The Labour Department (LD) today (October 3) announced that the maximum daily rates of medical expenses reimbursable by employees injured at work and prescribed occupational disease sufferers who have received medical treatment in respect of a work injury or a prescribed occupational disease will be adjusted from January 1, 2026. 
      
     The Legislative Council on September 26 passed two resolutions to increase the maximum daily rate of medical expenses for out-patient treatment under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance (ECO) and the Pneumoconiosis and Mesothelioma (Compensation) Ordinance (PMCO) from $300 to $500 and the maximum daily rate of medical expenses for in-patient and out-patient treatment received on the same day from $370 to $700, while maintaining the maximum daily rate of medical expenses for in-patient treatment at $300, enabling injured employees and prescribed occupational disease sufferers to receive enhanced protection on medical expenses.  
      
     "In general, the revised rates can cover the expenses incurred by injured employees and prescribed occupational disease sufferers on consultation, treatment/therapy, injection and dressing, medicines and hospitalisation, etc, on a day in a public hospital or clinic," a spokesman for the LD said.
      
     Under the ECO and the PMCO, injured employees and prescribed occupational disease sufferers who have received medical treatment in respect of a work injury or a prescribed occupational disease may claim reimbursement of the actual amount of medical expenses incurred, subject to the maximum daily rates specified in the two Ordinances.
      
     The revised maximum daily rates of reimbursable medical expenses were gazetted today and will take effect from January 1, 2026. For medical treatment received on or after the effective date meeting the relevant provisions of the ECO or the PMCO, the new maximum daily rates of reimbursable medical expenses will be applicable.

Ends/Friday, October 3, 2025
Issued at HKT 11:00

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