-year discount for Vitality members | Initial discounts for AIA Vitality members |
Blue Cross VHIS Options in Hong Kong
Blue Cross offers four comprehensive VHIS plans – CareForYou Standard Plan, CareForYou Super Flexi Plan, Love Yourself VHIS Plan, and Dynasty VHIS Plan. Each plan is tailored with unique features, coverage limits, and benefits, ensuring a suitable option for individuals and families.
In particular, an absence of restrictions on healthcare providers means enhanced convenience for policyholders wherever they live in Hong Kong. The following table is a succinct summary of the plans from Blue Cross:
| CareForYou Standard Plan | CareForYou Super Flexi Plan | Blue Cross Love Yourself VHIS Plan | Blue Cross Dynasty VHIS Plan | |
| Coverage Type | Indemnity with non-indemnity cash benefits | Indemnity with added non-indemnity cash benefits | Indemnity with non-indemnity cash benefits | Indemnity with non-indemnity cash benefits |
| Annual Benefit Limit | HKD $420,000 | HKD $420,000 to $830,000 | HKD $6,000,000 | HKD $10,000,000 |
| Lifetime Benefit Limit | None | None | HKD $40,000,000 | HKD $48,000,000 |
| Annual Deductible Options | None | None | HKD $0, $20,000, $40,000, or $80,000 | HKD $0, $20,000, $40,000, or $80,000 |
| Enrolment Age | 15 days to 80 years | 15 days to 80 years | 12 days to 80 years (optional outpatient and dental benefits for ages up to 70) | 12 days to 80 years |
| Period of Cover | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
| Policy Renewal | Guaranteed annual renewal up to age 100 | Guaranteed annual renewal for life | Guaranteed annual renewal for life | Guaranteed annual renewal for life |
| Ward Class | No restrictions | No restrictions, except for supplementary medical benefits | Ward and/or semi-private room based on selected plan level | Semi-private room for confinement in HK, Macau, or Mainland China; private room for confinement elsewhere |
| Healthcare Providers | No restrictions | No restrictions | No restrictions | No restrictions |
| Payment Options | Annual, semi-annual, quarterly, and monthly | Annual, semi-annual, quarterly, and monthly | Annual, semi-annual, quarterly, and monthly | Annual, semi-annual, quarterly, and monthly |
| Cooling-off Period | 21 days | 21 days | 21 days | 21 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS)?
The VHIS is a policy initiative by the Hong Kong Government to oversee and certify indemnity hospital insurance plans provided by participating insurers to individuals. Participation from both insurance companies and consumers is optional.
What distinguishes Certified VHIS Plans from other individual indemnity hospitalization insurance plans?
Certified VHIS Plans receive official certification from the Health Bureau, indicating they meet specific standard features for enhanced consumer protection. These include standardized policy terms and conditions, guaranteed renewal up to age 100, and more extensive benefit coverage.
Are the premiums of Certified VHIS Plans overseen by the Health Bureau?
The Health Bureau does not oversee the premiums of Certified VHIS Plans. However, participating insurers must publish their premium tables for these plans. The premium tables for all Certified VHIS Plans can be found on the official VHIS website.
Conclusion
In this article, we examined the plans from the top 5 VHIS insurers in Hong Kong. Our goal is to help you understand how their VHIS plans differ from one another, so you can choose the best option to protect your health if you are a resident or expat based in Hong Kong.
We understand that many would find it a daunting task to pick the best plan among the myriad of plans on the market. We also know that the ideal health plan for you may not even be a VHIS plan, but an international health insurance plan from one of the top insurers for expats after all.
But fret not, we are here to help! For international health, expat health, family health, maternity, travel, and other insurance needs, our extensive expertise and global experience enable us to tailor a solution for your needs and budget, ensuring you get the best value for your money.
What’s more, you can benefit from our advice and support at no extra cost! So contact us for a consultation, quote, or a FREE, no-strings-attached plan comparison, today!
Since joining Pacific Prime, Martin has become even more aware of the gap between the true value of insurance products and most people’s appreciation of it, and developed a passion for demystifying and simplifying matters, so that more people get the protection they need at a cost they can easily afford.
In his free time, Martin attends concerts of various genres, and plays the violin with piano accompaniment he pre-recorded himself or played live by his niece.
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