The current medical insurance status of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Hong Kong

Abstract

The number of diabetes mellitus (DM), especially type 2 diabetic patients is increasing sharply worldwide recent years due to urbanization, lack of physical activity, population aging and growing rapidly of central obesity. The most diabetic patients about more than 90% are type 2 DM, which have long disease duration courses, more and complex complications. So the therapy cost of type 2 DM is strong financial burden not only for the patient and his family but also for government and society. However, there are a lot of healthcare insurance systems and co-payment schemes contemporary in Hong Kong. So this review aims to comment systematically the current insurance status of type 2 DM in Hong Kong. First, generally introduce type 2 DM care background and its heavy financial burden in Hong Kong. Second, sum up the common healthcare insurance policy for chronic diseases in Hong Kong. Thirdly, review the medical insurance model of DM in Hong Kong and highlight the Patients properties. As well as finally, we outlook the healthcare insurance for type 2 DM patients at Hong Kong in the near future.