[Public hospital waiting times in Hong Kong] How long are surgical waiting lists and specialist outpatient queues? How can you access treatment faster?

2025-08-11

8 Mins Read

Waiting times for stable new cases by region
Three key considerations | Accelerating access to treatment
AXA Health Concierge

In Hong Kong, public hospitals remain the primary choice for healthcare, offering relatively low-cost yet comprehensive medical services. However, with an ageing population and a rising number of patients with chronic conditions, strained public healthcare resources and excessive waiting times have become a shared societal challenge. According to the Hospital Authority's statistics (as of March 2025), waiting times for stable new cases at certain specialist outpatient clinics has reached an alarming 183 weeks¹.

Faced with such overwhelming demand, it’s natural for residents to worry: ‘When I fall ill, how can I receive the most appropriate treatment?’ How does the public hospital waiting system actually operate? Which surgeries or specialties have the longest queues? Are there ways to access treatment more quickly? Understanding how the system works—alongside potential alternatives—can help you plan suitable healthcare arrangements for yourself and your family earlier, easing concerns about future health risks.

Overview of the public hospital waiting system

Public hospitals in Hong Kong classify patients into three priority tiers based on clinical urgency: urgent, semi-urgent, and stable. Medical resources are allocated accordingly, with priority given to patients in more critical condition.

Several factors influence waiting times:

Patient priority level: Urgent cases receive faster treatment
Healthcare capacity: Including bed availability and clinical staffing levels
Regional variations: Wait times can vary between districts

Residents may check the latest waiting times for specific specialties or procedures through the Hospital Authority website, which also allows users to set up notifications and track progress.

Waiting times for new specialist referrals & surgery

New patient referrals are classified into three categories -urgent, semi-urgent, and stable - ensuring those requiring immediate attention are prioritised. Below are indicative waiting times for stable new cases across six major specialties:

Typical waiting times by priority level¹:

Urgent: Generally seen within 7 days
Semi-urgent: Approximately 3 to 7 weeks
Stable: 23 weeks or more

Waiting times for stable new cases by region¹

1. Ear, nose, and throat (ENT)

Cluster	Median (weeks)	Longest (90^th percentile, weeks)
	Hong Kong East
Hong Kong East	25	54
	Hong Kong West
Hong Kong West	41	52
	Kowloon Central
Kowloon Central	38	72
	Kowloon East
Kowloon East	80	81
	Kowloon West
Kowloon West	39	80
	New Territories East
New Territories East	32	75
	New Territories West
New Territories West	51	54

2. Ophthalmology

Cluster	Median (weeks)	Longest (90^thpercentile, weeks)
	Hong Kong East
Hong Kong East	35	89
	Hong Kong West
Hong Kong West	61	65
	Kowloon Central
Kowloon Central	82	100
	Kowloon East
Kowloon East	79	100
	Kowloon West
Kowloon West	88	133
	New Territories East
New Territories East	87	115
	New Territories West
New Territories West	74	87

3. Gynaecology

Cluster	Median (weeks)	Longest (90^th percentile, weeks)
	Hong Kong East
Hong Kong East	25	33
	Hong Kong West
Hong Kong West	27	51
	Kowloon Central
Kowloon Central	31	89
	Kowloon East
Kowloon East	30	86
	Kowloon West
Kowloon West	71	96
	New Territories East
New Territories East	60	87
	New Territories West
New Territories West	58	60

4. Medicine

Cluster	Median (weeks)	Longest (90^thpercentile, weeks)
	Hong Kong East
Hong Kong East	31	91
	Hong Kong West
Hong Kong West	29	77
	Kowloon Central
Kowloon Central	62	94
	Kowloon East
Kowloon East	49	91
	Kowloon West
Kowloon West	67	92
	New Territories East
New Territories East	50	86
	New Territories West
New Territories West	38	70

5. Orthopaedics

Cluster	Median (weeks)	Longest (90^th percentile, weeks)
	Hong Kong East
Hong Kong East	27	59
	Hong Kong West
Hong Kong West	23	69
	Kowloon Central
Kowloon Central	23	79
	Kowloon East
Kowloon East	51	73
	Kowloon West
Kowloon West	53	76
	New Territories East
New Territories East	32	73
	New Territories West
New Territories West	33	64

6. Surgery

Cluster	Median (weeks)	Longest (90^th percentile, weeks)
	Hong Kong East
Hong Kong East	39	86
	Hong Kong West
Hong Kong West	19	74
	Kowloon Central
Kowloon Central	38	101
	Kowloon East
Kowloon East	60	99
	Kowloon West
Kowloon West	53	100
	New Territories East
New Territories East	34	90
	New Territories West
New Territories West	38	69

Common procedures & average waiting periods¹:

Orthopaedic Surgery (e.g. knee replacements, spinal disc operations): High-demand procedures averaging 19 to 52 months.
Ophthalmic Surgery (e.g. cataract operations): High-volume but low-urgency interventions typically requiring 8 to 27 months.

Three key considerations

While on waiting lists, patients can take proactive steps to improve care efficiency and avoid delays caused by missing information or procedural gaps.

1. Regularly track your waiting status

Use the eHealth electronic health record platform to receive automatic notifications about your queue position, alerting you when action is required. Alternatively, contact your designated hospital or clinic directly to check your status – this helps access real-time updates and potentially secure last-minute cancellation slots.

2. Prepare comprehensive medical documentation

Gather and organise test results, imaging studies (X-rays, MRI scans), referral letters, and medication histories in advance. Complete documentation enables accurate clinical assessment and prevents repeat appointments due to missing information.

3. Assess your personal health risks

If you're an older adult or have chronic conditions, promptly report symptom changes to your doctor to prompt a reassessment of urgency. Additionally, consider using health evaluation services from accredited providers or insurers to determine whether earlier intervention – including potential transition to private care – might be appropriate.

Accelerating access to treatment

With extended waiting times in the public healthcare system, many residents are exploring options beyond public hospitals – such as private facilities or or the Medical Green Pass – to reduce delays and access critical treatment windows.

1. Transitioning to private hospitals

Private hospitals prioritise flexibility and efficiency, offering key advantages for timely care:

Why consider private healthcare?

1. Skip lengthy queues: Most private hospitals arrange procedures or diagnostics within days
2. Personalised care: Consultant-led care customised to individual conditions
3. Enhanced comfort: Private rooms with upgraded facilities
4. Flexible scheduling: Appointments and surgeries arranged around your availability
5. Specialist access: Multidisciplinary teams featuring international specialists and integrative treatment options ranging from Chinese to Western medicine.

The critical role of health & critical illness insurance

Indeed, opting for treatment at a private hospital inevitably leads to a greater financial burden. At such times, having secured medical and critical illness insurance for yourself and your family allows you to choose private hospital care based on your condition and personal needs—with peace of mind throughout the treatment process.

Core coverage types:

Health insurance: Covers hospitalisation, surgery, diagnostics, and outpatient treatment
Critical illness cover: Provides lump-sum financial support when the insured person is diagnosed with specified major illnesses or minor illnesses.

Important considerations when purchasing insurance:

Scope of coverage: When choosing a plan, it's essential to compare premiums and coverage offered by different insurers. Consider whether the plan includes general outpatient services, designated specialists, or overseas medical care, and identify the option that offers the best value for money.
Value-added medical support services and medical network: When selecting a VHIS (Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme) plan, it's also important to understand the value-added services and medical network provided. For example, AXA’s medical network covers over 2,000 network healthcare facilities² among Hong Kong and Mainland China , and more than 10,000 medical service providers worldwide³. It also brings together over 500 experienced network doctors^4,5 and more than 30 medical and surgical specialties.
Insurer’s reputation and service quality: Choosing a reputable insurance company is equally crucial. The efficiency of claims processing and the quality of customer service can significantly impact your insurance experience. AXA WiseGuard Pro Medical Insurance Plan has been awarded the 10Life 5-Star Voluntary Medical Insurance Award and the 10Life 5-Star Premium Medical Insurance Award⁶, affirming AXA’s leadership in the healthcare sector and providing solid support for their health protection.
Waiting period: Some insurance products require a waiting period before the coverage becomes effective. However, AXA WiseGuard Pro Medical Insurance Plan provides immediate coverage from the policy start date, without any waiting period.
Deductible: Voluntary health insurance plans in the market come with varying deductible amounts, allowing policyholders to choose a plan that best suits their needs and financial capability.

Before purchasing medical and critical illness insurance, it is advisable to consult your insurance provider thoroughly and choose a plan that matches your personal needs, ensuring greater peace of mind for you and your family throughout the treatment journey.

2. Leveraging the Medical Green Pass

The Medical Green Pass has gained notable attention in recent years. This is a priority medical booking service that aims to provide fast, secure, and personalised access to medical care, and enabling you to receive treatment more promptly.

For instance, AXA Health Concierge offers the new Medical Green Pass, which allows insured members to enjoy the priority arrangements and discounted outpatient consultations at designated network healthcare facilities in Hong Kong and Mainland China². As an eligible insured member under designated AXA medical insurance plans⁷, you only need to make appointment through hotline to enjoy one-stop medical appointment services, covering designated network healthcare facilities in Hong Kong and Mainland China². This allows you to get treatment faster, avoiding long waiting times and cumbersome appointment procedures.

Key benefits of the Medical Green Pass include:

Provides you with one-stop medical appointment services
Matching with suitable medical institutions
Avoiding long queues and reducing anxiety

3. Considering other medical options

With the growing integration of the Greater Bay Area (GBA), cross-border travel between Hong Kong and Mainland China is becoming more frequent, and the demand for cross-border medical services is rising significantly. A survey shows that over 70% of respondents in Hong Kong agree that cross-border medical care helps increase healthcare options⁸. This is especially true for the treatment of major diseases, such as lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and liver cancer, which are more common in Hong Kong⁹. As a result, professional and efficient cross-border medical services are gaining increasing attention.

AXA is committed to keeping pace with market trends and placing customer health experiences at the forefront. Through close collaboration with medical institutions, AXA has provided customers with GBA Cancer Medical Concierge Service Network ('Cancer Medical Concierge') and GBA Endoscopy Medical Concierge Service Network ('Endoscopy Medical Concierge'), and recently launched the professional ‘AXA Health Concierge’ service. Eligible policyholders under designated AXA medical plans⁷ can access comprehensive medical support, ensuring efficient and seamless cross-border healthcare services between Hong Kong and Mainland China.

AXA Health Concierge: Your personalised healthcare expert
AXA Health Concierge services include^7,10:

1. First in market¹¹- Medical Green Pass¹²

Extensive and experienced medical network

Priority arrangements for appointments are applicable to over 2,000 network healthcare facilities² among Hong Kong and Mainland China
AXA Signature Network^4,5 has a vast and diverse network of experienced network healthcare facilities. It covers more than 500 experienced network doctors^4,5 and more than 30 medical and surgical specialties

Early prevention of disease:

Arrange to be admitted to a designated hospital^4,5 or receive outpatient services^4,5 as soon as possible. The network healthcare facilities will provide relevant treatment as needed

2. Professional medical advice

AXA Health Concierge can handle questions about your health condition with professional knowledge and provide health related information

3. GBA Endoscopy Medical Concierge Service Network

Helps you obtain world-class medical services and professional medical team support in cities in the Greater Bay Area

GBA Cancer Medical Concierge Service Network

AXA extends the specified cancer care to the Greater Bay Area, ensuring that both northbound and southbound travel patients receive exceptional, tailored care every step of the way. Services include^7,10:

Premier medical services^4,5: Access world-class medical services and healthcare teams’ supports across the Greater Bay Area^4,5
Dedicated case management^4,5: Receive personalised guidance from a Case Manager with over 10 years of medical experience^4,5
Extra care and support¹³: Enhance your comfort with free private transportation¹⁴ between Hong Kong/Macau and selected cities in the Greater Bay Area, along with a complimentary ward upgraded from specified ward to standard private room^13,15 to aid your recovery

GBA Endoscopy Medical Concierge Service Network

AXA extends the Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy ('OGD') and/or Colonoscopy care to the Greater Bay Area to help identify asymptomatic cancer patients or high-risk individuals early¹⁶, thereby improving cure rates and preventing cancer. Services include^7,10:

One-stop online service: You can make an appointment for consultation by phone, and it will provide you with online medical consultation and appointment for admission¹⁷
Additional support and benefits: Free shuttle bus to and from designated medical institution and Futian Port18. Customers can also enjoy early check-in to a standard private room^17,18 the day before your endoscopy, regardless of coverage level
Hassle-Free cashless arrangement¹⁹: Facilitate cashless arrangement19 on your behalf and eliminate the need for upfront deposits, making your experience stress-free by removing the burden of immediate costs

Outpatient consultations discount

1. Discounted outpatient consultations²⁰

Eligible persons can enjoy discounted outpatient consultations at designated network healthcare facilities²
Insured of designated AXA medical insurance plans can enjoy up to 30% off discount on outpatient consultations fees, while their policyholders can enjoy 10% off discount on outpatient consultations fees
Insured/ policyholders of other non-designated AXA medical insurance plans (including life, critical illness, savings, investment-linked policies, etc.) can enjoy 10% off discount on outpatient consultations fees

2. Gifts of love

Discounted outpatient consultations are also extended to immediate family member²¹ of eligible AXA customers
Immediate family member of AXA Life insured/ policyholders (including Life, Medical, Critical Illness, Savings, Investment Linked policies etc.)²¹ can enjoy 10% off discount on outpatient consultations fees by simply online registration

Take control – Stay one step ahead in your health journey

In Hong Kong, many families have experienced the long waiting times associated with public hospitals. From receiving a referral letter to actually starting treatment, the process can often take several months, or even up to a year. For patients facing recurring conditions and their anxious families, this isn’t just a wait — it’s a physically and emotionally draining ordeal.

Given the pressures on the healthcare system, choosing a faster and more flexible treatment path has become increasingly important. Private hospitals offer a more efficient medical experience, and AXA Health Concierge acts as a trusted bridge — matching you with the right doctors and supporting you through the entire medical journey, so you’re not facing critical moments alone.

Now is the time to act for your health. Evaluate your needs, explore suitable options, and consider enrolling in one of AXA’s designated medical insurance plans — to gain precious time, peace of mind, and control over your care for both yourself and your loved ones.

1. Source: Hospital Authority (https://www.ha.org.hk/visitor/ha_index.asp?Lang=CHIB5)
2. You can login to Emma by AXA app or other channels made available by AXA or call AXA Customer Care Hotline to obtain the latest Hong Kong network directory4,5, the list of designated hospitals in Mainland China and the China Hospital Enquiry Hotline. The Hong Kong network directory4,5 , the list of designated hospitals in Mainland China and the China Hospital Enquiry Hotline may change from time to time without any prior notice.
3. Only applicable to designated medical plans and benefit levels. The list of hospital service providers is subject to change from time to time.
4. GBA Cancer Healthcare Facilities, GBA Healthcare Facilities, Case Manager, network doctors and network healthcare facilities are independent third parties and are not agents of AXA. AXA shall not have any obligation or liability whatsoever in relation to the medical services and advices provided by the service providers and their GBA Cancer Healthcare Facilities, GBA Healthcare Facilities, Case Manager, network doctors and network healthcare facilities and shall not be responsible for any act or failure to act on the part of GBA Cancer Healthcare Facilities, GBA Healthcare Facilities, Case Manager, network doctors and network healthcare facilities are or its personnel (including doctors, nurses, or other medical staff).
5. The list of GBA Cancer Healthcare Facilities, GBA Healthcare Facilities, Case Manager, network doctors and network healthcare facilities will be regularly updated by AXA without any prior notice, but there is no guarantee that the list will always reflect the most current information. Therefore, the seniority and fellowship status of Case Manager may vary.
6. Source of information: 10Life, an insurance information and comparison platform. The above score and information provided by 10Life as of 6 January 2025 is for reference only, and do not constitute an offer to sell or recommendation to purchase any insurance product. AXA is not responsible or liable for any rating, score, information or service provided by 10Life.
7. Terms and conditions of this promotion apply. For details, please refer to the promotion leaflet.
8. cancerinformation.com.hk: Youth Research Centre publish a research report "Enabling Robust Cross-border Health Services for Hong Kong Residents" in 2024.
9. Hospital Authority: Overview of Cancer Statistics in Hong Kong 2022
10. Detailed information and service eligibility are subject to change from time to time at AXA's sole discretion without any notice.
11. “First in Market” is based on AXA’s internal market research on 27 June 2025, with reference to similar types of “Green Channel” services provided in the Hong Kong market for comparison. Terms and conditions of this promotion apply. For details, please refer to the relevant website for details.
12. The “Medical Green Pass” is not applicable to eligible persons who suffer from acute illness, have been involved in an accident, or require urgent or immediate medical assistance. AXA will arrange hospitalization or outpatient consultation as soon as practicable but cannot guarantee the specific time available for appointment.
13. It is only applicable to designated medical insurance plans with the entitled ward class below standard private room and medically necessary hospitalisation.
14. Once the appointment is confirmed with the Case Manager, free private transportation service between Hong Kong/Macau and selected cities in the Greater Bay Area will be provided to the eligible insured when he/she visits the designated GBA Cancer Healthcare Facilities. The free private transportation service may be modified from time to time at AXA's sole discretion without any notice.
15. Only applicable to cross-border drug treatment at designated GBA Cancer Healthcare Facilities.
16. The above content is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a professional doctor for specific diagnosis and treatment.
17. Early check-in to a standard private room the day before your admission is only applicable for conducting colonoscopy or gastroscopy and colonoscopy at the same time.
18. Free shuttle bus service and standard private room are provided by designated GBA Healthcare Facilities. AXA shall not have any obligation or liability whatsoever in relation to the above services provided by the GBA Healthcare Facilities and shall not be responsible for any act or failure to act on the part of GBA Healthcare Facilities.
19. The availability of the cashless arrangement is provided by Network healthcare facilities, GBA Cancer Healthcare Facilities and GBA Healthcare Facilities (no need to pay deposit upon admission and enjoy cashless arrangement for eligible expenses at discharge) is subject to (a) the applicable benefit limits, deductible (if any) and exclusions under the relevant terms and benefits of the policy; and (b) acceptance of the cashless arrangement by GBA Cancer Healthcare Facilities and GBA Healthcare Facilities. The approval of the cashless arrangement is subject to the final decision of AXA. If applicable, the cashless arrangement is available to GBA Cancer Healthcare Facilities and GBA Healthcare Facilities in mainland China. The provision of the cashless arrangement from GBA Cancer Healthcare Facilities and GBA Healthcare Facilities or Case Manager shall not be deemed as an admission of our liability to pay and/or reimburse the policyholder under the policy or a waiver of any breach of the terms and benefits of the policy. The final claim decision will be determined by the medical information, and the benefits shall be payable subject to the applicable benefit limits of the chosen benefit level.
20. The discounted outpatient consultations only covers the outpatient consultation fee and does not include the cost of medicines and other medical examinations. Designated medical insurance plans including AXA WiseGuard Pro Medical Insurance Plan (Basic Plan or Supplement) (Hong Kong only) /WiseProtect Pro Medical Insurance Plan(Basic Plan or Supplement) (Macau only), Global Elite Health Plan/ Global Elite II Health Plan, GlobalReach Medical Insurance Plan, MediPartner Health Plan, AXA WiseGuard Medical Insurance(Hong Kong only) and Smart Medicare (Hong Kong only)/ Smart Medical Insurance-Smart Medicare (Macau only) can enjoy up to 30% off discount on outpatient consultations fees, while its policyholders can enjoy 10% off discount on outpatient consultations fees. Policyholder and insured of AXA Life in-force policies (including Life, Medical, Critical Illness, Savings, Investment Linked policies etc.) and immediate family member can 10% off discount on outpatient consultations fees.
21. “Immediate family member” refers to the legal spouse, children or parents of the policy insured or policyholder.

Information and materials provided is general in nature and does not constitute medical or health advice from AXA Hong Kong and is on an “as is” and “as-available” basis without representation and/or warranty of any kind, either express or implied. While AXA Hong Kong has taken reasonable care in providing such information and materials, they are not specific to your investment objective, financial situation, health or medical conditions or particular needs. No warranty or responsibility is assumed by AXA Hong Kong and our related or holding companies regarding non-infringement, security, accuracy, completeness, adequacy, reasonableness, fitness for a purpose or free from computer viruses in connection with the information and materials provided. AXA Hong Kong and our related companies and holding companies do not accept any liability for any loss, damage, cost or other expense, whether wholly or partially, directly or indirectly, arising from any error, inaccuracy or omission of the information and materials to the extent that such liability is not excluded by law.

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