Every year, thousands of Hong Kong students pack their bags for overseas education. Currently, 35,361 Hong Kong students are studying abroad, with the UK being the most popular destination, followed by Australia, the US, and Canada.
While students look forward to academic opportunities, social life, and cultural experiences, one critical issue is often overlooked: access to healthcare. Medical costs abroad continue to rise. For example, the UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for international students increased from £470 to £776 per year in 2024. Most universities now require proof of valid health insurance before enrolment.
Illness or injury in a foreign system can quickly turn into confusing logistics and high costs. In light of this, more parents in Hong Kong are turning to comprehensive international health insurance for peace of mind, knowing their children will receive proper care even when far from home.
Why overseas healthcare matters for Hong Kong students
From seasonal flu and dental pain to sports injuries and serious accidents, students abroad are bound to face unexpected health issues. While some countries provide universal healthcare, services may be limited in speed, choice, and coverage.
Students in the UK, for instance, have access to the NHS, which covers free GP visits and emergency care. However, services such as dental treatment, mental health support, eye tests, and prescription medication are often only available privately. Similarly, Australia’s OSHC excludes many private services, and wait times can be long, even for basic care.
In fact, waiting for a GP appointment in the UK can take several days or even weeks. Accessing specialists or diagnostic scans may involve further delays.
To avoid stress, especially for first-time international students, make sure their health insurance is fully arranged before boarding their flight:
- Confirm the policy meets visa requirements, such as IHS in the UK or OSHC in Australia.
- Save emergency contact details for the insurer and local medical providers.
- Download the insurer’s app or log-in portal to access claims, policy documents, and clinic directories.
- Understand the claims process in advance, know whether reimbursement or direct billing is required.
Another growing concern is the rise in violence affecting international students. In 2023, a Hong Kong student at a boarding school in Devon, UK, was critically injured in a hammer attack. The unfortunate case underscored the reality that students may need not only urgent medical care, but also long-term rehabilitation that public systems are generally too slow or limited to provide.
Investing in a private health insurance plan for your child studying outside Hong Kong ensures consistent coverage, global access, and claim support in their native language, which can make a notable difference in an emergency.
How student insurance at CCW Global can help
Built for Hong Kong students studying overseas, CCW Global provides annual and short-term student health insurance plans from top providers like AXA, Now Health, April, and Bupa International.
Generally, student insurance should cover the following services:
- Inpatient care: Hospital rooms, surgery, ICU, anaesthetics, and diagnostic tests
- Outpatient care: GP visits, specialist consultations, X-rays, vaccines, and medication
- Emergency evacuation: Land, sea, or air transport to the nearest suitable hospital
- Dental care: Fillings, wisdom tooth removal, and urgent dental treatment
- Chronic condition management: Ongoing care for asthma, eczema, and diabetes
- Pre-existing conditions: Selected plans cover existing conditions like allergies or long-term illnesses
- Mental health and alternative therapy: Counselling, psychiatric care, Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, and chiropractic treatment
- No daily caps and high annual limits: Extensive cover for serious or prolonged treatment needs
For students taking part in short-term exchange programmes, internships, or study tours under 120 days, you can find tailored options at CCW Global that provides:
- Over HK$1,000,000 in medical benefits for emergencies
- Cover for high-risk activities like scuba diving, skiing, and bungee jumping
- Infectious disease cover, including quarantine benefits if isolation is required
Tips for choosing the right coverage abroad
When selecting international health insurance, begin by understanding what is and isn’t covered in the local healthcare system. Then consider their personal needs like age, medical history, sports activities, and whether a private plan can fill any gaps in public healthcare access.
Parents may encounter these common challenges:
- Dental cover for students with braces: Orthodontic care often begins between ages 10 and 14, with regular visits every 4 to 8 weeks. These appointments are rarely included in public plans.
- Coverage for students active in sports: Students involved in school sports like rugby benefit from quicker access to physiotherapy and specialist care in case of injury.
- Protection while travelling: Local health plans usually only apply within the host country. For ski trips or holidays abroad, private insurance covers your child wherever they go.
Other important questions parents should ask the insurer include:
- What happens if your child needs to claim while travelling alone?
- Does the plan cover summer or winter breaks?
- Where are the nearest covered clinics near campus?
- Is there support available for non-English-speaking family members?
To explore the best insurance options for your child’s time abroad, speak to an expert insurance broker at CCW Global today. Get a free quote and personalised advice based on your destination, school, and health concerns.
About CCW Global
CCW Global is an expert insurance broker in Hong Kong. Founded in 2012, we are dedicated to serving our clients across all their coverage needs and provide a no risk no obligation quotation service that ensures you only pay for the insurance you require.
Ask CCW – where your insurance is always Swift, Simple, and Sorted.
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