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Traveling is exciting, but nothing can derail your trip faster than getting sick abroad. If you’re in Hong Kong and feeling unwell, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. From hospitals and urgent care to pharmacies, insurance tips, and English-speaking doctors, this guide walks you through exactly what to do if you get sick in Hong Kong.
Understanding Hong Kong’s Healthcare System
Hong Kong has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. It combines public hospitals and clinics run by the Hospital Authority with private hospitals and medical centers.
- Public healthcare: Affordable and high quality, but wait times can be long.
- Private healthcare: Much faster service, world-class specialists, but costs are higher.
If you’re a traveler, private healthcare is usually the quicker option — especially if you have travel insurance that covers the bills.
Emergency Medical Care
Here’s what you need to know about emergency care in Hong Kong.
Essential Emergency Numbers
- 999 – Ambulance, police, and fire
- Hong Kong Fire Services – First responders for emergencies
How to Call an Ambulance in Hong Kong
Dial 999, state your location clearly, and request an ambulance. Most operators speak English.
When to Go to a Hospital vs. Urgent Care
- Hospital: For serious emergencies — chest pain, accidents, broken bones, or anything life-threatening.
- Urgent care/clinics: For minor illnesses like flu, stomach upsets, or mild infections.
Pharmacies & Medication: What You Need to Know
Pharmacies are common in Hong Kong and usually open during normal shopping hours. For late-night needs, you’ll find 24/7 pharmacies in central districts like Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui.
Some medications require doctor’s notes (like antibiotics), but over-the-counter options for colds, pain, and stomach issues are widely available.
What to Do if You’ve Got Travel Insurance
If you have insurance, you can avoid steep private hospital bills.
Keep these documents ready:
- Insurance policy and contact details
- Passport copy
- Medical receipts and reports
Pro tip: Contact your insurance provider before treatment if possible — they may guide you to a preferred hospital or direct billing facility.
Language Barriers
Most doctors in private hospitals and clinics speak excellent English. In public facilities, English is spoken too, but having a few phrases can help:
- I feel sick: 我覺得不舒服 (Ngo gok de bat syu fuk)
- I need a doctor: 我需要睇醫生 (Ngo seoi yiu tai yi sang)
How to Avoid Getting Sick in Hong Kong
- Common traveler illnesses: Food poisoning, flu, and stomach bugs.
- Tap water: Safe to drink in most urban areas, but many travelers prefer bottled water.
- Food safety: Street food is generally safe, but choose stalls with high turnover and good hygiene practices.
Healthcare Tips for Pregnant Travelers & Those with Pre-Existing Conditions
Hong Kong has excellent specialists in obstetrics, cardiology, and other fields. If you’re pregnant or managing a condition, keep a copy of your medical records and prescriptions with you.
Finding an English-Speaking Doctor in Hong Kong
This is often the biggest challenge for travelers — finding a reliable, English-speaking doctor quickly.
That’s where Air Doctor comes in. With just a few taps, you can book an appointment with a trusted local doctor in Hong Kong, many of whom are available for same-day visits.
Getting Help Beyond Healthcare
Embassies and consulates can help if you’re hospitalized or need official documentation. They can:
- Assist with emergency passports
- Help contact family
- Provide lists of approved clinics
Recap
- Emergency? Dial 999.
- Minor illness? Visit a clinic or urgent care center.
- Need medication? Check a local pharmacy (some open 24/7).
- Travel insurance? Keep documents handy.
- Need an English-speaking doctor fast? Use Air Doctor.
About Air Doctor
With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can access medical care and receive expert medical guidance anywhere you travel.
Air Doctor offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- A global network of over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors and specialists
- Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
- Healthcare access in 90 countries
- 24/7 multi-lingual support
- Transparent pricing and reviews
- Most common medical specialties, including cardiologists, gynecologists, and ENT specialists
FAQs
No. Healthcare in public hospitals is subsidized for residents, but tourists must pay in full.
Private consultations typically range from HKD 300–1,000 (USD 40–130), depending on the clinic and specialist.
Yes. Many private clinics and urgent care centers accept walk-ins, though appointments are recommended for faster service.
