COVID-19 Tests in Hong Kong: Where to Go?

27 March, 2020

There is currently an explosion of information, comments and opinions on COVID-19 on the internet and social media. We believe that on serious topics in general, and on public health matters in particular, it is essential to rely on facts and seek credible, expert information. Our mission at AD MediLink remains to bring you the best information and advice, so you can make the best choices for you and your family.

Where to get tested for COVID-19 in Hong Kong? Who is eligible? How much does it cost?

The AD MediLink team has done the research, so you don’t have to.

Which COVID-19 tests are available in Hong Kong?

Three types of tests are available in Hong Kong:

– One of them is a DNA test done by swabbing for lower respiratory tract specimens through the nose or throat and analyzed in a lab (the CDC recommends the nose swab for more accurate results).

– Another is a blood test performed in a clinic or hospital and analyzed in a lab.

– The last one is a finger prick blood test you can do yourself from home.*

* it is important to note that this at-home test cannot be used as the sole basis for diagnosis and that further testing will be required in the event of a positive result.

How does COVID-19 testing work?

For the swab (ie. the DNA test), laboratories compare the genetic material obtained with the genetic code of the virus. Results for swab tests will usually take a couple of days but some places offer next day results.

As for blood tests, the blood will be tested for antibodies fighting COVID-19. Blood tests done in clinics or hospitals can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days but the at-home finger prick tests only take 15 minutes.

For the latest news about COVID-19, read our daily update.

COVID-19 testing in public hospitals

There are 43 public hospitals in Hong Kong. To get tested in a public hospital, you will first need to see a doctor at that hospital for a consultation. The consultation fee for public hospitals is $180. The doctor you see will determine your eligibility for a test (depending on your symptoms, travel history and any close contact with people who tested positive for COVID-19).

If it is determined that you are eligible, a nasal swab test will be done. The test is free. The only service you will have to pay for is the $180 doctor consultation.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has set up a hotline for any public enquiry about COVID-19 : +852 2125 1122. The Hong Kong government has also set up a page with all of the latest local developments.

COVID-19 testing in private hospitals

There are 12 private hospitals in Hong Kong. Below are the ones offering COVID-19 tests within their outpatient departments. Tests are done in person unless specified otherwise.

Please note that some outpatient clinics may not accept suspected or high risk cases and prefer sending these patients to the public sector.

	Price	Procedure	Eligibility	Appointment
Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital (2835 8605)	Consultation: $320-560 deep throat saliva test: $2,500 nose + throat swab: $3,000	Doctor determines eligibility Doctor decides which test is suitable Results within 6 – 24 hours	No conditions for consultation but not eligible if you: – have recent travel/contact history and symptoms – for more details	Call to arrange
Matilda International Hospital (2849 1500)	consultation: $590-$800 test: $2,000	Blood test and swab Results in 2 working days	Need either: – symptoms – recent travel history – contact with confirmed case	Call, email (info@matilda.org) or fill out online form
Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital (2275 6688)	consultation: $220 test: $2,500	Consultation with a doctor Doctor determines eligibility Respiratory swab, early morning saliva Next day results	Can’t get tested if you: – have been in close contact with confirmed case – traveled within last 14 days	Call or email (info@twah.org.hk) to arrange
Precious Blood Hospital (3971 9900)	consultation: $480 swab test: $1,580 blood test: $300	Consultation with a doctor Choice between blood test or swab test Results within a few days	Need either: – symptoms – recent travel history – contact with confirmed case	Call to arrange
Gleneagles Hospital (2122 1333)	consultation: $320 (before 8pm) – $380 (after 8pm) test: $900	Consultation with a doctor Deep throat sample that you send in Results in 2-3 days	Need either: – symptoms – recent travel history – contact with confirmed case	Call to arrange
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, Stubbs Road (3651 8808)	consultation: $1 000 (if recent travel or contact) or $450 swab test: $2 500	Go into hospital or outpatient for consultation Go home with test, collect sample and return it Next day results	No conditions	If no recent travel or contact: walk into hospital Otherwise, call to arrange consultation

* Canossa Hospital (Caritas), Hong Kong Baptist, St Paul’s Hospital and St Teresa Hospital did not offer COVID-19 testing when we checked (March 26, 2020). Union Hospital could not provide the information.

COVID-19 testing in private clinics

A number of private clinics now offer COVID-19 testing. Here are some of the ones that do according to our research.

	Price	Procedure	Eligibility	Appointment
London Medical Clinic (2537 6898)	consultation: $900 swab test: $2,000 blood test: $900	Phone consultation Receive both tests Blood test results within 3-4 hours, swab test results 2-3 days	No conditions for consultation	Fill out online form
OT&P (2155 9055)	consultation: $1,050 test: $1,800	Phone consultation Doctor determines eligibility Send in a saliva sample	No conditions for consultation	Fill out online form
Central Health Medical Practice (2824 0822)	consultation: $1,000 test: $1,680	You fill out an online form Phone consultation Doctor determines eligibility At home saliva test kit 2-3 days for results	No conditions for consultation	Call or email (enquiries@centralhealth.com.hk) to arrange
Island Health (2987 7575)	consultation: $790 test: $1,680 (optional:) blood test: $550	Phone consultation Doctor determines eligibility At home saliva test kit that someone collects for you Results in 2-3 days Blood test results in 24 hours	No conditions for consultation	Call or email (enquiries@centralhealth.com.hk) to arrange
Hong Kong Well Women Centre (2155 4209)	doctor’s letter + blood test: $1,000	Consultation Receive doctor’s letter Receive test	No conditions for consultation	Call to arrange
Trinity Medical Centre (2197 0122)	consultation: $300 finger prick test: $600 saliva swab test: $2400	Consultation with doctor Choice between saliva swab test and finger prick test Saliva swab test results within 2-3 days Finger prick test results within 15 minutes	No conditions	Fill out online form
Quality HealthCare (customer service: 8301 8301)	consultation: $450 test: $500	Blood test either at Wan Chai or Pacific Centre Results while you’re there (1.5 hours)	Can’t get tested if you: – have symptoms – have a recent travel history	Fill out online form Or call specific centre directly
Emergency Medicine Centre (customer service: 6511 8000)	consultation: $1,200 test: $990	Consultation with a doctor Blood test Results in 15 minutes	No conditions	Fill out online form or call specific clinic

*Last updated on March 27 2020. All amounts are in HKD. No responsibility is accepted for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. It is always best to call ahead to make sure the information is still up-to-date.

If you have an emergency or need to see a doctor, we’ve put together a practical guide.

At-home COVID-19 test

A number of companies now offer the option to purchase an at-home kit (finger prick blood test) online and have it delivered right to your doorstep:

TM Wellness

Price: $600
Website: www.tm-wellness.myshopify.com
Email: info@tmwellness.com

Atto Health:

Price: $630
Website: www.shop.attohealth.org
Email: ask@emchk.com
Phone: +852 6511 8200

Both offer international shipping.

*please note that the result of this test cannot be used as the sole basis for diagnosis and in the case of a positive test, further testing should be carried out in a clinic or hospital.

I’ve tested positive for COVID-19. What now?

The doctor will inform the Department of Health. You will then be taken to a hospital to be quarantined and anyone you’ve been in close contact with may be asked to be quarantined in a government facility.

Useful resources in Hong Kong

– Quarantine HK Facebook Support Group

– Information on quarantine for inbound travellers from the government

– COVID-19 Hong Kong Facebook Update and Support Group

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Looking for health insurance? For expert advice, contact AD MediLink now at hello@admedilink.hk or +852 2606 2668 to receive a free quote. An advisor uniquely trained on your options will answer all your questions.

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This article was independently written by AD MediLink and is not sponsored. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional advice and should never be relied upon for specific advice.