香港醫社 基金會
HONG KONG HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE FOUNDATION
Over 150 Experts United to Shape the Future of Critical Illness Medical Insurance in Hong Kong
The “Navigate Innovative Healthcare Finance Solutions for Hong Kong’s Future 2025”, co-organised by the Society for Innovative Healthcare Hong Kong – SIHHK (香港創新醫療學會) and Hong Kong Health and Social Care Foundation – HKHSCF (香港醫社基金會), successfully convened today at the Scout Centenary Building in Wan Chai. The event brought together over 150 participants from healthcare, insurance, and non-governmental sectors to explore innovative financing solutions for critical illness treatment.
Mr. Samuel Mak Ka Yan, Co-Founder of the Hong Kong Health and Social Care Foundation, highlighted the growing strain on public healthcare resources due to Hong Kong’s ageing population. He emphasized that existing support mechanisms such as the Community Care Fund and Samaritan Fund may no longer be sufficient to meet the rising costs of chronic and rare disease treatments.
Dr. Liu Shao Haei, President of the Society of Innovative Healthcare Hong Kong, called for broader discussions on social development and healthcare equity. He stressed the urgency of addressing major diseases through collaborative efforts, especially as medical technology advances and demographic shifts intensify healthcare demands.
In his keynote address, Professor Peter Yuen, Dean of the School of Professional and Continuing Education at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, underscored the need for diversified healthcare financing models. He pointed to challenges in covering out-of-pocket medications, dental care, non-emergency treatments, and long-term care, and noted that rising medical inflation is placing immense pressure on insurance systems. He proposed more inclusive insurance designs and integrated public healthcare management to enhance efficiency and affordability.
The first panel discussion focused on cancer treatment coverage. Legislative Council Member Hon Chan Pui-leung noted that insurance companies are adapting policies to allow multiple claims for cancer patients and that upcoming reforms in public healthcare fees will prompt further product innovation. He also shared that legislation is underway to regulate private healthcare charges, which could support the development of new insurance offerings.
Professor Fung Hong of CUHK’s Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care emphasized the limitations of the current Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) in covering outpatient and cancer-related procedures. He advocated for sustained efforts from insurers and stronger coordination between public and private healthcare systems, drawing on international best practices.
Mr. Tong Ka Kee, CEO of New Frontier Medical Group (Hong Kong), discussed how the emergence of large private healthcare groups has improved coordination with insurers. These groups can now offer pre-approved treatment plans, reducing the financial burden on patients. However, he noted that the variable costs of cancer treatment still pose significant challenges.
The second panel explored the potential of adopting Mainland China’s “Huimin Insurance” model to enhance access to innovative treatments and medical devices. Professor Roger Chung Yi-nok of CUHK proposed a supplementary insurance system tailored to Hong Kong’s unique needs, inspired by international and regional models. He emphasized the importance of universal health perspectives in shaping future policies.
Ms. Sun Wen, Project Director of the Beijing Pain Challenge Foundation, explained that “Huimin Insurance” serves as a supplementary commercial insurance in the Mainland, with dynamic mechanisms to support rare disease treatments and evolving drug technologies, backed by government oversight.
Mr. Terry Lai Ka-wai, Co-Founder of the Hong Kong Health and Social Care Foundation, acknowledged the public healthcare system’s support for rare disease patients but called for expanded coverage aligned with medical advancements. He advocated for a universal protection model similar to “Huimin Insurance” and urged faster integration of innovative drugs and devices into Hong Kong’s healthcare system.
In closing, Mr. Yuen Shao-lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Patients' Union, thanked all participants and hailed the symposium as a milestone in cross-sector collaboration. He encouraged Hong Kong to explore high-risk insurance pools and adopt global best practices to build a more inclusive and resilient medical insurance framework.
