Health Insurance for Startups & SMEs in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong’s competitive talent market, even small companies and early-stage startups benefit significantly from offering group health insurance. With private healthcare among the world’s costliest, health insurance often ranks as the most valued employee benefit—giving SMEs a powerful edge in hiring and retention

Legal vs. Voluntary Coverage

Employee Compensation Insurance (ECI) is a legal necessity—it covers workplace injuries and illnesses, and failure to comply can result in heavy penalties. In contrast, Group Medical Insurance (GMI) is voluntary—but highly effective in attracting talent by covering non‑work‑related health needs.

Flexible Options for Small Teams

Hong Kong offers several health insurance options designed for SMEs and startups:

Bupa Empower SME
Offers over 700 plan combinations across two tiers—Starter (budget-friendly) and Flyer (flexible, higher‑coverage)—with no underwriting needed for businesses with 2–50 employees. Perfect for tailoring coverage by role or seniority.
April MyBusiness (via Alea)
Ideal for small but growing teams (from 3 employees), offering flexible packaged plans and access to direct billing in local hospitals.
AIA PowerEasy
Designed for companies with 3–50 employees, delivering hospitalisation, surgical, optional outpatient and dental cover with minimal underwriting for groups of 8+.
StartUpCare (Insurtech)
Built atop Generali Hong Kong’s coverage, this digital-first solution streamlines onboarding, e‑claims, clinic search, and employee management via a user-friendly dashboard—ideal for tech‑savvy SMEs.

Key Considerations for Employers

Tiered Plans: Offer Basic (Starter) plans for general staff and upgraded tiers for management or senior hires.
Budget Consciousness: Many schemes are tailored to startups’ limited resources, balancing coverage and cost.
Wellness Add-Ons: Include perks like annual health checks, mental health support, or fitness benefits to boost employee satisfaction and productivity.

Why It Matters

Talent Attraction & Retention: Health coverage is increasingly expected by job seekers in Hong Kong’s tight labor market.
Cost Efficiency & Productivity: Group insurance helps shield employees from high medical costs and supports well-being—reducing absenteeism and enhancing engagement.
Brand Differentiation: Offering a thoughtful benefits package elevates your employer brand in the eyes of both current and prospective staff.