What Is VHIS?
VHIS (Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme) is a government‑certified and regulated medical insurance framework in Hong Kong, designed to ensure clearer protection, standardised policy terms and guaranteed renewability.
All VHIS certified plans must meet government mandated requirements, including:
- Guaranteed renewal up to 100 years of age (without re-underwriting)
- No "lifetime benefit limit" (Certain flexible plans that meet specified criteria may include a lifetime benefit limit.)
- 21-day cooling off period
- Coverage extended to:
- Unknown pre-existing conditions
- Congenital conditions that manifest or are diagnosed on or after the age of 8
- Day surgery, including endoscopy
- In-patient psychiatric treatment, etc.
These rules make policy terms easier to understand and help consumers compare plans across insurers.
Two Types of VHIS Plans
Based on the design and flexibility of the coverage, VHIS is mainly divided into two types — the Standard Plan and the Flexi Plan — to cater for the medical protection needs of different individuals.
Standard Plan vs Flexi Plan
Comparison Item |
Standard Plan |
Flexi Plan |
Eligible Age for Application |
From 15 days old to age 80 |
From 15 days old to age 80 |
Renewal Arrangement |
Once issued, the policy is guaranteed renewable up to age 100, and renewal is not affected by any changes in health condition after policy commencement |
Once issued, the policy is guaranteed renewable up to age 100, and renewal is not affected by any changes in health condition after policy commencement |
Annual Claims Limit |
HKD 420,000 |
Not fixed — some plans do not impose an annual benefit limit |
Basic Coverage Scope |
Standardised with minimum requirements, such as minimum coverage levels and compensation amounts |
Must offer the same basic benefits as the standard plan, but insurers may increase the limits and add additional coverage items at their discretion to meet market needs |
Additional Benefits |
No additional benefits will be provided |
Commonly included, with the type and extent of additional benefits varying by plan |
In summary, the Standard Plan provides coverage that meets the minimum regulatory requirements. Its benefit items and limits are more basic, and premiums are generally more affordable, making it suitable for individuals who only require essential medical protection. The Flexi Plan, on the other hand, builds on the same core benefits offered under the Standard Plan but enhances benefit limits and includes additional coverage features, offering a more flexible option for those seeking more comprehensive medical protection.
VHIS Tax Deduction (Up to HKD 8,000 Per Insured Person Per Year)
For individuals who are required to pay Salaries Tax or Personal Assessment, VHIS not only provides medical protection but also helps reduce tax burdens.
Since 1 April 2019, eligible taxpayers who take out a VHIS‑certified plan for themselves or their specified relatives may claim tax deductions under the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112), allowing their protection and financial planning to work more effectively together.
- Up to HKD 8,000 tax deduction per insured person per year
- You may purchase VHIS for yourself, your spouse, parents, and children. Example: A family of four →Maximum Deduction Amount up to HKD 32,000
Advantages and Key Considerations of VHIS
Advantages
- Regulated by the Government — Standardised and Transparent Coverage
All terms and benefit details of VHIS are strictly regulated by the Government. Every VHIS plan must be approved and certified, ensuring that policy provisions are fair, transparent, and clearly defined. This allows consumers to compare plans across different insurers more easily, without concerns about hidden conditions or complex variations in policy wording.
- Tax Deduction — Lowering Your Actual Premium Cost
Purchasing a Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) plan allows taxpayers to claim tax deductions for themselves or specified relatives (including a spouse, children, parents, grandparents, and other eligible dependants).
For example, if you take out a VHIS policy for yourself, your partner, parents, or children, you may claim a tax deduction of up to HKD 8,000 per insured person per year, helping to reduce the cost of medical protection and ease the overall premium burden.
- Guaranteed Renewal up to Age 100 — Reducing the Risk of Renewal Refusal: No rejection due to illness
One of the most reassuring features of VHIS is that all certified plans must provide guaranteed renewal up to age 100 (and some even offer guaranteed lifetime renewal). Even if you develop new medical conditions, fall ill, or your health deteriorates after purchasing the plan, the insurer is not allowed to refuse your renewal.
- Coverage for major medical expenses related to hospitalization and surgery, such as surgeries, intensive care, and cancer treatments.
VHIS protects you against high-cost treatments such as surgery, intensive care, and cancer therapies, providing stronger financial security during serious illnesses or emergencies.
Key Considerations
- Standard Plan Coverage May Be Limited for Major Surgeries
Although sufficient for common hospitalisation needs, Standard Plans may not fully cover more complex or high-cost surgeries. In such cases, Flexi Plans provide more enhanced protection.
How to Choose a VHIS Plan?
When selecting a VHIS plan, consider:
- Your medical needs
- Whether you prefer treatment at private hospitals
- Expected benefit limits
- Adequacy of cancer treatment coverage
- Value- added services offered by insurers (e.g., specialist booking support, cross-border support)
Prudential’s VHIS Series includes both Standard and Flexi certified plans. They offer a broad spectrum of coverage, from essential protection to more comprehensive medical benefits. The series also includes enhanced value-added services, such as 24-hour Worldwide Emergency Assistance, Treatment Sure (安心醫服務) and Medical Green Channel (expedited access to designated medical providers).
These services provide customers with additional support throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
You may first review whether your existing medical insurance is sufficient in the following areas:
- Inpatient / surgical benefit limits
- Cancer treatments (especially targeted therapy and immunotherapy)
- Intensive care limits
- Whether long-term renewability is provided
- Whether it aligns with private healthcare expenses
It is recommended to first assess and compare whether your current medical protection meets your needs. If there are still gaps, you may then consider using VHIS as a foundation for coverage.
VHIS Myths Explained
Do I Need a Medical Examination to Apply?
In most cases, a full mandatory medical check-up is not required. Insurers will assess your application based on a health declaration. However, if you have certain medical histories, additional checks may be requested.
What Is an “Unknown Pre‑existing Condition”?
An “unknown pre‑existing condition” refers to a medical condition that already existed but was not known or noticed by the insured at the time the insurance policy was taken out.
Under the standard terms of the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS), insurers provide coverage for unknown pre‑existing conditions on a phased basis after the policy becomes effective. The general arrangement is: 0% in the first year, 25% in the second year, 50% in the third year, and full reimbursement up to the benefit limit from the fourth year onwards.
It is worth noting that some flexible plans, such as Prudential’s VHIS Flexi Plan, allow unknown pre‑existing conditions to be fully covered earlier, with full reimbursement up to the benefit limit available from the 31st day after the policy takes effect. For individuals who wish to obtain more comprehensive medical coverage at an earlier stage, this type of plan design can offer greater peace of mind.
Can I Cancel My VHIS Plan?
Yes. Policyholders may terminate a VHIS policy at any time after it comes into effect. If the policy is cancelled within the 21-day cooling-off period, all premiums paid will be fully refunded. If the policy is terminated after the cooling-off period, premiums paid are generally non-refundable. Policyholders are advised to carefully assess their needs before purchasing a policy.
I Already Have Company Medical Insurance. Do I Still Need VHIS?
It depends on whether your current coverage is adequate. VHIS may be especially beneficial if you:
1. Need long-term, predictable coverage
VHIS offers guaranteed renewal up to age 100—ideal for safeguarding against future health changes.
2. Want to supplement limited company medical benefits
Many group medical plans offer restricted coverage, such as:
- Lower room levels
- Limited cancer treatment coverage
- Immediate termination of benefits when changing jobs
VHIS provides a personal, long-term foundation, ensuring continuity of protection.
3. Want to avoid coverage gaps
VHIS covers unknown pre-existing conditions after a specified waiting period—helpful for mitigating risks caused by changes in employment or health conditions.
