[Recommended read] The Greater Bay Area's extensive medical network – Grade 3A hospitals supporting your cross-border lifestyle!
Health2024-09-30
5 Mins Read
As living standards in mainland China continue to rise, more and more people are choosing to retire in cities within the Greater Bay Area (GBA). At the same time, many Hong Kong residents frequently travel between Hong Kong and mainland China for work or leisure. Whatever your lifestyle, have you ever wondered what you would do if you got injured or sick in mainland China?
Fortunately, mainland China's already high medical standards have been further enhanced in recent years.. Top-tier hospitals, known as Grade 3A hospitals (the highest-ranking hospitals in China), now offer cutting-edge medical technologies and professional services. For Hong Kong residents who regularly travel between Hong Kong and the mainland, these hospitals are an ideal choice for handling urgent medical needs. Let’s explore the key things you should know about mainland China’s healthcare system.
AXA's Medical Insurance Series
AXA offers a medical network spanning multiple countries - over 2,000 hospitals1 in Hong Kong and mainland China, and more than 10,000 medical service providers around the globe2. Wherever you are, your medical coverage goes with you.
What are Grade 3A hospitals?
A Grade 3A hospital is the highest level of hospital in China’s grading system. According to standards set by the National Health Commission, hospitals are classified into three levels. Tertiary hospitals are the top tier, representing medical institutions with the broadest scope of services and the strongest overall capabilities.
The ‘Class A’ designation further distinguishes the most elite among these tertiary hospitals. They must provide a comprehensive range of clinical services, possess substantial medical resources, and have highly specialised healthcare teams. Also, they play a significant role in medical research and education.
【AXA's Medical Insurance Series】
Multiple medical coverage options tailored to meet your needs.
The benefits of Grade 3A hospitals
Grade 3A hospitals are renowned for their rigorous quality management systems and high standards of care. These hospitals are staffed by highly experienced medical professionals who can provide a full range of services, from routine outpatient care to complex surgeries, often meeting or exceeding international standards.
In addition, many of the medical staff at these hospitals participate in both domestic and international medical seminars and training, ensuring they remain up-to-date with the latest advancements in medical science.
Specialist care and advanced equipment
As leading medical institutions, Grade 3A hospitals offer a wide range of specialist services and are equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology. Their specialties cover areas such as internal medicine, surgery, cardiology, oncology, obstetrics, gynaecology, and paediatrics, offering patients highly tailored treatment plans.
These hospitals often boast cutting-edge medical devices, including high-precision diagnostic imaging equipment, advanced surgical tools, and the latest radiation therapy technologies, ensuring patients receive world-class treatment.
Key Grade 3A hospitals in the Greater Bay Area*
Guangzhou
- Graceland Medical Center of the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of SYSU (No. 26 Yuancun Erheng Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou)
- Nanfang Hospital (No.1838, Guangzhou Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou)
- Guangdong Province General Hospital (No. 106, Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou)
Shenzhen
- The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital International Medical Center (Block V, No.1 Haiyuan 1st Road, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Futian District, Shenzhen)
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital International & VIP Health Center (No.1120, Lianhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen)
Zhuhai
- Phoenix International Medical Center of The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (No. 52 Meihua East Road, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai)
*The Grade 3A hospitals listed above are all part of AXA's hospital network. For more information about other Grade 3A hospitals and the latest updates, please visit the official websites of the government and the relevant hospitals.
【AXA's Medical Insurance Series】
Multiple medical coverage options tailored to meet your needs.
How Hong Kong residents can access medical resources in the Greater Bay Area
Hong Kong's medical insurance generally only covers Hong Kong. However, with strengthened cooperation between Hong Kong, Macau, and the mainland in the GBA, many insurance companies now offer policies that cover medical services in mainland China.
To use your Hong Kong medical insurance in mainland China, here are a few things to note:
1. Check your coverage: First, verify whether your insurance policy covers mainland medical services. Many Hong Kong insurers have expanded their coverage to include treatment in hospitals in the GBA. For instance, AXA's health insurance has a medical network spanning multiple countries - over 2,000 hospitals1 in Hong Kong and mainland China, and more than 10,000 medical service providers around the globe2. This means that no matter where you are in mainland China, you can find a top-tier hospital providing cashless arrangements at discharge3. AXA also provides second medical opinion service, helping you make more informed decisions when faced with complex medical issues.
2. Claims procedure: The claims process in mainland China may differ from Hong Kong’s. It often requires notifying your insurer in advance and submitting documents such as diagnostic reports and invoices. However, AXA's health insurance has a medical network spanning multiple countries - over 2,000 hospitals in Hong Kong and mainland China1. Customers, whether in Hong Kong or the mainland, who need to be hospitalised in mainland China can simply call the relevant hotline shown in the Emma By AXA mobile app to apply. After obtaining a pre-approval, present your eHealth card upon admission to enjoy medical services and cashless arrangements at discharge3.
Handling medical emergencies in mainland China
1. Dial the emergency number: In mainland China, the emergency medical service number is 120. When calling 120, explain the patient’s condition, your location, and basic patient details, then wait for the ambulance to arrive.
2. Contact the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong: The Hong Kong SAR Government’s Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong provides support for Hong Kong residents in the GBA. Phone: (86 20) 3891 1220.
AXA's extensive Grade 3A Hospital Network: Your trusted companion nationwide
To travel with peace of mind, having comprehensive medical insurance is key to safeguarding your health.
AXA provides a nurse hotline3, ensuring that whether you are in Hong Kong or mainland China, you can receive the assistance that you need. AXA's eligible customers can enjoy the most elite medical experience with waiver of deposit for admission and cashless service at discharge3. Also, AXA has been recognised with prestigious awards, including the 10Life 5-Star VHIS Award and the 10Life 5-Star High End Medical Insurance Award, reflecting AXA’s outstanding performance in the medical insurance field and their leading position, providing the most solid support for your health protection. AXA’s health insurance product is the only4 VHIS plan in the market that achieved 5-Star rating of 10Life Medical Coverage for all three ward classes with no lifetime benefit limit. With this level of protection, you can confidently explore new horizons, enjoy every moment, and live life to the fullest. Whether in Hong Kong or mainland China, AXA remains your trusted healthcare partner.
1. Eligible AXA clients can access medical services at designated network hospitals in mainland China. The list of network hospitals is subject to change from time to time.
2. Only applicable to designated medical plans and benefit levels. The list of hospital service providers is subject to change from time to time.
3. Only applicable to designated medical plans.
4. Source: 10Life Insurance Comparison Platform. The term "market exclusive" refers to AXA's WiseGuard Pro Medical Insurance Plan, which is the only VHIS plan to win the 10Life 5-Star Insurance Award for three consecutive years across all room categories (general ward, semi-private room, and standard private room). Among these, the "Regular" and "Enhanced" coverage levels were rated as "5-Star Voluntary Medical Insurance" in the 10Life 5-Star Insurance Award 2024, while the "Premier" and "Noble" coverage levels were rated as "5-Star High-End Medical Insurance." Data as of January 15, 2024.
The list of network hospitals is subject to change from time to time at AXA’s sole discretion without prior notice.
The information provided is general in nature and does not constitute medical or health advice from AXA Hong Kong. All materials are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without any express or implied warranties. While AXA Hong Kong has exercised reasonable care in providing this information, it may not be specific to your investment goals, financial situation, health, or medical needs. AXA Hong Kong and its related or holding companies will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from errors, inaccuracies, or omissions in the provided information to the extent permissible by law.
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AXA's Medical Insurance Series
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