Leading British insurance firm Bupa removes list of ‘unrecognised’ Hong Kong healthcare providers following outcry

Bupa, a leading British health insurance firm, has reversed its decision and removed a list of 'unrecognised' healthcare providers in Hong Kong from its website. This move came after medical practitioners expressed their shock and disappointment. The doctors were concerned as Bupa did not provide clear criteria for medical standards.

The list, which has now been removed, included a nephrologist, dermatologist, orthopaedist and a general practitioner. A clinic associated with the dermatologist was also listed. Bupa had included several healthcare providers on the list who, according to them, did not meet their standards. As a result, they announced that they would not cover the treatment costs provided by these practitioners. The exact date of the list's publication remains unknown, but it came into the limelight after a local media report last week.

Bupa stated that their 'de-recognised list' for international customers with an International Private Medical Insurance policy has been removed for an ongoing review. They confirmed that there is currently no 'de-recognised list' for Bupa's domestic or international customers, and no such list will be published on 1 January 2024. The company also acknowledged that the service fees of healthcare providers are determined by their professional experience, the complexity of the disease, and the patient's condition. They are working closely with these providers to address any exceptional pricing or discrepancies.