Fwd Hong Kong Launches New Easygo Emergency Series to Bridge Insurance Gap for Individuals with a History of Critical Illness

HONG KONG SAR – FWD Hong Kong (FWD) has launched the new Crisis EasyGo range of emergency illness protection products, including UCanCover specially designed for cancer survivors, and UStillCover for those suffered from heart disease or stroke.

These plans aim to provide lifetime protection with a limited premium payment period, to address the protection gap for those who may find it difficult to obtain critical illness insurance due to pre-existing conditions. This is the first in a series of critical illness protection programs in Hong Kong that offer simplified coverage to individuals diagnosed with cancer, heart disease or stroke.

People who have had serious illnesses are among those most in need of health protection. Data show that cancer survivors have a 42% higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than those without cancer, and people with CVD have a 13% higher chance of developing cancer than those without CVD.

“FWD understands the challenges faced by individuals with a history of critical illness when seeking health protection. The ‘FWD Hong Kong Health Protection Needs Survey’6 shows that many people have difficulty middle-aged with a history of critical illness to get critical illness protection, with some even not interested in signing up We are fully committed to meeting the needs of our customers, which is why we put on launched Crisis EasyGo – UCanCover and Crisis EasyGo – UStillCover These products offer the first payment in the market with life-long limited payment sickness cover5 to address the protection gap for those at have pre-existing conditions With a simplified underwriting process1, we try to make it easier for those recovering from cancer, as well as those with a history of heart disease or stroke, to be life-long. cover illness and enjoy life with more peace of mind. “We strongly believe that everyone, regardless of life or health status, deserves the opportunity to be protected,” said Kelvin Yu, Chief Product Officer of FWD Hong Kong & Macau in his statement, Thursday (31/10/2024).

Studies show that chronic illness or a history of critical illness is the biggest challenge in obtaining critical illness protection

The latest “FWD Hong Kong Health Protection Needs Survey” revealed that 69% of respondents felt that the process of purchasing critical illness insurance was somewhat complicated for middle-aged people, while 82% believed that medical examination or medical report required before submitting an application. . More than half (56%) of respondents do not have critical illness insurance or do not plan to purchase health coverage because they have a chronic illness or a history of cancer, heart disease or stroke, leading to a complicated application process. coverage, exclusion or denial of coverage.

Specifically, among respondents who had relatives with chronic illnesses or a history of critical illness, 63% indicated that their relative was unable to obtain adequate critical illness coverage or critical illness coverage after treatment or recovery, indicating large gaps in health protection.

Crisis EasyGo – UcanCover and Crisis EasyGo – UStillCover offer the following key features:

1. Cover for up to 115 critical illnesses and specified diseases, cover provided for cancer survivors: UCanCover provides cover for 62 critical illnesses and 53 specified diseases, including cancer, carcinoma-in-situ or early malignancies in certain organs, heart attacks, and strokes for those who have recovered from cancer. Cover is also provided for the same organs that previously suffered from cancer. UStillCover, specially designed for those who have suffered from heart disease or stroke, provides cover for 26 emergencies including cancer, and 23 specific diseases, including carcinoma-in -situ or early stage malignancies of specific organs.

2. Simple underwriting process, no medical exam required: Applicants only need to answer at least two underwriting questions1, the fewest among similar plans on the market. There is no medical examination required during the underwriting process, so there are no complicated and lengthy application procedures.

3. Market First’s limited payment term for lifetime protection: Premium payment terms range from 10 to 25 years, with coverage continuing to age 100.

4. Free medical examinations every two years to maintain health conditions, along with a savings element: Health examination coupons will be given on every Polis 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 109th birthdays. In addition, the Assured Cash Value and Special Bonus will be given if the Insured surrenders the policy before 100% of the original sum assured is claimed.

FWD and HKSH Medical Group (HKSH) will strengthen their partnership to provide professional support for customers’ nutritional health

FWD partnered with HKSH to provide nutrition consultations to insureds eligible for the Crisis EasyGo insurance product in policy year 2, which includes an initial nutritional assessment and consultation as well as follow-up sessions led directly by a nutritionist from HKSH.

“Advances in the field of medicine continue to increase cancer survival rates, although many patients who survive continue to experience side effects after treatment. Therefore, we are very pleased to be able to extend our collaboration with FWD. In addition to the existing cancer planning and rehabilitation consultation services, We also extend our cooperation by offering dietary consultation services that are designed according to the needs of clients purchase FWD during the recovery period,” said Joseph Chan Woon Tong, Assistant Medical Director, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital.

“We are committed to actively expanding our network of medical partners and strengthening FWD’s cooperation with leading medical institutions such as HKSH, to provide customers with professional health support services that go beyond than just financial protection,” said Kelvin Yu, Chief Product Officer of FWD Hong Kong & Macau.

Crisis EasyGo – UcanCover and Crisis EasyGo – UStillCover: emergency illness solutions beyond financial protection

This program not only provides protection for individuals with a history of critical illnesses. It also includes the following features:

1. Extended Critical Care Medical Benefit: If the insured is admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (“ICU”) for 3 or more consecutive days using aggressive life support for the same emergency within one year, this plan provides Extended Critical Medical Nursing Care Benefit – extended coverage in connection with the same emergency with an additional 50% of the original sum insured.

2. Life Impact Benefit: If the insured is treated in the ICU for 3 or more consecutive days using aggressive life support and experiences certain conditions within the same 120 day period caused by the same disease or injury, then this program will provide Life Impact benefits. Additional 50% or 100% of the original sum insured.

3. Professional support from FWD Care and leading medical centers: FWD partners with leading medical centers across Asia to provide comprehensive health solutions through PREMIER THE ONEcierge One Team Health Management. This gives policyholders access to a network of specialist doctors and leading hospitals across the Pan-Asian region, so they can receive the most appropriate care from the doctor best suited to their needs. If hospitalization is required, necessary arrangements can be made with the hospital for inpatient treatment. Once a designated emergency is determined, major medical centers in the US can be referred for a second medical opinion. This plan also provides referrals to family care services to offer additional care at home.

There are three protection plans in the Crisis EasyGo series: Crisis EasyGo – UPrimeCover, Crisis EasyGo – UCanCover, and Crisis EasyGo – UStillCover. The EasyGo Emergency Series is underwritten by FWD Life Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited (incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability). The above information is for information only and does not contain complete terms and conditions, key product risks, and a complete list of policy exclusions.

Photo: (From left to right): Joseph Chan Woon Tong, Assistant Medical Director, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Kelvin Yu, Chief Product Officer of FWD Hong Kong & Macau, and Ng Ka Him, media professional, present at the launch of the event protection product The latest emergency cases from FWD Hong Kong, namely “EasyGo Crisis – UCanCover” and “EasyGo Crisis – UStillCover”.