Article

Day Surgery Centres: The Smart Choice for Efficient, Effective and Modern Healthcare

3-min read

Updated on 2026-2-27

Author: AIA Health Proposition Team  

Surgery can often raise a few concerns, such as the need for an overnight stay, long waiting times, and uncertainties in insurance coverage. Fortunately, some relatively simple procedures can now be performed at day surgery centres, where patients can go home the same day, enhancing both treatment efficiency and patient wellbeing.

Why are Day Surgery Centres Gaining Popularity?

As of the third quarter of 2024, the number of licensed day procedure centres in Hong Kong grew to over 250¹, reflecting strong demand. These centres typically provide endoscopic examinations (including gastroscopy and colonoscopy), cataract surgery, diagnostic imaging, orthopaedic, gynaecological day procedures and more.

AIA's medical network^* covers multiple day surgery centres, working alongside network specialists to provide customers^# with flexible and streamlined treatment choices. Day surgery centre procedures save time and offer convenience, while eliminating unnecessary overnight stays and complicated admission and discharge procedures. Treatments can be completed on the same day, and patients can benefit from recovering at home, keeping daily life disruption to a minimum.

(Reference: Day Surgery Centres: Benefits & Cashless Options with AIA | AIA Hong Kong）

What Are The Benefits of Day Surgery Centres Compared to Traditional Hospital Care

To understand the benefits of day surgery centres, it's worth examining how they compare to traditional hospital stays.

Scheduling and Wait Time

Traditional hospital stays: Typically involve relatively longer waiting times for admission and procedures.
Day surgery centres: Shorter waiting times, and greater scheduling flexibility.

Treatment and Patient Experiences

Traditional hospital stays: Inpatient procedures typically require patients to stay longer for observation, where the risk of cross-infection can be higher.
Day surgery centres: Patients are discharged the same day and can rest at home in a familiar environment, reducing the time spent in the clinic thus lowering the risk of cross-infection.

Medical Expenses

Traditional hospital stays: Inpatient procedures typically and relatively cost more due to longer hospital stays.
Day surgery centres: Day surgery centres typically cost less since overnight hospitalisation is not required.

Four Essential Things to Know About Day Surgery Centres

While day surgery centres offer obvious benefits, many patients may still have questions about how the process works. Let's break them down one by one:

1. Will My Procedure at Day Surgery Centres Be Covered by Medical Insurance?

A top concern is whether their medical insurance will cover the procedures. AIA offers a broad range of plans^~, and many of which cover medical expenses of day surgery. Please visit the official website for more information: Medical Protection | AIA Hong Kong

Moreover, AIA's medical network^* includes multiple day surgery centres. Panel Doctors within the network^* can assist customers^# with administrative support for applications for Pre-approval of Medical Expense & Cashless Service^{^*} , so customers^# don't have to worry about costs or claims paperwork.

2. How Experienced are the Medical Professionals?

Day surgery centres^*within AIA's medical network^* are led by experienced doctors across multiple specialities, such as surgery, urology, orthopaedics, gynaecology, cardiology, and gastroenterology. Patients can have access to professional healthcare services regardless of routine procedures or more complex treatments.

3. How Advanced is the Medical Equipment?

Advanced equipment is the foundation of quality medical care. Many day surgery centres within AIA's medical network^* are equipped with quality medical facilities comparable to those of hospitals, offering professional diagnostics and treatments. Such day surgery centres also provide treatment and recovery spaces in comfortable environments with privacy, giving patients great peace of mind.

4. Are there Lengthy Waiting Times for Appointments?

Traditional hospital stays often involves relatively extended wait times. Day surgery centres, however, provide faster and more responsive appointment booking systems. AIA offers a one-stop booking service to help customers# arrange appointments at day surgery centres within its medical network^*, saving time and simplifying the process.

AIA: Protecting Your Health Every Step of the Way

If your doctor recommends minor surgery, you may wish to ask your doctor if it would be suitable for a day surgery centre. You^# can secure an early appointment through AIA's hotline with network^* day surgery centres. With AIA's Pre-approval of Medical Expenses & Cashless Service^{^*}, you^# can deal with your medical needs with peace of mind and focus on your recovery. AIA is with you^# every step of the way to protect your health and to help you^# live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.

The above mentioned services are subject to the terms and conditions thereof. Please refer to the relevant service leaflet or visit the official website for details.

This article contains general information only and does not constitute any sales recommendation and/or product advice. Please consult your financial planning consultant for details.

"AIA", "the Company", "We", "our" or "us" herein refers to AIA International Limited (Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability). "Mainland China" herein refers to the People's Republic of China excluding Hong Kong and Macau. "Hong Kong" and "Macau" herein refer to "Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" and "Macau Special Administrative Region" respectively.

AIA has the sole discretion to suspend or withdraw this article at any time without further notice. No part or whole of this article may be reproduced or republished without AIA's prior written consent.

^# References to "Customer" or "You" in this article refer to the insured of an Eligible Policy and are assumed to be the insured of the Eligible Policy as well as the Policyholder.

^~For the details of the product features, terms and conditions, exclusions and key product risks, you may refer to the product brochure and policy contract of the relevant products. In case you want to read policy contract sample before making an application, you can obtain a copy from AIA.

^ About The pre-approval & cashless service of medical expenses: You are required to settle any shortfall resulting from the medical expenses which (i) are not covered by the plan or exceed the eligible benefit limit and (ii) have been settled by AIA under the cashless service. The pre-approval & cashless service of medical expenses are available to the insured of AIA's designated medical plans only and subject to the terms and conditions thereof. For more details of the pre-approval & cashless service of medical expenses, please visit: https://www.aia.com.hk/en/health-and-wellness/pre-approval-medical-expense-cashless-service.

^a.The above services (collectively, Services) are subject to terms and conditions. Please refer to the relevant service leaflet or visit the official website for details.

^b.Subject to the terms and conditions of the relevant policy, the Services are value-added services and do not form part of the contractual benefit and are non-guaranteed.

^c.The Services are additional value-added services and do not form part of the contractual benefit and is not guaranteed. The Services are available to the insured of an dedicated medical plan, subject to the eligibility of the insured, the availability and the relevant terms and conditions of the Services and the service providers (if applicable), and provided that the eligible policy is still in force.

^d. AIA's medical network refers to designated third party medical network service providers engaged by AIA. The medical network service providers are independent contractors and are not agents or employees or representatives of AIA. AIA does not guarantee the provision of services by a particular medical network/service provider or the number of medical network(s)/service provider(s) available. The scope and location of the medical network services shall be determined by AIA at its sole discretion and may be changed from time to time. AIA shall not be responsible for any act, omission or negligence of Medical Network in the provision of services, treatments, opinions and advices.

^e.About The pre-approval & cashless service of medical expenses: You are required to settle any shortfall resulting from the medical expenses which (i) are not covered by the plan or exceed the eligible benefit limit and (ii) have been settled by AIA under the cashless service. The pre-approval & cashless service of medical expenses are available to the insured of AIA's designated medical plans only and subject to the terms and conditions thereof. For more details of the pre-approval & cashless service of medical expenses, please visit: https://www.aia.com.hk/en/health-and-wellness/pre-approval-medical-expense-cashless-service.

^f.Please take note that the actual claim reimbursement under the eligible product(s) shall be subject to the provision of complete claim documents, insured's benefits entitlement, exclusion, policy contract, terms and condition of the eligible product(s). For details, please contact AIA for enquiry.

^1.The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Press Releases. LCQ4: Healthcare services provided by unregistered persons. 2024. [Accessed on 29 July 2025]

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Day Surgery Centres: The Smart Choice for Efficient, Effective and Modern Healthcare

Why are Day Surgery Centres Gaining Popularity?