Hong Kong people have mixed views on city's health insurance plan

While the government's proposed voluntary health insurance scheme might win over high-risk groups, middle-class and young people do not see the appeal, even with a tax break.

Under the scheme, all health insurance providers must offer a standard plan meeting 12 criteria on cost and coverage that is available even to those with pre-existing conditions. Those who take up insurance will get a tax deduction estimated at hundreds per year as the government pushes patients to swap public hospitals for private care.

"I do not think the tax deduction is large enough," said Lee Choi-kam, a secondary school teacher who pays out HK$10,000 per year to insure her family of four. "The protection I have now is enough … why do I have to bear the medical costs of others?"

Complaining that two months of her salary went to the taxman, she added: "The middle class just cannot enjoy the benefits from the government."

Young people also saw little appeal in the standard plan. "For around HK$200 more I can get both medical and life insurance schemes," said Winnie Tse Wing-lam, 25, an NGO project officer.

But the scheme would allow Wong Lai-seung to get medical insurance for the first time since she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993. "I would consider the plan as I can get better and faster services with just a bit more from my pocket," Wong said. "There is one more choice and I am not forced to choose only public hospitals."