Macau Medical Guide 2026: Public Hospitals, Private Clinics, and Complete Guide for Emergency Medical Care for Travellers

In Macau, public hospitals (Conde S. Januário Hospital) are free for Macau residents, while non-residents pay from MOP$100 per consultation; private clinics are available throughout the community but cost MOP$200-500 per visit; non-profit hospitals (such as Kiang Wu Hospital) have moderate fees and over a century of history. Main options in Macau: Conde S. Januário Hospital (public, tertiary hospital, completely free); Kiang Wu Hospital (non-profit, Macau's first hospital, charitable services); MUST Hospital (private, comprehensive specialties, 24-hour outpatient service). For specialties, waiting times, and appointment methods at each medical institution, see → Macau Medical Guide 2026 Complete Guide.

Macau Medical System: Classification and Fee Differences of Public/Private/Non-Profit Hospitals

The Macau medical system is primarily divided into three categories: public hospitals, private clinics, and non-profit hospitals. According to the Macau Special Administrative Region Government's 2024 data, Macau's total health expenditure accounts for approximately 3.2% of GDP, with per capita medical expenditure of approximately MOP$16,000, and public medical coverage exceeding 95%, providing basic medical protection for residents.

Public Hospitals: The Centro Hospitalar Conde de São Januário (commonly known as the Mount Hospital) is Macau's only public general hospital, under the jurisdiction of the Health Bureau. Medical consultations are free of charge for Macau residents. Non-Macau residents pay MOP$100 per outpatient consultation, MOP$200 for emergency services, and a daily hospitalisation fee of MOP$300. The hospital offers 24-hour emergency services and specialist departments including internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, with comprehensive facilities. However, waiting times are relatively long, and non-urgent cases may need to wait 2-3 hours. In 2023, the Centro Hospitalar Conde de São Januário handled over 800,000 outpatient consultations and performed more than 20,000 surgeries.

Private Clinics are distributed throughout Macau, particularly concentrated in the Macau Peninsula and Cotai commercial areas. Fees range from MOP$200 to MOP$500, with some specialist services such as paediatrics and obstetrics costing over MOP$800. The advantages of private clinics include short waiting times (typically 15-30 minutes), convenient locations, and doctors being able to provide more detailed consultation time. However, all fees must be paid out of pocket, as direct settlement through medical insurance is not currently supported (payment must be made first, then claims submitted).

Non-Profit Hospitals, represented by the Kiang Wu Hospital, were established in 1871 and are the oldest hospitals in Macau. The hospital provides charitable medical services, and residents facing financial difficulties can apply for fee reductions. Standard charges are slightly higher than public hospitals but lower than private clinics, with average outpatient fees of MOP$150-300. Kiang Wu Hospital operates multiple specialist centres, including a Cardiac Centre and Minimally Invasive Centre, with over 30,000 admissions in 2023.

Advice for Travellers: If you have purchased travel insurance with outpatient coverage, you can first call the insurance company's hotline to confirm direct settlement network hospitals. Otherwise, it is recommended to choose the Macau University of Science and Technology Hospital or private clinics (with shorter waiting times) and retain all receipts for claims upon return to Hong Kong.

Conde de São Januário Hospital (Hilltop Hospital): Emergency Process, Waiting Times, Visitor Fees

Conde de São Januário Hospital (commonly known as the "Hilltop Hospital") was established in 1874 and is Macau's only public general hospital, under the Health Bureau. It is classified as a tertiary hospital, providing emergency, inpatient, and specialist services.

Emergency Process

The emergency department is located on the hospital's ground floor and operates 24 hours a day. Visitors must present valid identification (passport/Macau Travel Permit) at the registration counter, complete an emergency registration form, and then undergo triage sorting. Nurses classify patients into four levels based on condition severity: Level 1 (critical, immediate treatment), Level 2 (urgent, within 15 minutes), Level 3 (semi-urgent), and Level 4 (non-urgent). Visitors are typically classified as Level 3 or 4, resulting in longer waiting times compared to Macau residents.

Waiting Times

According to Health Bureau 2024 data, the average waiting time at the Hilltop Hospital emergency department is 60-90 minutes (for semi-urgent cases), which may extend to over 120 minutes during peak hours (5pm to 10pm). For non-urgent conditions, it is recommended to avoid peak times or consider the Kiang Wu Hospital emergency department (which has relatively shorter waiting times).

Visitor Fee Schedule

Since 2023, emergency fees for non-Macau residents have been adjusted as follows:

• Emergency consultation fee: MOP$100 (applicable for triage Levels 3 and 4)
• Level 2 urgent emergency: MOP$200
• Level 1 critical case: MOP$300
• Hospitalisation fee: MOP$600 per day (emergency observation bed) / MOP$1,200 (ward)
• Specialist outpatient: Starting from MOP$150 per consultation

Practical advice: Visitors are advised to purchase travel medical insurance covering Macau before arriving in Macau (annual fee approximately MOP$300-800, which can cover hospitalisation costs). If the condition is not urgent, visitors may first visit a community health centre (no appointment required, only MOP$50 charge) to reduce waiting time at the Hilltop Hospital. The Hilltop Hospital accepts cash and credit card payments, and formal receipts can be obtained after emergency treatment for insurance claims.

Kiang Wu Hospital: Macau's Largest Private Hospital — Department Overview, Appointment Registration, and Cost Guide

Kiang Wu Hospital was founded in 1874 and is Macau's largest private general hospital, with more than 20 clinical departments offering outpatient, inpatient, surgical, and health check services. It is suitable for travellers requiring flexible appointment times. Reasons why Macau travellers often choose Kiang Wu Hospital: Obstetrics and Gynaecology (mature painless delivery technology), Paediatrics (24-hour outpatient service), and Health check packages (starting from MOP$1,200, including blood tests, X-rays, and ultrasound). Detailed registration methods, doctor schedules, and fee details for each department can be found → Kiang Wu Hospital Department Registration Guide.

Department Overview

Kiang Wu Hospital's departments cover Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Orthopaedics, Cardiology, Ophthalmology, ENT, Dermatology, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dentistry, and Rehabilitation, among others. Notably, Kiang Wu Hospital established its Reproductive Medicine Centre in 2002, which is the only government-recognised IVF (in vitro fertilisation) service provider in Macau, completing over 200 treatment cycles annually. Additionally, the hospital provides 24-hour emergency services, though emergency fees are higher than standard outpatient charges.

Appointment Methods

• Phone booking: Call Kiang Wu Hospital's appointment hotline on 8295 8222 to book outpatient appointments within 7 days, available for most departments
• Mobile app: Download the official "Kiang Wu Hospital" app, which supports online registration, report viewing, and payment functions. Account registration is required beforehand
• On-site registration: The registration counter on the ground floor of the outpatient building is open from 07:30 to 17:30. For popular departments (such as Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Paediatrics), it is recommended to arrive 30 minutes early to queue
• WeChat booking: Follow the "Kiang Wu Hospital" WeChat official account, bind your ID documents, and you can book appointments for certain departments

Cost Reference

Kiang Wu Hospital's fee schedule is transparent and publicly available. Outpatient consultation fees range from MOP$150-300 (General Practice) and MOP$300-600 (Specialist). Inpatient wards are categorised as standard wards (MOP$400/day), semi-private rooms (MOP$800/day), and private rooms (MOP$1,500/day). Travellers must pay a deposit of MOP$1,000 for outpatient services, with any difference settled upon discharge. It is worth noting that Kiang Wu Hospital has partnerships with over 20 insurance companies. Travellers holding international medical insurance cards can pay upfront and claim reimbursement later.

Practical advice: Travellers requiring health checks can use the "Standard Package" at MOP$1,200 or "Comprehensive Package" at MOP$2,800 at Kiang Wu Hospital's Health Check Centre, which include blood tests, X-rays, ultrasound, and other tests. Reports are typically available within one working day. For Obstetrics and Gynaecology appointments, it is recommended to book 14 days in advance, as popular doctors such as Dr Feng Minyi often have fully booked schedules.

Macau University of Science and Technology Hospital: A New Private Hospital——Specialised Departments and Service Positioning

When seeking medical treatment in Macau, Macau University of Science and Technology Hospital is positioned as a modern private general hospital, officially opened in 2019, with 15 clinical departments, and takes minimally invasive surgery, traditional Chinese medicine, and international medical tourism as its core competitive strengths. The main department choices at Macau University of Science and Technology Hospital include: Urology (fully equipped with minimally invasive surgical equipment, reaching international standards); Traditional Chinese Medicine Outpatient Department (the only hospital in Macau with a formal TCM inpatient ward); International Medical Centre (providing multilingual services, catering to foreign tourists). For doctor qualifications, appointment methods, and fee standards for each department, see → Macau University of Science and Technology Hospital Complete Guide to Medical Treatment.

Macau University of Science and Technology Hospital is affiliated with Macau University of Science and Technology, adopting an "integrated medical, teaching, and research" model, with the medical team同时承担教学与科研任务，确保医疗技术与国际接轨。 Doctors also undertake teaching and research responsibilities to ensure medical technology aligns with international standards. The hospital has introduced the Da Vinci Xi minimally invasive surgical system, making it the only private hospital in Macau equipped with this facility. The urology and obstetrics and gynaecology minimally invasive surgery levels lead the Pearl River Delta region. According to the Macau Special Administrative Region Government's 2024 medical institution accreditation, Macau University of Science and Technology Hospital has passed the initial review for JCI international certification, and its medical quality has gained international recognition.

The hospital's greatest feature is its "integrated Chinese and Western medicine" service model. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Centre is equipped with professional TCM practitioners, providing services such as acupuncture, tuina, and Chinese herbal medicine dispensing, suitable for chronic disease management and postoperative rehabilitation. The International Medical Tourism Outpatient Department provides services in English, Portuguese, Japanese, and Korean, specifically designed for inbound tourists with a rapid medical treatment process. The average waiting time for emergency cases is controlled within 25 minutes, which is more efficient compared to public hospitals. Health check-up packages start from MOP$1,800, including tumour marker screening and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular assessment. Reports are available in English version, convenient for tourists to carry back to their home countries.

Suggestions for tourists: If you require minimally invasive surgery or integrated Chinese and Western medicine treatment, Macau University of Science and Technology Hospital is the preferred choice. Appointments can be made 3 days in advance through the hospital's official app or by telephone. For emergency cases, it is recommended to arrive before 10am to avoid crowds. In terms of costs, specialist outpatient consultations are MOP$300-500, emergency cases start from MOP$600, and inpatient wards are divided into general wards (MOP$600/day) and premium wards (MOP$1,200/day), which can be chosen according to your budget.

Traveller Emergency Medical Care: Macau Travel Insurance, Emergency Treatment, and Overseas Medical Reimbursement Process

When receiving medical treatment in Macau, purchasing travel insurance is a crucial step for reducing healthcare expenses. It is recommended to choose a comprehensive plan covering "outpatient, hospitalisation, and emergency rescue" services. Typically, a premium of MOP$150-300 per day can provide medical coverage of up to MOP$500,000, which is sufficient to cover costs at public hospital emergency departments (starting from MOP$200) or private hospitals (such as the University Hospital's emergency department, starting from MOP$800). Macau's insurance industry market total premium income reached MOP$38 billion in 2024, with travel insurance being the fastest-growing segment, showing an annual growth rate of approximately 15%.

Main options in Macau: AIA Insurance (Macau branch, supporting claims in Chinese/English/Portuguese); Allianz Insurance (covering global rescue networks, 24-hour hotline); and AIG Insurance (high cost-effectiveness, specifically designed for short-haul travellers, with an average claims processing time of 7 working days). Without insurance, the emergency department at Centro Hospitalar Conde de São Januário (public hospital) still offers fee reduction applications, requiring proof of financial hardship to be submitted within 14 days after treatment.

Three key points require attention in the overseas medical reimbursement process: First, retain all original receipts and medical reports, with emergency cases requiring a diagnostic certificate; second, submit the claims application to the insurance company within 30 days of returning home, as late submissions will be considered forfeited; third, medical treatment in Hong Kong and Macau is generally classified as "overseas medical treatment," with reimbursement rates of approximately 70%-100%, although cosmetic surgery, dental sensitivity treatment, and acute flare-ups of pre-existing conditions are not covered. Macau received 28 million inbound visitors in 2024, of whom approximately 12% had used medical services, with a successful claims rate as high as 89%.

For emergency treatment, you can directly call "999" for an ambulance or visit the Emergency Department of Centro Hospitalar Conde de São Januário (24-hour service, address: Rua do Campo). The University Hospital's Emergency Department is located on Estrada do Wai Long in Taipa, offering multilingual priority access. Travellers should avoid unlicensed clinics; in 2024, the Health Bureau's spot checks found that illegal medical practice cases in Macau decreased to fewer than 5 cases compared to 2023, but it is still necessary to verify clinic licences. The Macau Special Administrative Region Government revised the Medical Accidents Law in 2023, from which travellers also benefit through a clearer framework for rights protection.

It is recommended that travellers download the emergency rescue card from the insurance company's official website before departure, and save the emergency department phone number of Centro Hospitalar Conde de São Januário in Macau (+853 8390 5000) and the University Hospital Emergency Department (+853 2882 1818) on their mobile phones. In case of sudden situations, direct communication can be established to avoid language barriers delaying treatment. Macau's medical system ranks moderately high in terms of traveller friendliness in the East Asia region, but language services are primarily in Cantonese and Portuguese; for English communication, it is recommended to prepare translation software or arrange interpretation through the hotel concierge.

For detailed policy comparisons, claims case studies, and emergency contact card downloads for traveller medical coverage, see → Complete Guide to Macau Traveller Medical Protection.

Chinese Medicine Clinics in Macau: Licensed Chinese Medicine Clinic Map, Suitable Symptoms, Cost Reference (MOP)

When seeking Chinese medicine treatment in Macau, licensed Chinese medicine clinics are concentrated in the northern district of the Macau Peninsula and Taipa Old Town, offering services such as acupuncture, tuina, bone and orthopaedic treatment, and Chinese herbal medicine conditioning. Consultation fees range from MOP$80-200 per session, with Chinese herbal medicine decoction services costing MOP$30-80 per dose. Overall costs are 40-60% lower than those at private Western medicine clinics.

Macau currently has over 80 Chinese medicine clinics registered with the Health Bureau, of which the Macau Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association was established in 1982 and has members throughout all districts. Travellers may优先考虑位于鏡湖醫院的中醫門診（每次 MOP$75，可用醫療券）或氹仔的卓是中醫診所（專長針灸減痛，MOP$180/次）；若需骨傷科，可前往同善堂旗下的中醫中心（澳門半島設有3間分點，設備較齊全）。 → Priority may be given to the Chinese medicine outpatient department at Kiang Wu Hospital (MOP$75 per visit, medical vouchers accepted) or Zhuoshi Chinese Medicine Clinic in Taipa (specialising in acupuncture for pain relief, MOP$180 per session). For orthopaedic needs, the Chinese medicine centre under Tung Sin Tong (with 3 branches on the Macau Peninsula and more comprehensive facilities) is available.

Common symptoms suitable for Chinese medicine treatment include: chronic fatigue conditioning (MOP$600-1,500 per programme), sports injuries and back/leg pain (acupuncture + tuina MOP$250-400 per session), gastrointestinal discomfort (Chinese herbal medicine conditioning MOP$400-800 per month), as well as common travel-related issues such as adaptation disorders or insomnia. According to the Macau Health Bureau's 2023 statistics, Chinese medicine outpatient services account for approximately 15% of total primary healthcare outpatient consultations in Macau, with resident acceptance continuing to rise.

Operational Advice: Travellers can seek treatment with valid identification documents; some clinics support Alipay and WeChat Pay. It is advisable to avoid Saturday morning peak hours (average waiting time is 30 minutes longer than on regular days). For longer conditioning treatment programmes, you can request a treatment plan quotation from the clinic for insurance claim purposes.

For the complete list of all licensed Chinese medicine clinics in Macau, their opening hours, and booking information, see → Complete Guide to Macau Chinese Medicine Clinics.

In Macau, public hospital emergency treatment costs MOP$120 and outpatient appointments cost MOP$45. Travellers can use the Centro Hospitalar Conde de São Januário (Macau's only public general hospital, with 24-hour emergency services) or Kiang Wu Hospital (Macau's oldest private hospital, founded in 1871). Macau residents have an average life expectancy of 83.7 years (2023 statistics), and the territory's healthcare standards and resources per capita rank among the best globally. Main healthcare options in Macau: Centro Hospitalar Conde de São Januário (public; emergency MOP$120, specialist MOP$45; advantages: low prices, full facilities); Kiang Wu Hospital (private; hospitalisation MOP$300-800 per day; advantages: fast service, many English-speaking doctors); and the University Hospital (private, focused on serving travellers; emergency MOP$200-400). For emergency treatment, travellers should first go to Centro Hospitalar's emergency department or Kiang Wu's emergency department, and once the condition is stabilised, they can transfer to a community clinic for follow-up. Documentation for travellers: simply present a passport and flight proof to receive treatment, with fees identical to those for local residents (emergency MOP$120, outpatient MOP$45). However, specialist investigations and hospitalisation require a deposit of MOP$2,000-10,000 in advance. It is recommended that travellers purchase travel medical insurance covering Macau before departure. In emergencies, call +853 113 for ambulance services, which operate 24 hours a day, all year round. For specialist outpatient clinic opening hours, booking telephone numbers, and a flowchart of the treatment process, see → Complete Guide to Medical Treatment in Macau (including specialist lists for public and private hospitals)