HK$400 for emergency: Overview of new public healthcare service fees & charges

Deepline

2025.03.25 15:03

Today (March 25), the Secretary for Health, Lo Chung-Mau, alongside the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, Ko Pat-sing, announced the details of the public healthcare fee reform, with a focus on adjustments to emergency room charges. The first phase of these adjustments is set to be implemented in 2026, with fee levels reviewed every two years thereafter.

Key Changes in Fees:

Emergency Room Charges:

The current charge for all Hong Kong residents is HK$180.
The new charge will increase to HK$400.
First-category (critical) and second-category (emergency) patients will be exempt from charges.

Inpatient Charges:

Emergency hospital beds will be charged HK$300 per day.
Nursing, rehabilitation, and psychiatric beds will be charged HK$200 per day.

Outpatient Services:

General outpatient services will cost HK$150 per visit, with an additional HK$5 for each type of medication prescribed for up to four weeks.
Specialist outpatient services will increase to HK$250 per visit, with medication costs of HK$20 per type, also for up to four weeks.

Pathology Testing Fees:

Basic tests (e.g., kidney and liver function) will remain free.
Advanced tests will cost HK$50 (e.g., antibody tests, and special gene tests).
High-end tests will be charged HK$500 (e.g., gene sequencing, whole genome testing).

Radiology Services:

Basic services, such as X-rays, will remain free.
Intermediate services, like ultrasounds and gynecological imaging, will cost HK$250.
Advanced services, such as MRIs, will be charged HK$500.