Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-07-10
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Colorectal cancer is one of Hong Kong’s deadliest cancers, and polyps are a key risk factor. Regular colonoscopies can detect abnormal cells and polyps early, slashing your risk of developing this disease. With advanced medical tech, colonoscopies are quick—done in about 30 minutes at a day center without hospitalization. But beware: if your insurance doesn’t cover outpatient procedures, you might not get reimbursed. Good news for Bowtie VHIS customers, though—some have claimed full colonoscopy costs! Check out the example below to see how the numbers add up!
When Do You Need a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy, commonly known as a colonoscopy , involves using a flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of the colon through the anus. During the procedure, additional treatments such as stopping bleeding, removing polyps, hemorrhoid ligation, or taking tissue samples for pathological testing can also be performed.
If you have experienced or are experiencing the following symptoms for a prolonged period, consult a doctor and consider a colonoscopy based on their referral or recommendation:
- Unexplained weight loss or anemia
- Frequent urge to defecate even after a bowel movement
- Irregular bowel habits, alternating between constipation and diarrhea
- Persistent diarrhea
- Unexplained abdominal pain
- Blood or mucus in stool
Additionally, individuals aged 50 or above, as well as high-risk individuals (those with immediate family members diagnosed with colorectal cancer ), should undergo regular screenings. Note that routine checkups conducted without a doctor’s referral may not be eligible for insurance claims. (For details, refer to sources 2,3 )
How Much Does Colonoscopy Cost in Hong Kong?
How much does a single colonoscopy cost? Bowtie has compared the fees of various private hospitals and colonoscopy centers in Hong Kong, with prices ranging from HK$8,000 to over HK$20,000. It’s worth noting that if additional treatments are required during the procedure, involving other specialists, the costs will be adjusted accordingly:
- If abnormal cells or tissues are found during the examination, and the doctor deems it necessary to remove polyps or take tissue samples for pathological analysis, additional medical expenses will be incurred.
- If no abnormalities are detected, the doctor will explain the results to the patient after the procedure.
Can You Claim Full Insurance for Colonoscopy Costs?
Colonoscopy costs can vary widely, and if further tissue sampling or polyp removal is needed, extra fees may apply. Having insurance that fully covers these expenses can significantly ease the financial burden. Bowtie VHIS plans cover surgeries performed in inpatient or outpatient settings. Bowtie customers who arrange their colonoscopy through our Medical Network and use BowtieCash to cover any shortfall can avoid a hefty out-of-pocket expense.
What is BowtieCash? Your Extra Coverage Explained
BowtieCash # is Bowtie’s pioneering reward program, offering additional benefits to Bowtie VHIS policyholders by covering reasonable medical expenses. It can be used to pay for remaining medical costs after claims are settled under Bowtie VHIS plans.
# This program is subject to the BowtieCash Promotion Rules .
We’ve created a case study using pricing from the Alan Endoscopy Centre for endoscopic procedures, assuming a BowtieCash balance of HK$2,000 as a reference. Let’s break down how Bowtie customers can claim full coverage for their colonoscopy costs.
Colonoscopy Insurance Claim: A Real-Life Example
Abnormal Cells Found in the Colon
Case Study: Ms. Lee underwent a colonoscopy at The Grand HD Endoscopy Centre (Mong Kok) . During the procedure, three polyps were discovered (cost remains the same for 1-3 polyps), requiring removal surgery and pathological analysis. To prevent bleeding post-polyp removal, the doctor used an additional medical tool, a snare, incurring an extra charge of HK$700^. Fortunately, Bowtie VHIS classifies this as “miscellaneous expenses” and fully reimburses this cost. Combined with BowtieCash, Ms. Lee received full compensation for all expenses.
| Item | Cost | Bowtie VHIS Standard Coverage Provided |
Bowtie VHIS Flexi Regular Coverage Provided |
| Surgeon’s Fee | HK$6,300^ | HK$5,000 | HK$6,000 |
| Operating Room Fee | HK$2,100^ | HK$1,750 | HK$2,100 (Fully Covered!) |
| Pathological Analysis | HK$1,520^ | HK$2,220 (Classified as “Miscellaneous” Coverage) (Fully Covered!) |
HK$2,220 (Classified as “Miscellaneous” Coverage) (Fully Covered!) |
| Snare (Medical Tool) | HK$700^ | ||
| Additional Medical Coverage | / | This plan does not provide additional medical coverage | HK$240 |
| Total | HK$10,620^ | HK$8,970 | HK$10,560 |
| Shortfall | / | HK$1,650 | HK$60 |
| BowtieCash | / | $1,650 | $60 |
| Actual Amount Paid | / | HK$0 | $0 |
- ^ The prices in the table are exclusive outpatient fees for Bowtie customers.
- ^ The above fees include intravenous sedative costs, biopsy forceps, photo report with images, doctor fees, operating room charges, laboratory fees, equipment fees, laxatives, pre-procedure doctor consultation fees, and gastric endoscopy H. pylori testing.
- All cases mentioned above are for reference only. Actual medical expenses will depend on the doctor’s recommendations and decisions based on the patient’s condition.
Related Articles
Other Topics
Blood HealthBowtie StoryBusinessCancerChinese MedicineCovidCustomer ReviewDeathcareDental HealthDigestive HealthDoctor SpecialistsDrugsEar, nose, and throatEndocrinology & DiabetesExercisingEye HealthFinanceFood & NutritionGroup Medical InsuranceHealthHealth GlossaryHeart HealthHospitalsHot TopicsImmigrationKidney HealthKids HealthlearnLiver DiseaseLung & RespiratoryMedical Check UpsMen’s HealthMental HealthNervous SystemOrthopedicsOutpatient ServicesParentingPhysiotherapyPress ReleasePrevention/VaccinationProduct PhilosophyRealtyRheumatic DiseaseSeniors HealthSkin IssueSymptomsTreatment PlanUrologyWomen’s Health女性健康