Insurance

Can Cataract Patients Still Purchase Insurance?

Updated on 2025-06-03

Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.

Can you buy insurance if you have cataracts? Do you need extra premiums (loadings)? The Bowtie team explains the underwriting criteria.

What is Cataract?

Cataract is a common eye disease where the lens becomes cloudy. The main treatment method is surgery to remove the cloudy lens. The risk of developing cataracts increases with age. Additionally, diabetes can cause cataracts to appear earlier.

Waiting Time for Cataract Surgery in Hong Kong Public Hospitals

According to Legislative Council data , there are currently about 360 ophthalmology specialists in Hong Kong, but only 79 are serving in the Hospital Authority. The median actual waiting time for cataract surgery is 14 months, while the 90th percentile, or the longest waiting time, is 38 months. In other words, 10% of patients have to wait more than 3 years.

Underwriting Considerations for Cataract

1. Has the insured person received treatment (including medication/surgery) before?

We will assess the type of treatment the insured person has received, such as eye drops or surgery.

2. Has the insured person fully recovered? Are there any aftereffects or complications?

We will consider the extent of the insured person’s recovery, such as the date of full recovery, whether vision is impaired, and if there are any aftereffects or complications.

Underwriting Results for Cataract

1. Successful Insurance Application

(Only applicable to Life Insurance , Cancer Insurance and Accident Insurance) If there are no other complications, coverage can be provided at standard premium levels.

2. Successful Insurance Application, but with Increased Premium and/or Exclusions

For cataract without complications, the insurance company may consider accepting the application, but may increase the premium (commonly known as loading) and/or add exclusions based on the above considerations.

⚡Hurry! Bowtie Pink Flash Deal Ends Soon!

Tired of sky-high private hospital bills but hesitant about purchasing VHIS? Bowtie Pink provides full coverage*, with long-term premiums are substantially lower than market rates^.

For a limited time, use the exclusive Bowtie Blog promo code【BLOGENGINSURE】to get 60% off first year’s premium and secure top-tier health protection at an unbeatable price!

^{*Full coverage shall mean no itemized benefit sub-limits, and applies to designated benefit items only. The benefit payable shall be subject to the remaining deductible (if applicable), annual benefit limit, lifetime benefit limit and other limitations such as reasonable and customary charges, a pre-existing condition, “List of Designated Hospitals in Mainland China” and receiving medical treatment in the United States. For detailed terms and conditions, product risks, and exclusions, please refer to the relevant product website and policy.}
^{^For example, with Bowtie Pink (Ward) and the deductible option HK$80,000, the monthly premium for a 30-year-old non-smoker is HK$197. The premium comparison above is based on similar medical insurance plans with the ward level (data source on 27, July 2023), HK$50,000 to HK$80,000 deductibles, for a 30-year-old non-smoker. Different medical insurance plans have different coverage and benefit limits. For details, please refer to the relevant insurance policy and its terms and conditions.}

Author

Bowtie Team

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. Stay up to date at www.bowtie.com.hk