Macao Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance for Expats in Macao

Expats moving to or visiting Macao should secure international health insurance coverage for their trip. A comprehensive health insurance plan can protect expats from high medical bills and the cost of any medical evacuation that they may have to take to nearby Hong Kong. 

Are you an expat planning a trip to Macao? Do you want to learn more about how to protect yourself from unexpected illness and injury in the country? The insurance experts at Pacific Prime wrote this guide to help answer all your questions. 

We will discuss the country’s healthcare system, international health insurance providers, and more. We will also share resources for visitors in Macao. Read to learn more, or click here for a free health insurance quote!

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Macao

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

• Worldwide Coverage (excluding the US)
• Access to Cigna's trusted network of hospitals and doctors
• Numerous Deductible Options
• 24/7 Customer Support
• 4 Core Insurance Plans

Plan Details Get a Quote

Allianz Care Health Insurance

• World-leading Health Insurance Provider for Expats
• Extensive Network With Over 1.9 Million Medical Providers
• Quick and Efficient Claims Process
• Maximum Plan benefit up to USD $5,000,000

Plan Details Get a Quote

The Healthcare System in Macao

The healthcare system in Macao is made up of both private and public hospitals and clinics. The standard of healthcare is similar to that of Hong Kong, with high-quality medical facilities, English-speaking healthcare staff, and cutting-edge medical technology.

Residents in Macao with a valid Macao SAR (Special Administrative Region) Resident Identity Card can access free healthcare services in Macao at public clinics and hospitals. If more complex medical procedures are needed, patients are often sent to hospitals in Hong Kong. 

Macao Public Hospitals and Clinics

Hospital Centre S. Januario
Address: Estr. do Visc. de São Januário, Macao
Phone: +853 2831 3731

The only public hospital in Macao, the Hospital Centre S. Januario, offers 24-hour emergency care, inpatient, and outpatient care to residents and visitors. Residents who hold valid Macao ID cards can receive free healthcare services at the Hospital Centre S. Januario.

Centro de Tratamento Médico Kon Chi
Address: Macao R. do Gen. Ivens Ferraz, 467,473-475號利耀閣地下W及X舖 Precious Jade Garden
Phone: +853 2822 1877

Tap Seac Health Centre
Address: Macao, Avenida Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida
Phone: +853 2852 2232

Macao Private Hospitals and Clinics

Kiang Wu Hospital
Address: Estrada Coelho do Amaral
Phone: +853 2837 1333

The Kiang Wu Hospital in Macao offers inpatient, outpatient, and emergency services to residents and visitors. Some of the specialties and facilities they offer are: 

• Orthopedics and sports medicine
• Cardiology
• Rehabilitation center
• Neurology
• Interventional imaging center
• Dentistry
• Pediatrics
• Oncology
• Ophthalmology
• And more

University Hospital
Address: Block H, Macao University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macao
Phone: +853 2882 1838

The University Hospital is a private teaching hospital in Macao that practices integrated Chinese traditional medicine and Western medicine. They have 60 beds available in the hospital and have dedicated Chinese, Western, and Dental centers.

Macao Yin Kui Hospital
Address: Avenida Doutor Mario Soares N.°320, Finance and IT Center of Macao
Phone: +853 2832 2283

The Macao Yin Kui Hospital has been serving citizens, residents, and visitors in Macao since 2014. The hospital offers general and specialized outpatient services and inpatient services. Some of the specialties and facilities they offer are:

• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics and gynecology
• Gastroenterology
• Cardiology
• Ear, nose, and throat
• Urology
• Orthopedics
• And more

Health Insurance Options in Macao for Expats 

Expats in Macao have the option of either using public insurance if they qualify or securing private health insurance. Private health insurance is often the most highly recommended, as it can provide access to higher-quality healthcare facilities with shorter wait times. 

Public Insurance in Macao for Expats

Public healthcare facilities in Macao provide free or heavily subsidized healthcare services to citizens and residents who hold valid Macao SAR Resident Identity Cards. The government of Macao funds the public healthcare system primarily through taxes. 

To find out if you’re eligible for the Macao SAR Resident Identity Card, visit the government site here.

Private Insurance in Macao for Expats

Private health insurance can help cover the cost of healthcare services in Macao and grant expats access to private hospitals and clinics. Without private health insurance, expats are left to pay for their healthcare out of pocket, which can add up quickly due to Macao’s high cost of healthcare. 

Private health insurance can cover a variety of healthcare services, such as: 

• Inpatient and day patient treatment
• Surgical costs
• Physician visits
• Mental health treatment 
• Vaccinations
• Prescription drugs
• Medical evacuation and repatriation
• Repatriation of remains
• Dental and vision coverage
• Maternity coverage

Medical evacuation coverage is of special importance for expats in Macao, as they may be transported to Hong Kong via helicopter for more complex medical procedures. This coverage will cover the cost of transporting you to the different medical facilities for treatment.

Expats in Macao can secure a private health insurance policy through an international or local insurance provider. International insurance providers offer the benefit of globally portable coverage, so you can visit both Macao and Hong Kong and stay protected. 

Best International Health Insurance Providers in Macao

The best private insurance providers for expats in Macao are offered by international health insurance providers Allianz, April International, AXA, Cigna Global, and Bupa. We will share a brief overview and highlight these providers’ plans in the following sections.

If you’d like to learn even more about the top international health insurance providers, check out our article guide here!

Allianz Health Insurance in Macao

Allianz offers comprehensive insurance plans in Macao to fit a variety of expats’ needs. Riders are available to be purchased and attached to basic policies that Allianz provides. These riders can offer coverage for accidents and other risks that expats may face abroad. 

The plans offered by Allianz include the Care, Care Plus, and Care Pro plans. While each of these plans may differ in coverage limits and benefits, they share similar benefits as listed below:

• Inpatient costs
• Diagnostics and laboratory tests
• Surgeries
• Ambulances transport
• Cancer treatment

Plan Details Get a Quote

April International Health Insurance in Macao

April International is a leading international insurance provider that offers affordable, comprehensive coverage to expats in Macao.

They offer their health benefits to expats in different tiers of coverage through their Emergency Plan, Formule Basic, Essential Plan, Comfort, and Premium Plan.

April International offers a variety of benefits in its plans, including:

• Inpatient treatment
• Outpatient treatment
• Emergency repatriation
• Emergency evacuation
• Maternity coverage
• Vision and dental coverage

Plan Details Get a Quote

AXA Health Insurance in Macao

AXA is a leading international health insurance provider that insures expat individuals and families in Macao. Its health insurance plans are offered in five coverage tiers: Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus.

Each of these plans includes comprehensive inpatient coverage, with annual limits ranging from USD $160,000 to $8,000,000. Exact coverage benefits will vary from plan to plan.  

The core benefits included in all five plans are:

• Inpatient hospital charges and surgeries
• Emergency care
• Medical evacuation and repatriation
• A range of cancer treatments
• Ambulance transport
• CT, PET, and MRI scans

Plan Details Get a Quote

Cigna Global Health Insurance in Macao

Cigna provides flexible insurance plans to expats in Macao and across the world. They offer their members 24/7 access to a customer care team and access to any of Macao’s private healthcare facilities. Their plans are customizable and comprehensive. 

Cigna has a Silver, Gold, and Platinum plan with different levels of coverage. All three of these plans share several common key coverage benefits:

• Hospitalization
• Inpatient and outpatient services
• Cancer treatment
• Physiotherapy
• Accidental death or total permanent disability compensation

Plan Details Get a Quote

Bupa Global Health Insurance in Macao

Bupa Global is a top international insurance provider for expats in Macao looking for comprehensive and customizable coverage. Bupa Global allows its members to seek second medical opinions if needed and requires no referrals for specialist visits.

Bupa Global offers three international health insurance plans in the islands: Bupa Select, Bupa Premier, and Bupa Elite. Bupa Select offers the most basic and affordable coverage, while Bupa Elite offers the most comprehensive coverage with an annual limit of around USD $4,761,300. 

Bupa Global covers the following benefits in its plans:

• Inpatient treatment
• Cancer treatment
• Private hospital room coverage
• Medical evacuation coverage
• Health checks and screenings

Plan Details Get a Quote

Facts to Consider When Picking Insurance in Macao

You should consider your budget, how long your trip is, and what your coverage needs are when choosing a health insurance plan for Macao. Considering these factors is an important step to finding the right insurance plan for you. 

1. Your Budget: You should understand how much you can afford in monthly or yearly premiums, but this doesn’t mean you should try to find the cheapest coverage possible. You should ensure that your health and finances will be adequately protected through the coverage limit you purchase.
2. The Length of Your Trip: How long your trip is will determine how long you will need to purchase coverage, and whether you will need a travel insurance plan that will last only a few months or something more comprehensive, like an international health insurance plan.
3. Your Coverage Needs: Do you plan on needing outpatient care for your time in Macao? Or preventative care? Take the time to determine where you may need additional medical support to ensure you have the right coverage for your health needs.

Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Macao

Macao is a safe place for most travelers, but expats can protect themselves from petty crime by keeping their personal belongings secure and staying aware of their surroundings. For emergencies, expats can dial 999 for assistance. 

Conclusion: Compare Plans and Quotes Now

Private health insurance in Macao can help expats cover the high cost of healthcare in the region and provide peace of mind. It can also provide coverage if they have a complex medical emergency and need to be transported to Hong Kong for treatment. 

Expats can find coverage for medical emergencies through international health insurance plans. Pacific Prime is partnered with a wide variety of international health insurance providers, and can help you find the best fit for your needs. 

As a global health insurance broker who specializes in expat health insurance, Pacific Prime can offer a wealth of professional expertise and services. Our tailor-made policies suit every budget and health care need for expats and travellers across the world.

Contact Pacific Prime to discuss, free of charge, a range of Macao health insurance services available for you, your loved ones, or your group. To get a no-obligation, free price comparison quote, visit our website today!

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Frequently Asked Questions: 

Does Macao have free healthcare for expats?

Expats can only receive free healthcare if they have a Macao SAR Resident Identity Card and visit a public hospital or clinic. Since most expats staying short-term in Macao won’t qualify for this coverage, most expats will not receive free healthcare in the region. 

What is the best health insurance for expats in Macao? 

The best health insurance for expats in Macao is policies from international health insurance providers like Cigna, Allianz, April International, Bupa Global, and AXA. You can find the best policy for your needs by understanding your healthcare needs and preferences and your budget. 

What is the healthcare system like in Macao?

Macao has a high-quality healthcare system that is modeled similarly to the Hong Kong healthcare system. There are both public and private healthcare sectors, with the public healthcare sector offering free or heavily subsidized care to residents and citizens.