At least 60% of Hong Kongers who participated in a survey have revealed that they delay medical care due to a variety of challenges, including uncertainty about where to seek care when health problems arise and a lack of the right information to make informed medical decisions.
The findings of the study "Patient Voices Hong Kong: How clarity, cost and choice shape care", a new Economist Impact report commissioned by Prudential, reveal the challenges faced by Hong Kong residents in accessing medical care and underscore their desire for clarity, support at every step, and seamless access to affordable medical services in Hong Kong.
The report is based on a survey conducted between April and May 2025, which included 1,153 Hong Kong residents and insights from interviews with two local experts. The survey results found that 67% acknowledged the convenience of local healthcare services. However, more than half (55%) say they are uncertain about where to seek care when health problems arise. Similarly, 55% report lacking the right information to make informed medical decisions.
Even respondents who visited a general practitioner in the past year encountered challenges, with over half (52%) saying the experience was inconvenient due to waiting times, complicated booking systems or other access barriers. The survey findings reveal that difficulty in obtaining primary care – the starting point for most health needs – can negatively impact patient satisfaction and outcomes.
Moreover, respondents face additional obstacles that further delay access to necessary medical services. One in four Hong Kong respondents reports difficulty in accessing healthcare facilities using existing means of transport. Affordability is also a major concern, as many rely on public healthcare and family support.
The survey shows that 53% of Hong Kong respondents are concerned they cannot afford the care they need, while 56% report the cost of medical services last year was higher than expected. These findings illustrate a significant gap in medical coverage, undermining confidence in meeting future medical needs.
When asked how they manage medical expenses, 20% of respondents rely on government-subsidised healthcare or public insurance, while 18% depend on financial support from family and 15% pay out-of-pocket. Only 13% of respondents turn to private health insurance. Nearly 60% surveyed have delayed medical care for personal or family reasons.
Notably, almost three in five Hong Kong respondents admit they postponed medical care in the past year. The most common reasons for delayed care are patients not considering their symptoms as severe (24%), the need to care for children (24%), and a desire to avoid burdening loved ones (24%).