No one will rashly take a gastroscopy. Gastroscopy, also known as endoscopy, is a procedure using a bendable, lens-attached, tube-like instrument that enters the esophagus through the mouth, in order to observe the stomach’s conditions. Any abnormalities, such as inflammation, ulcers, polyps, and cancer cells could be detected immediately.
If you have a history/prolonged history of the following symptoms, you should take gastroscopy according to the referral or recommendation from a doctor:
- Constant discomfort, pain, and even swelling in the upper abdomen
- Frequent indigestion
- Acid reflux
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Previous bleeding in the stomach and black stools
Generally, there are two types of situations that may occur during a gastroscopy examination. Each with different treatment methods and possibility of involving other specialists, and the cost will be adjusted accordingly:
- In case of abnormalities, the doctor will evaluate the need for additional tests or surgery, such as removal of the polyps, or extraction of tissue for pathological analysis
- If no abnormal tissue is found, the doctor will explain the results to the patient after the examination
Generally speaking, the price of gastroscopy in private hospitals or endoscopy centers ranges from HK$5,000 to over HK$10,000. If further tissue extraction or removal of polyps is required, there will be additional charges. Although it may not be an astronomical amount of money, it is always good to claim the full amount! Bowtie VHIS covers inpatient or outpatient procedures. If a Bowtie client arranges for a gastroscopy in our medical network, then he/she can use BowtieCash to cover the difference (if any), there is a pretty great chance that nothing will be charged!
BowtieCash# is a reward program that provides policyholders of Bowtie VHIS with an additional coverage. It can be used to pay for eligible medical costs that exceed the policyholder’s insurance plan coverage^. With BowtieCash, clients have the opportunity to pay at zero cost, just like the following case!
We have designed a case, with reference to the price of a gastroscopy examination at The Grand HD Endoscopy Centre, and the $2,000 BowtieCash in the policy to explain how a Bowtie VHIS insured may help you obtain full claim.
No abnormality found
Ms. Lee underwent a gastroscopy at The Grand HD Endoscopy Centre (Mongkok). There is no abnormality found and thus no extra surgery or treatment is needed. Whether Ms. Lee is enrolled in the Bowtie VHIS Standard or the Flexible Regular, she can get more than 90% of the medical expenses reimbursed. By using BowtieCash to pay the remaining 0.7% of the medical expenses, she may have a chance to pay it at HK$0!
| Item | Price | The benefits provided by Bowtie VHIS Standard Plan | The benefits provided by Bowtie VHIS Flexi Regular Plan |
| Surgeon’s fee | HK$4500* | HK$4500 (Full claim!) | HK$4500 (Full claim!) |
| Operating theatre charge | HK$1620* | HK$1575 | HK$1620 |
| Additional coverage | / | No additional coverage for this plan | Not required |
| Total | HK$6120* | HK$6075 | HK$6120 |
| Outstanding Amount | / | HK$45 | HK$0 |
| BowtieCash | / | $45 | $0 |
| Actual Payment | / | HK$0 | HK$0 |
Author
The Bowtie Life Insurance Company Limited is an authorized life insurance company and Hong Kong’s very first virtual insurer approved. Through the use of modern technology and medical expertise, Bowtie offers an agent-free, commission-free and more convenient online platform for customers to quote, apply and claim for Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) anytime anywhere. Bowtie is ranked first in the direct channel sales throughout 2021.
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