Members of the Hong Kong basketball team have reported facing substantial medical expenses, alleging insufficient insurance coverage for international events by the Hong Kong Basketball Association (HKBA).
A report from the SCMP revealed that several players have had to bear the cost of surgeries and other medical treatments themselves, with the association's insurance offering limited reimbursement.
Marco Leung Ka-hin, a player who suffered a broken nose during a game in Brisbane in July, underwent two operations costing over HK$51,000. However, he has been unable to reclaim these expenses, leading to significant financial strain. Leung said that the HKBA advised him to seek medical assistance and then submit invoices but did not specify which medical provider to consult.
Leung also highlighted a lack of communication from the HKBA, stating that his inquiries about the reimbursement process were met with vague responses about it being an ongoing procedure. The HKBA, on its part, has acknowledged that the medical insurance it purchased caps individual player claims at HK$10,000. Players have been advised to claim any additional costs through their personal insurance policies.
Norman Chan Sui-tim, the chairman of the HKBA, asserted that the association had procured travel and medical insurance for overseas events, following the professional advice of the insurance company involved.
Dah Sing Insurance, the provider in question, stated that their coverage was based on professional assessment of injury risks, event types, and affordability, adding that they had not been requested to modify the coverage since they began working with the HKBA in 2015.
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