[Dental Insurance] Hong Kong or Shenzhen dentistry? Both have their advantages (with dental insurance product comparison)

As the saying goes, “toothache is worse than a serious illness”; sufferers may be unable to eat or sit still. Although the quality of dental care in Hong Kong is high, private dental clinics are expensive and waiting times are long. With the surge in Hongkongers travelling north for shopping and spending, visiting Shenzhen for dental treatment has also become a choice for many. The rising demand for dental care north of the border has also driven insurance innovation, and many insurers have recently launched dental insurance products. Some are aimed at the Hong Kong market, while others cater to the Mainland market, with options ranging from affordable to premium. This article will help you understand the scope of cover of seven dental insurance plans. 

Hong Kong dentists are divided into general and specialist practice, with specialist practice further split into eight categories, including oral and maxillofacial surgery and periodontics¹. Although the quality of dental care in Hong Kong is assured, the fees are expensive. Members of the public may refer to the dental outpatient charges at Evangel Hospital. For example, a simple dental check-up costs HK$350 to HK$500, while more complex root canal treatment costs over HK$5,800. Dental implants (per tooth) cost over HK$33,000, and orthodontic treatment costs over HK$50,000. 

On the other hand, dental clinics in Shenzhen are cheaper, have shorter waiting times for appointments, and offer more service options. Many advertisements for dental centres in Mainland China also attract Hong Kong people to travel north for dental treatment.

Although dental treatment in Shenzhen is affordable and popular, the public should still be careful not to be caught out. While most dentists in Mainland China remain professional, there are also a few bad apples. Reports have mentioned Hong Kong residents going north for dental implants, where a screw is fitted into the jaw and they must wait for the new tooth to be made before it can be installed. However, in the middle of the night, the screw suddenly came loose, lodged in his throat and nearly caused him to choke to death². Therefore, Hong Kong people choosing to travel north for dental treatment should also do their homework, pay attention to the reputation of the dental centre or dentist, and look for a trustworthy dentist. 

Policyholders may choose from different dental insurance plans according to their individual needs. This time, 10Life has identified seven dental insurance plans. They all offer a one-year coverage period, but the coverage regions vary: some cover only Hong Kong, some cover the Greater Bay Area, and some even provide worldwide coverage. Policyholders should also note that although Blue Cross dental insurance has a higher premium, it is not restricted to network providers, whereas other products only provide coverage when services are used by network providers.

Some may ask: what is the difference between Voluntary Health Insurance and dental insurance? In fact, Voluntary Health Insurance covers necessary dental surgery resulting from accidental injury (for example, a tooth breaking due to a sudden impact), but it does not cover non-accidental dental expenses. Dental insurance fills this gap, and the scope of cover varies from one dental insurance plan to another. For details, please refer to the table below (as dental terminology differs between Hong Kong and Mainland China, the information is presented in two separate tables). 

Note 1: Co-payment ratio and benefit amount

The co-payment ratio and benefit amount vary from product to product, and the policy may not reimburse every item in full. For example, the WeMedi Hong Kong Dental Plan D2 for complex treatments (such as root canal treatment) offers a maximum benefit of HK$5,000, with a co-payment ratio of 50%.

As dental procedures vary in complexity, and the benefit amount for each item under dental insurance may also differ, prospective policyholders should check with the relevant insurance company before applying and carefully review the policy terms.  

Note 2: Waiting period

Some insurers impose a policy waiting period to prevent applicants from insuring pre-existing conditions before taking out cover. Dental expenses incurred after the waiting period can then be claimed. For example, Blue Cross Dental Insurance has a 90-day waiting period. However, the other products compared in this article do not have a waiting period.  

Note:
1.Is there a shortage of dentists in Hong Kong? Study a master’s degree to deepen specialist knowledge in paediatric dentistry and move towards specialisation
2.Complications after dental implant surgery in Mainland China! Hong Kong man’s jaw screw suddenly came loose, nearly causing choking and suffocation! Clinic’s response was utterly absurd! Netizens: Don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish 

Last updated: 19 November 2024 

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.