Public Medical Care

Posted by RachRobin (263 days ago)

My husband is working in HK on a 3 month work visa and I am working here on a dependant visa through him. The reason for the 3 month visa is that in his contract, there was a 3 month probation/"out" clause. Our company has told us we just need to take a letter from them to immigration to apply for a 1 year visa at the end of this period (3 months expire end of Jan). We can then apply for a HK identity card.

My dillemma - we have just found out we are having an (unexpected) baby - we are 6 weeks along. I will need to go through the public system as we cannot afford private and our medical does not cover maternity. How can I do this before I get an identity card? Would the 3 month visa in my passport be enough?

I really just want to avoid any hassle at the hospital with this tricky situation!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by Oski (262 days ago)

I believe, although not certain, you need valid HKID to enjoy the nearly free service of HK public hospital.
However, you are only 6 weeks along, by the time your husband's probation period ends, you will only be 16 weeks or so at end of Jan. The big expense only comes at delivery. You should have your HKID by then. Early check up at an OB's office is not expensive, only a few hundred HKD, with Ultrasound goes slightly over 1,200. You should only need 1 visit before end of Jan. If you don't experience any major discomfort, you can wait till Feb.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Nuri (243 days ago)

However (touch wood...) if you were to be hospitalized without an ID card, you'd end up paying about HK$3000 per day in a commom ward... even if your ID would be ready during your stay in a hospital. That's what had happened to my friend... His child got sick and admitted to Queens Mary, stayed there for 6 days, on the 4th dsy the parents got their ID cards but were told that since the child had been admitted 4 days earlier, they still would have (and had indeed) to pay HK$18K! Hurry up with your ID cards if you can.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by RachRobin (243 days ago)

Thanks Nuri,

I have since found out this to be true. If I wish to have even one antenatal check up at teh Queen Mary, I have to pay the full pregnancy package price of $39,000 up front, even if my ID card comes through in a few weeks.
I have chosen to see a private doctor until I get the ID card!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Adfundum (242 days ago)

can you tell me why the public should pay for you? you even didn't pay any tax yet.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by RachRobin (241 days ago)

My husband will be a HK taxpayer for at least the next 4 years and I will have been a tax payer for at least 9 months until I need to stop work. We spent a lot of money to relocate to HK and simply can't afford the 100,000 + it would take to go private. This is not a planned baby, we were told we had a 2% chance of ever conceiving - it was a complete surprise.
If it were possible I would return to Australia in a heartbeat to have the baby, but unfortunately this is not the case.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Obeah Man (239 days ago)

Adfundum -

The vast majority of people in Hong Kong do NOT pay any tax - this includes the vast majority of residents who use government hospitals and clinics.

RachRobin is here legally applying for 'resident' status and not a birth-tourist.

RachRobin -

Queen Mary has a very good reputation for maternity care (most of the expensive 'private' hospitals end up sending 'difficult' pregnancies there).

Good luck with everything!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by RachRobin (239 days ago)

Thankyou very much Obeah Man, I really appreciate your sentiments!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by GreenValleys (239 days ago)

RachRobin,

Good luck with the pregnancy! Another issue raised by your original post is that of applying for the visa extension. It's my understanding that this has to be done by the employer. I might be wrong, but better to check with Immigration to avoid any nasty last-minute surprises. I have always found Immigration to be very helpful when responding to questions raised either over the counter, by phone or online.

(I am based in Jakarta)