VHIS Coverage in Mainland China & Overseas: How It Works + Exclusion examples
Does VHIS Only Cover Local Medical Expenses?
According to Health Bureau , all medical coverage within Bowtie VHIS Standard is worldwide , extensively covering various countries and regions, except for psychiatric treatment .
As for some Bowtie VHIS Flexi or high-end VHIS , geographical restrictions may be set for items beyond basic coverage, for example, only covering Asian regions. The terms and conditions vary among different insurance companies and plans. For example, with Bowtie, the VHIS Bowtie VHIS Standard , Bowtie VHIS Flexi and Bowtie Pink plans have different coverage scopes:
| Bowtie VHIS Standard | Bowtie VHIS Flexi
(Regular / Plus) |
Bowtie Pink
(Ward / Semi-Private / Private) |
|
| Annual Benefit Limit | $420,000 | $600,000 / $1,000,000 | $8,000,000 / $10,000,000 / $20,000,000 |
| Lifetime Benefit Limit | X | X | $10,000,000 / $50,000,000 / $80,000,000 |
| Coverage Area | Worldwide* | Worldwide^ | |
- *However, psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation treatment, and medical negligence coverage are limited to Hong Kong.
- ^However, psychiatric treatment is limited to Hong Kong; medical expenses incurred in the US and in Chinese hospitals outside the list of designated Chinese hospitals will be reimbursed according to the compensation limits of the Standard Plan.
Can VHIS Cover Medical Expenses in Mainland China?
As mentioned above, Bowtie VHIS Standard ‘s coverage is worldwide , so medical expenses in mainland China are also covered; if you purchase Bowtie VHIS Flexi Regular or Bowtie Pink , whether medical treatment in mainland China is covered depends on the geographical coverage limits of that policy.
Eligible medical expenses for treatment received in mainland hospitals (excluding psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation treatment, and medical negligence coverage) are covered.
For medical expenses incurred in hospitals in China outside the list of designated hospitals in mainland China , compensation will be based on the compensation limits of the Standard Plan . If it involves the list of designated hospitals in mainland China , relevant eligible medical expenses will be fully reimbursed.
- #Full compensation means no sub-limits and applies only to specified benefit items. Payable compensation is subject to the deductible balance (if applicable), annual benefit limit, lifetime benefit limit, and other limitations including reasonable and customary charges, pre-existing conditions, designated hospital list in mainland China, and restrictions related to medical treatment in the United States. For detailed product terms and conditions, product risks, and exclusions, please refer to the relevant product website and policy.
Example of Bowtie VHIS Reimbursement for Overseas Medical Expenses
Mr. Hon was on a business trip to Taiwan when he accidentally broke his right hand and immediately needed to go to a local hospital for Fracture Reduction Surgery .
As an insured person of Bowtie VHIS , Mr. Hon only needed to download the claim form online, have it filled out by the local attending doctor, and attach the relevant receipts and supporting documents to complete the entire claims process, without needing to submit any information in person.
Once Bowtie receives the claim application, it will immediately follow up and process it. After successful approval, the compensation amount will be transferred to his bank account within a few days at the earliest. The entire process is simple and convenient. Even when abroad, he can continue to recover with peace of mind.
When Are Overseas Medical Expenses Not Covered?
- Exclusions
Like all medical insurance, VHIS also has exclusions . Items falling under exclusions will not be compensated whether locally or overseas.
- Psychiatric Treatment
If the insured person receives psychiatric treatment overseas, the related expenses will not be compensated .
Hypothetical Examples of Uncovered Situations
Case: Receiving Overseas Psychiatric Treatment
Mr. Chan suffers from an emotional disorder and needs to take medication regularly. However, during an overseas trip, due to carelessness, he forgot to bring enough medication, leading to a psychiatric episode and requiring hospitalization for psychiatric treatment. Generally, VHIS provides at least $30,000 annually for “Psychiatric Treatment” to the insured. However, since Mr. Chan received overseas medical treatment, the hospitalization fees, doctor’s fees, and other miscellaneous expenses incurred due to psychiatric treatment will not be compensated.
Can I continue to be covered if I permanently or long-term relocate to mainland China or overseas?
For example, with Bowtie, All Bowtie VHIS Plans offer worldwide coverage*. However, at the time of application, both the policyholder and the insured person must reside in Hong Kong. Regardless of whether the insured person relocates overseas for a short or long term in the future (excluding residences affected by sanctions or war), the policy can remain in effect.
However, due to the potentially higher risks associated with the country the insured person relocates to, we may charge additional premium for the relocated region. If you do not wish to accept the proposed additional premium adjustment, you may choose not to renew the policy. If the insured person temporarily relocates to another country, or travels, works, or studies abroad, no additional premium will be required for the relevant policy.
In case of any address change, both the policyholder and the insured person should immediately notify the insurance company, and understand the relevant coverage to avoid unexpected issues during claims.
- *Psychiatric treatments under all Bowtie VHIS Plans, and rehabilitation treatments and medical negligence coverage under Bowtie VHIS Flexi Plans are only applicable in Hong Kong. Bowtie Pink full reimbursement is not applicable to hospitals in China other than those on the designated hospital list for the USA and mainland China.
⭐️ VHIS + Critical Illness Insurance: Do You Only Need Medical Insurance? Why Both Are Essential
First, it’s important to understand that medical insurance and critical illness insurance serve different purposes:
- Medical Insurance: Provides compensation for eligible medical expenses on a reimbursement basis
- Critical Illness Insurance: Provides a lump-sum payment when the insured person unfortunately contracts a specified serious illness, on a lump-sum basis to cover living expenses during the insured person’s period of absence from work due to illness, allowing them to focus on treatment and recovery.
Therefore, if you unfortunately contract a critical illness, while medical insurance can cover your medical expenses, it may not protect you from the long-term financial burdens associated with the illness. In fact, when you suffer from a critical illness, even if it’s not fatal, you are often forced to stop working and lose income, which in turn affects your quality of life and may even disrupt your existing plans.
Since medical insurance and critical illness insurance provide non-conflicting coverage, a reliable critical illness insurance policy can replace your lost income during your time off work, providing financial assistance and reducing the impact on your family, thus helping you maintain your original quality of life.
Even if you cannot purchase new insurance after falling ill, critical illness compensation can, if necessary, help you continue to pay your existing medical insurance premiums.
Critical illness insurance is undoubtedly crucial protection. Besides medical insurance, the importance of critical illness insurance cannot be overlooked. In any situation, as long as you have a stable income, you should actively consider purchasing a critical illness policy for yourself to have an extra layer of protection.
