How to Apply for Medical Fee Waiver
A step-by-step guide to waiving or reducing medical fees at public hospitals and clinics in Hong Kong for those facing financial hardship.
Overview
The Hospital Authority (HA) offers a fee waiver mechanism for patients who genuinely cannot afford to pay public hospital or clinic fees. If you are receiving CSSA, eligible for Comprehensive Social Security Assistance, or can demonstrate financial hardship, you may apply to have your medical fees waived or reduced.
Public hospital fees in Hong Kong are already heavily subsidised. However, even the subsidised fees can be burdensome for low-income individuals. The fee waiver ensures that no one is denied necessary medical treatment due to inability to pay.
Who Can Apply
You may be eligible if you:
- Are receiving CSSA (Comprehensive Social Security Assistance)
- Are a low-income individual or family with financial difficulties
- Have no means to pay due to unemployment or unexpected circumstances
- Are a non-Hong Kong resident in an emergency medical situation
The Medical Social Worker will conduct a means test to assess eligibility.
How to Apply
Receive your medical bill
After receiving treatment at a public hospital or clinic, you will receive a bill. Do not ignore it — contact the hospital's Medical Social Work department as soon as possible.
Approach the Medical Social Worker (MSW)
Ask the hospital reception or ward staff to refer you to the Medical Social Worker. They assess financial hardship and can process fee waiver applications on your behalf.
Prepare supporting documents
Gather proof of identity, proof of income (or lack thereof), bank statements, and any existing welfare documents such as CSSA approval letters.
Submit the application
The MSW will help you fill in and submit the fee waiver application form (HA Form) to the Hospital Authority on your behalf.
Await assessment
The Hospital Authority will review your application. This typically takes 1–2 weeks. You may be required to attend an interview.
Receive decision
You will be notified of the outcome. If approved, the waiver applies to the current and potentially future bills during the assessment period.
Documents Needed
- Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID) or travel document
- Hospital bill(s)
- Proof of income (payslips, employer letter, or statutory declaration if unemployed)
- Bank statements (last 3 months)
- CSSA approval letter (if applicable)
- Proof of residence (utility bill or tenancy agreement)
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