The Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) is a government-backed initiative designed to enhance transparency and protection in Hong Kong’s private healthcare insurance market. Here’s a breakdown of its key features, benefits, and updates for 2025:
1. What is VHIS?
VHIS offers Certified Plans — standardized hospital insurance policies regulated by the Health Bureau. These plans aim to:
- Improve coverage for private healthcare services.
- Relieve pressure on Hong Kong’s public healthcare system.
- Provide guaranteed renewability and transparent premiums.
2. Key Features of VHIS Certified Plans (2025)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Guaranteed Renewal | Renew your policy up to age 100, regardless of health changes. |
| No Lifetime Benefit Limit | Coverage continues until age 100* (except some Flexi Plans). |
| 21-Day Cooling-Off Period | Cancel your policy within 21 days for a full premium refund. |
| Premium Transparency | All premium schedules are publicly available on insurers’ websites. |
| Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions | Unknown conditions are partially covered after Year 1 (25% in Year 2, 50% in Year 3, full coverage from Year 4). |
| Extended Benefits | Includes congenital conditions (diagnosed after age 8), day-case procedures (e.g., endoscopy), and psychiatric inpatient care (up to HK$30,000/year). |
*Some Flexi Plans may have lifetime limits.
3. Tax Deductions
- Eligibility: Premiums paid for Certified Plans qualify for tax deductions under the Inland Revenue Ordinance.
- Limit: Up to HK$8,000 per insured person annually (as of 2025).
- Combined Policies: If your policy includes both VHIS and non-VHIS coverage, only the Certified Plan portion is tax-deductible.
4. How to Choose a Certified Plan
- Compare Providers: Check the List of VHIS Providers for registered insurers.
- Review Coverage: Use the Plan Search Tool to filter by benefits, premiums, and insurer.
- Check Policy Footers: Certified Plans include a footer with their certification number (e.g., “Certified Plan <XYZ123>”).
5. Why Consider VHIS in 2025?
- Standardized Protections: All Certified Plans meet minimum government requirements for coverage and transparency.
- Chronic & Critical Care: Covers diagnostic imaging (CT/MRI/PET scans) and non-surgical cancer treatments (e.g., chemotherapy), subject to 30% coinsurance.
- Mental Health Support: Psychiatric inpatient treatments are included (up to HK$30,000/year).
Important Notes
- Flexi Plans: Some insurers offer hybrid policies combining Certified Plans with additional coverage (e.g., life insurance). Only the VHIS portion is tax-deductible.
- Pre-Existing Conditions: Disclose all known conditions during application to avoid claim disputes.
Next Steps
- Visit the VHIS Official Website for updated premium schedules and provider details.
- Contact Us to compare plans tailored to your needs.
