PET Scan and its Fee (with VHIS Reimbursement Guideline)

Positron Emission Tomography is mainly classified into two types: Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT) and Positron Emission Tomography-Magnetic Resonance (PET-MR), with slight differences in fees.

【Comparison of CT/MRI/PET】Differences and Fees + Medical Insurance Reimbursement
【MRI/ Magnetic Resonance Imaging】Understanding Fees + Full Insurance Compensation Methods

The outpatient fees for PET scans range from approximately HK$11,000 to HK$26,000, with the price varying based on the body area being scanned:

Private HospitalScan TypeFees（HK$）Private HospitalScan TypeFees（HK$）
Union Hospita¹	PET-CT	$15,400 – $19,100
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Stubbs Road²	PET or PET-CT	HK$13,600 – $17,100
Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital³	PET-CT	HK$12,820 – $16,870
St. Paul’s Hospital	PET-CT	HK$16,200 – $21,600
Gleneagles Hong Kong Hospital⁴	PET-MR	HK$16,690 – $23,040
Gleneagles Hong Kong Hospital⁴	PET-CT	HK$16,130 – $17,830
Hong Kong Baptist Hospital⁵	PET-CT	HK$16,545 – $19,005
Hong Kong Baptist Hospital⁵	PET-MR	HK$10,925 – $26,875

If a PET scan is performed during a hospital stay in a private hospital, the fees are generally higher compared to outpatient services, ranging from approximately HK$11,000 to HK$40,000. The fees may also increase if the scan is conducted while staying in a private room at the hospital.

Private Hospital	Scan Type	Fees（HK$）
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Stubbs Road²	PET or PET-CT	HK$13,600 – $34,450
St. Paul’s Hospital	PET-CT	HK$16,200 – $33,750
Gleneagles Hong Kong Hospital⁴	PET-MR	HK$18,540 – $40,960
Gleneagles Hong Kong Hospital⁴	PET-CT	HK$17,920 – $31,700
Hong Kong Baptist Hospital⁵	PET-CT	HK$16,545 – $28,508
Hong Kong Baptist Hospital⁵	PET-MR	HK$10,925 – $40,313

1Fees effective from April 1, 2023.
2The above fees effective from January 1, 2023. Fees do not include medication and doctor's fees (unless specified otherwise), and there may be adjustments in fees for non-outpatient or non-office hours, as well as emergency services.
3Fees effective from October 2022. Fees do not include medication, and there may be adjustments in fees for appointments or emergency services outside of office hours.
4The above information is effective from January 1, 2022, for reference only. The details are not exhaustive, so please inquire for more information before undergoing the examination or treatment. There may be fee adjustments for examinations conducted between 11 PM and 8 AM, as well as for services outside office hours and emergency services.
5Fee update as of July 1, 2021. This fee table only lists common items for reference. Please consult the hospital for details if needed.
Note The Bowtie Information Team collected the relevant data on January 9, 2022.

Computer Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan) are common diagnostic imaging tests. In simple cases, they can be done in clinics and do not require hospitalization.

However, traditional medical insurance mostly provides coverage for diagnostic imaging tests conducted during hospitalization. As a result, many policyholders intentionally arrange for tests during hospital stays, which may be a waste of time and potentially affect the insurance claims if the medical necessity criteria are not met.

There are no such restrictions with Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS). The insured can still be covered even if they undergo specified diagnostic imaging tests (CT, MRI, PET scans) in a medical center/outpatient clinic!

VHIS provides coverage for diagnostic imaging tests (CT, MRI, PET scans) conducted in medical centers/clinics as long as the doctor deems it medically necessary. VHIS will reimburse 70% of the costs. The following are the coverage limits for “Diagnostic Imaging Tests” under Bowtie’s VHIS plan

Diagnostic Imaging Tests*^	Bowtie VHIS Standard	Bowtie VHIS Flexi (Regular/Plus)	Bowtie Pink VHIS
Annual Coverage Limit	HK$20,000／year ⁶	HK$26,000 – HK$40,000／year⁶	Full Compensation⁷

Want to know the differences between Bowtie’s VHIS plans? Click here for more information!

6Includes 30% co-insurance.
7Bowtie Pink Plan provides full compensation for eligible medical expenses such as diagnosis, hospitalization, surgery, and specified non-surgical cancer treatments (excluding the United States), subject to the annual coverage limit and lifetime coverage limit. The compensation amount may be adjusted for claims involving hospitals in mainland China outside the designated hospital list, high-tier hospitals within the designated hospital list in mainland China, exceeding the designated room class, or pre-existing conditions before the policy takes effect.
*Bowtie reserves the right to request supporting evidence for written advice, such as referral letters or statements provided by the attending or registered doctor in the claims application form.
^Tests include Computed Tomography (CT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, PET-CT combination, and PET-MRI combination, with 30% co-insurance.

Coverage Scope of VHIS

Bowtie provides a premium calculator that allows you to estimate the monthly premium expenses for VHIS based on factors such as age, gender, smoking habits, etc.*

Bowtie VHIS Standard/Flexi Plan Premium Calculator

Bowtie Pink Plan Premium Calculator