Apply Now
Certified Plan under the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme

Bowtie VHIS
Standard Plan

Monthly premium as low as HK$100*
Dedicated case specialist for claims assistance and follow-up
Quote Now

We started accepting change of residency requests without policy termination to all Bowtie individual insurance plans in any countries/ regions except for those subject to sanction restrictions. Please refer to the following blog post for more details. If there are any enquiries,  please contact our customer service team at 3008-8123.

Approved by the HKSAR Health Bureau, Bowtie VHIS Standard Plan is a medical reimbursement insurance plan that offers standard protection for various treatments.

Lower premium, same protection

VHIS Standard Plans are regulated by the Health Bureau, and the coverage is essentially the same across all insurance companies. Monthly premiums are therefore the key differentiating factor when choosing a provider.

See data from Health Bureau →

Providing comprehensive coverage

With Bowtie VHIS Standard Plan, you are covered every step of the way.

Key Benefits

HK$
420k
Annual Benefit Limit
HK$
14k
Miscellaneous Charges
HK$
750
Room and Board

Benefit items

Benefit amount per policy year

$

420,000

/per year

No lifetime limit, recalculated every year

Benefit limit for each covered item

Diagnosis

Specialist’s fee

(1)

$

4,300

/per year

Prescribed Diagnostic Imaging Tests

(1)

Including:
CT Scan
MRI Scan
PET Scan
PET–CT combination
PET–MRI combination

$

20,000

/per year

-

;

30% Co-Insurance

Hospitalisation

Room and board

$

750

/per day

-

Up to 180 days per year

Attending doctor's visit fee

$

750

/per day

-

Up to 180 days per year

Intensive care

$

3,500

/per day

-

;

Up to 25 days per year

Surgery

Surgeon's fee

Complex Surgery  —

$

50,000

/per session

Major Surgery —

$

25,000

/per session

Intermediate Surgery —

$

12,500

/per session

Minor Surgery  —

$

5,000

/per session

Anaesthetist's fee

35% of Surgeon's fee payable

(2)

Operating theatre charges

35% of Surgeon's fee payable

(2)

Pre- and Post-Hospitalisation Treatment

Pre- and post-Confinement/Day Case Procedure outpatient care

(1)

$

3,000

/per year

-

;

$580 per visit

1 prior and 3 follow-up outpatient visits(3)

Non-surgical treatment

Prescribed non-surgical cancer treatment

Including:
Radiotherapy
chemotherapy
targeted therapy
immunotherapy
hormonal therapy

$

80,000

/per year

Psychiatric treatments

$

30,000

/per year

Others

Miscellaneous

$

14,000

/per year

Total and permanent incapacity income benefit

(4)

$

500

/per week

-

;

payable for 52 weeks

(1) The Company shall have the right to ask for proof of recommendation e.g. written referral or testifying statement on the claim form by the attending doctor or Registered Medical Practitioner.
(2) The percentage here applies to the Surgeon's fee actually payable or the benefit limit for the Surgeon's fee according to the surgical categorisation, whichever is the lower.
(3) 1 prior outpatient visit or Emergency consultation per Confinement/Day Case Procedure; 3 follow-up outpatient visits per Confinement/Day Case Procedure (within 90 days after discharge from Hospital or completion of Day Case Procedure).
(4) Please refer to Supplement No.1 for details.

More Product Information

Ward level restriction

No Limits

Area of Coverage

Worldwide

Except for psychiatric treatment.

Policy currency

Hong Kong Dollar

Name of VHIS certified plan

Bowtie VHIS Standard

Type of VHIS certified plan

Standard Plan

VHIS Provider Registration No.

00023

VHIS certification number

Available for new application
S00023-01-000-03
Not available for new applications
S00023-01-000-02
S00023-01-000-01)

Registration Effective Date

21 March 2019

Policy Exclusions
1. Expenses incurred for treatments, procedures, medications, tests or services which are not Medically Necessary.

2. Expenses incurred for the whole or part of the Confinement solely for the purpose of diagnostic procedures or allied health services, including but not limited to physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, unless such procedure or service is recommended by a Registered Medical Practitioner for Medically Necessary investigation or treatment of a Disability which cannot be effectively performed in a setting for providing Medical Services to a Day Patient.

3. Expenses arising from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (“HIV”) and its related Disability, which is contracted or occurs before the Policy Effective Date. Irrespective of whether it is known or unknown to the Policy Holder or the Insured Person at the time of submission of Application, including any updates of and changes to such requisite information (if so requested by the Company under Section 8 of Part 1) such Disability shall be generally excluded from any coverage of these Terms and Benefits if it exists before the Policy Effective Date. If evidence of proof as to the time at which such Disability is first contracted or occurs is not available, manifestation of such Disability within the first five (5) years after the Policy Effective Date shall be presumed to be contracted or occur before the Policy Effective Date, while manifestation after such five (5) years shall be presumed to be contracted or occur after the Policy Effective Date.
However, the exclusion under this entire Section 3 shall not apply where HIV and its related Disability is caused by sexual assault, medical assistance, organ transplant, blood transfusions or blood donation, or infection at birth, and in such cases the other terms of these Terms and Benefits shall apply.

4. Expenses incurred for Medical Services as a result of Disability arising from or consequential upon the dependence, overdose or influence of drugs, alcohol, narcotics or similar drugs or agents, self-inflicted injuries or attempted suicide, illegal activity, or venereal and sexually transmitted disease or its sequelae (except for HIV and its related Disability, where Section 3 of this Part 7 applies).

5. Any charges in respect of services for – (a) beautification or cosmetic purposes, unless necessitated by Injury caused by an Accident and the Insured Person receives the Medical Services within ninety (90) days of the Accident; or (b) correcting visual acuity or refractive errors that can be corrected by fitting of spectacles or contact lens, including but not limited to eye refractive therapy, LASIK and any related tests, procedures and services.

6. Expenses incurred for prophylactic treatment or preventive care, including but not limited to general check-ups, routine tests, screening procedures for asymptomatic conditions, screening or surveillance procedures based on the health history of the Insured Person and/or his family members, Hair Mineral Analysis (HMA), immunisation or health supplements. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 6 does not apply to –
(a) treatments, monitoring, investigation or procedures with the purpose of avoiding complications arising from any other Medical Services provided;
(b) removal of pre-malignant conditions; and
(c) treatment for prevention of recurrence or complication of a previous Disability.

7. Expenses incurred for dental treatment and oral and maxillofacial procedures performed by a dentist except for Emergency Treatment and surgery during Confinement arising from an Accident. Follow-up dental treatment or oral surgery after discharge from Hospital shall not be covered.

8. Expenses incurred for Medical Services and counselling services relating to maternity conditions and its complications, including but not limited to diagnostic tests for pregnancy or resulting childbirth, abortion or miscarriage; birth control or reversal of birth control; sterilisation or sex reassignment of either sex; infertility including in-vitro fertilisation or any other artificial method of inducing pregnancy; or sexual dysfunction including but not limited to impotence, erectile dysfunction or pre-mature ejaculation, regardless of cause.

9. Expenses incurred for the purchase of durable medical equipment or appliances including but not limited to wheelchairs, beds and furniture, airway pressure machines and masks, portable oxygen and oxygen therapy devices, dialysis machines, exercise equipment, spectacles, hearing aids, special braces, walking aids, over-the-counter drugs, air purifiers or conditioners and heat appliances for home use. For the avoidance of doubt, this exclusion shall not apply to rental of medical equipment or appliances during Confinement or on the day of the Day Case Procedure.

10. Expenses incurred for traditional Chinese medicine treatment, including but not limited to herbal treatment, bone-setting, acupuncture, acupressure and tui na, and other forms of alternative treatment including but not limited to hypnotism, qigong, massage therapy, aromatherapy, naturopathy, hydropathy, homeotherapy and other similar treatments.

11. Expenses incurred for experimental or unproven medical technology or procedure in accordance with the common standard, or not approved by the recognised authority, in the locality where the treatment, procedure, test or service is received.

12. Expenses incurred for Medical Services provided as a result of Congenital Condition(s) which have manifested or been diagnosed before the Insured Person attained the Age of eight (8) years.

13. Eligible Expenses which have been reimbursed under any law, or medical program or insurance policy provided by any government, company or other third party.

14. Expenses incurred for treatment for Disability arising from war (declared or undeclared), civil war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities, rebellion, revolution, insurrection, or military or usurped power.

Important Product Information

Product Category
Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) Standard Plan – Inpatient medical reimbursement plan certified by the Health Bureau
Issue Age
15 days – age 80
Period of Cover
1 year – Guaranteed annual renewal up to age 100
Waiting Period
N/A
Renewal
  • Upon renewal, there shall be no re-underwriting. No additional rate of premium loading or case-based exclusions shall be imposed by reason of any change in the Insured Person's health conditions.
  • Upon renewal, we reserve the right to revise Policy Terms and Conditions, including the prevailing standard premium schedule, subject to prior approval by Health Bureau.
Cooling-off Period
21 days
Within the cooling-off period, you may cancel the Plan and receive a full refund of premium
Policy Cancellation
You may request cancellation of the Plan by giving at least 30 days prior notice.
Tax Deduction
Taxpayers who purchase any Certified Plan of VHIS for him/herself or any specified family members are eligible for tax deductions. For details: https://www.vhis.gov.hk/en/consumer_corner/tax-deduction.html
The information on the page is for reference only, please refer to the full and detailed Policy Terms and Conditions.

Who should buy Bowtie VHIS Standard?

If you have average medical insurance, Bowtie VHIS Standard Plan is an excellent top-up choice.

People who have group medical insurance only

Most group medical insurance policies do not fully cover all medical expenses. To bridge the gap, you can top up your protection by purchasing an individual medical insurance plan. If you change jobs often, you can also consider Bowtie VHIS Flexi Plan.

People with basic medical insurance

If your medical insurance provides only basic coverage and does not fully cover all medical expenses, then you should consider purchasing VHIS Standard Plan as a complement.

Looking for more coverage?
Take a look at our Bowtie VHIS Flexi Plans
Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

Is outpatient treatment covered by VHIS?

VHIS Standard Plan covers a limited number outpatient care visits related to pre and post-hospitalisation and day case procedure. Prescribed diagnostic imaging tests such as CT, MRI, PET, PET-CT and PET-MRI are also covered up to 70%.

What sets Bowtie VHIS products apart from other traditional insurance companies?

From day one, we reinvented the very structure of an insurance company and harness the latest technology. Everything is done online from initial application to underwriting to making a claim. By offering commission-free products and reducing operating costs through efficiencies, we can keep premiums at their lowest while still offering the same level of protection.

From a service standpoint, we are no different from traditional insurance companies. We also provide comprehensive and convenient customer care including claims assistance and after-sales support from our professional medical team. BowtieCash, our unique loyalty program helps relieve customers’ medical expense burden at critical moments in their lives.

Do I still need individual medical insurance if my employer provides group medical insurance?

Group medical insurance typically offers basic protection only and does not cover you after you leave the company. We recommend customers review their group medical insurance policies to determine if the level of protection is adequate. If you find that the coverage from your group medical insurance is insufficient, you can consider purchasing an individual medical insurance plan to increase protection.

Will the premiums go up significantly in the future?

We do not foresee the premiums increase significantly in the future. In fact, early on in the product development stages, we had already factored in future expenses and reviewed industry data from reinsurers when we set the premiums.

Why are Bowtie VHIS Standard Plan premiums so much lower than most other insurers?

Bowtie is the first-ever virtual insurance company. By harnessing the latest technology, we offer commission-free products without intermediaries and reduce operating costs through efficiencies. As a result, we can keep premiums at their lowest while offering the same level of protection.

What is VHIS Standard Plan?

According to the Health Bureau, all VHIS Standard Plans must meet 10 minimum requirements including guaranteed renewal up to age 100 without lifetime benefit limit, coverage for hospitalization and day case procedure, pre-existing conditions and prescribed diagnostic imaging tests and more.

Are the VHIS Plan premiums tax deductible?

Yes. According to the Food and Health Bureau, not only can the policyholders claim a tax deduction on qualifying premiums up to HK$8,000 per year, they can also make deduction claims for more than one insured person without any limitation on the numbers of insured people or policies.

All Hong Kong ID holders age 18 or above are eligible for this tax benefit. For specific tax advice, please contact your tax consultant.

What is the difference between VHIS and other medical insurance plans?

VHIS products are designed and regulated by the government, including coverage, benefit limit and terms and conditions. There are three key differences between VHIS and other medical insurance plans:

  1. Medical insurance plans typically have a lifetime benefit limit. VHIS Standard Plan has an annual benefit limit of HK$420,000 and no lifetime benefit limit.
  2. Most medical insurance plans on the market do not cover pre-existing conditions, but VHIS covers pre-existing conditions starting from the second policy year.
  3. VHIS covers 70% of outpatient expenses for prescribed diagnostic imaging tests such as CT, MRI, PET, PET-CT, PET-MRI while typical medical insurance plans do not.
Can I apply for more than 1 VHIS series policy?

Yes, Bowtie currently allows each insured person to have

  • two Bowtie VHIS Standard policies or
  • a Bowtie VHIS (VHIS Standard / Flexi Regular / Flexi Plus) policy and a Bowtie Pink VHIS policy (except for $0 deductible plans)
Does Bowtie VHIS provide coverage overseas?

This Plan aims to provide coverage to Insured Persons who reside in Hong Kong, therefore the coverage shall remain effective if the Insured Persons go out of town for business or travel temporarily.

If the Insured Persons plan to permanently reside overseas, we started accepting change of residency requests without policy termination to all Bowtie individual insurance plans (including VHIS, Term Life, Term Critical illness, Touchwood Protector  and Cancer Fighter) in any countries/ regions (except for those subject to sanction restrictions). Generally speaking, depending on where you relocate to, an extra loading might be applied to reflect the higher risks of the relocated countries as fairness to other policyholders in the insurance pool. We encourage customers to contact us if they want to understand how this works.

  • Designated countries/regions include: China (except for Tibet and Xinjiang), US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Canada and South Africa (including Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban only) (appropriate adjustment and revision will be made from time to time)

For any enquiries, please contact our customer service team at 3008-8123.

Can I apply for the same Bowtie Pink VHIS Plan with my family and friends?

No, each VHIS Standard, Flexi, or Pink Plan can only have one policyholder and one insured person. However, policyholders can apply for their eligible family members.

Eligible family members refer to the policyholder's spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, or spouse's siblings, parents and grandparents.

How does the underwriting process work?

Bowtie leverages Hong Kong’s first-of-its-kind fully online medical underwriting system to evaluate applicants’ health conditions instantly. No medical examinations or paper forms are required, and as a result, the application process is shortened from at least three days to as quick as 10 minutes.

Based on the health information you provided, we analyze the severity of your previous illnesses and instantly provide the fairest and most accurate premium rates. Typically, if the applicant is in good health, premiums would be low. 95% of the questions in our underwriting system are multiple choice.

What should I do if I don’t understand an underwriting question and I am not sure how to answer it?

You can contact us through the following channels if you have questions about our underwriting or unsure how to answer.

Please note inaccurate information may impact future claims results.

What should I do if I mistakenly gave an inaccurate answer for an underwriting question?

If you mistakenly gave an inaccurate answer for an underwriting question in your application, please contact us as soon as possible through the following channels to make the correction.

Please note inaccurate information may impact claims results in the future.

How come I did not get an instant quote?

If you are unable to get an instant quote, it doesn’t mean your application is declined. It may be due to one of the following:

  1. We are unable to accept your application due to your current health condition.
  2. You expressed that you have reservations about the answers you provided to our underwriting and need further assistance.
  3. We are currently enhancing our underwriting system allowing us to re-process your application.
  4. You selected “Other illnesses” and we need more information from you.

If you provided us with your email address in your application, Bowtie customer service will be in touch to assist with your application.

I have medical insurance policies from two different insurance companies, which one should I submit a claim to first?

It’s up to you which insurer you wish to submit a claim to first. If you need to submit a claim to more than one insurer, you will need to include the claims details provided by the first insurance company along with the required documents in your claims submission to the second insurer, as well as the true copy or certified copy of the medical bills.

If I have questions about Bowtie services, what can I do?

Just like traditional insurance companies, you can contact us through our customer service centre, hotline, email and LiveChat for assistance with application, claims estimates or claims submission.

You can call our customer service hotline 3008 8123 anytime or email us at cs@bowtie.com.hk. We value your feedback and will follow up as soon as possible. If necessary, you can book an appointment to visit our customer service centre where our dedicated service team will serve you.

How do I make a claim?

You can request a claim estimate or submit a claim directly on our website. After you have submitted a claim, Bowtie will assign a claims specialist to assist you throughout the claims process and follow up with you. If you have any questions about your claims, you can also call our customer service hotline at 3008 8123 or email us at cs@bowtie.com.hk.

Does VHIS Standard Plan only cover hospitalization and hospital-related expenses such as surgery and doctor’s fee?

VHIS Standard Plan coverage includes not only hospitalisation and hospital-related fees, but also day case surgery, pre- and post-hospitalization day case procedure, outpatient care, and prescribed diagnostic imaging tests (ex. CT, MRI, PET, PET-CT, OET-MRI).

Will my renewal premiums increase because I made claims? Will my renewal be denied due to the claims?

Annual renewal premiums are adjusted according to age. We do not increase premiums for individual policyholders because of the number of claims made, claim amounts or their health conditions.

In addition, VHIS Standard Plan guarantees renewal up to age 100 and VHIS Flexi Plan guarantees lifetime renewal. We will not reject your renewal request due to your claim history or health condition.

Change of ownership of the Policy

Bowtie shall not reject any application by the policyholder for the transfer of ownership to 

(a) the Insured Person if he has reached the Age of eighteen (18) years; 

(b) the parent or the Guardian of the Insured Person if he is a Minor; or 

(c) any person whose familial relationship with the Insured Person is accepted by Bowtie according to its prevailing underwriting practices.

Inquiries and Complaint Channels

VHIS Office – set up under the Health Bureau, handles VHIS-related matters, including product offerings, approved product features and the code of practice for insurance companies under the ambit of the VHIS; 

Insurance Authority – regulates the conduct of insurance companies and insurance intermediaries;

Inland Revenue Department – manages matters related to tax deductions; and

Bowtie – policyholders can submit their complaints by mail or call the customer service hotline 3008 8123.

What should I do if during the claims process, I discover that the insured person forgot to declare pre-existing illnesses?

In this case, you need to redo the underwriting process. If the declared health condition impacts the risk assessment outcome, new exclusions may be added to your policy, your premiums may be adjusted or your policy may be cancelled.

Remarks:
* Monthly premium for VHIS Standard Plan for a 20-year-old male non-smoker is HK$94.
FAQ Source: National Health Commission "New Coronavirus Pneumonia Diagnosis and Treatment Plan (Trial Version 4)", Hong Kong Department of Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, BBC (Last update date: February 5, 2020)
*Terms and Conditions apply