【2026 Public Medical Fee Increase】Guide for Employers: Where Should Your Foreign Domestic Helper See a Doctor? Public vs Private Clinics + How Insurance Can Help

If you’ve hired a foreign domestic helper at home, where should she go when she gets sick? Public hospitals, government clinics, or private doctors? As an employer, you’re responsible for paying your helper’s medical expenses. So, choosing the right medical service is very important — especially since public healthcare fees in Hong Kong will increase in January 2026, making medical insurance for helpers more important than ever.

This article will help you understand your helper’s medical options, how insurance works, and the pros and cons of public vs private care — so you can make the best decision for her health and your wallet.

Where Can Helpers See a Doctor?

1. Public Hospitals & Clinics (Cheaper, But Long Wait Times)

Foreign domestic helpers with work visas are considered Hong Kong residents, so they can use public hospitals and clinics at the same price as locals. But from January 2026, public medical services will increase in price — here’s what will change:

Public care is still cheaper than private — but the biggest issue is long wait times, especially for specialist clinics (could take months to get an appointment).

For more info: GovHK Official Announcement - Hospital Authority implements fees and charges reform rationalising healthcare services and enhancing patient protection

2. Private Clinics & Hospitals (Faster and Better Service, But Expensive)

If your foreign domestic helper want fast treatment, private clinics or hospitals are a better choice.

Features of Private Medical Care:

l   Consultation Fee: HK$300–$800 (general), over HK$1,000 for specialists

l   Fast Service: Can often see a doctor the same day

l   Convenient Locations: Clinics are everywhere in Hong Kong

l   Choose Your Doctor: More control over who you see

But keep in mind: if your foreign domestic helper gets sick often or needs long-term care, the cost adds up quickly.

Public vs Private: What’s the Better Choice?

Conclusion:            

For common issues like flu, infections → Private doctor (fast & efficient)

Chronic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure → Public care (but plan ahead)

Emergencies or serious accidents → Public ER (some patients pay HK$400 after 2026)

How Foreign Domestic Helper Insurance Can Help Employers

1. Employers Must Pay Medical Costs

According to the Standard Employment Contract, employers must cover medical expenses for their foreign domestic helper — whether public or private. That means if the helper gets sick or needs to stay in hospital, the bill could go into the thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.

2. How Insurance Reduces Employer’s Risk

Buying foreign domestic helper insurance helps you save money. Most plans cover:

I.            Clinical visits: Some plans pay HK$200–$500 per visit

II.          Hospital & surgery: Some plans refund 80%–100% of private hospital costs

Why Insurance is Even More Important After 2026

With the public healthcare fee hike, medical costs will rise a lot. For example:

General outpatient visit: HK$50 → HK$150

Specialist visit: HK$135 → HK$250

If your helper gets sick often, your yearly cost could increase by thousands!

Benefits of Buying Medical Insurance:

l   Save money on medical bills

l   Ensure your helper gets proper treatment

l   Use private doctors without long waiting time

Conclusion

As an employer, choosing the right insurance cover to helps protect your helper’s health and your own finances, you should - Know what your insurance covers; Plan ahead for medical needs; Consider comprehensive foreign domestic helper insurance to avoid big costs.

Related product:

California Insurance's latest foreign domestic helper insurance offers the highest coverage in Hong Kong with up to HK$88,000 coverage for hospitalization and surgical expenses. It also provides “New Starter Benefit” that offers probationary protection and “Open Cover” policy reservations for up to 365 days. Learn more or apply now.

The information provided in this article is for general reference only and should not be considered as any form of advice. Our company assumes no responsibility for its use