Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme Details Emerge

RTHK has learned that details of a long-awaited voluntary health insurance scheme may soon be released. But it is understood patients who suffer from certain chronic diseases will not be covered.

Sources told RTHK that a major difference between the government-funded insurance scheme, and those in the private market, is that elderly people will be covered.

What's more, under the government-funded scheme, those insured will be able to make claims even if they are not hospitalised, such as for certain non-surgical cancer treatments.

And there won't be a cap on the total amount of money claimed, and patients could be covered even if they suffer a relapse.

But a previously-discussed high-risk pool will not be set up, meaning some chronic illnesses may not be covered.

As with private insurance packages, the older the person is, the higher the premium. People who join the scheme at 60 will pay an annual premium of about HK$10,000 but the premium will be about HK$2,000 for those in their early twenties.

Sources say the government has been explaining details of the plan to different stakeholders, and may still make changes to the final proposal.