Latest news with #VHIS
South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Time for Hong Kong to properly integrate private and public healthcare
Hong Kong's healthcare system has long prided itself on its dual-track approach: a robust public sector providing affordable care, and a private sector offering speed and choice – if you can afford it. In theory, this model gives patients the best of both worlds. In practice, it is struggling: an overburdened public system, an inadequately regulated private sector and a health insurance framework failing to bridge the gap. , the impact remains marginal. Public hospitals still account for more than 80 per cent of all hospital beds, and patients still rely overwhelmingly on the public system. While more than a million VHIS policies have been bought, many appear to be reluctant to use them due to high co-payment amounts and gaps in coverage, especially under the The Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) launched in 2019 was designed to encourage residents to meet more of their healthcare needs privately. Yet years laterthe impact remains marginal. Public hospitals still account for more than 80 per cent of all hospital beds, and patients still rely overwhelmingly on the public system. While more than a million VHIS policies have been bought, many appear to be reluctant to use them due to high co-payment amounts and gaps in coverage, especially under the standard plan This problem is structural. People are being pushed to choose between the public system or buying a plan to go private. But this binary choice doesn't reflect how people experience illness or navigate care. Life is not dual-track; it's blended. Our financing system should be too. Basic VHIS plans often fail to cover the full cost of private care, particularly when a hospital stay or complex procedure is involved. Policyholders are frequently left 30 per cent or more out of pocket, including for diagnostic imaging and specialist fees. For middle-income families, these costs can be prohibitive. This undermines the core purpose of insurance: to provide financial protection and choice. . Moreover, the VHIS was introduced without any meaningful reform of private healthcare . Fee-for-service remains the dominant payment model, which incentivises over-servicing and drives up costs. Many private doctors operate across multiple hospitals under the visiting doctor system, making it difficult to track performance or hold providers accountable for outcomes. Transparency is limited and price variability is high, adversely affecting patient trust It doesn't have to be this way. Around the world, governments are finding smarter ways to integrate public and private financing, regulate quality across settings and drive better outcomes. Hong Kong should do the same. Five reforms are urgently needed.
Zawya
24-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bupa expands its Connected Care commitment with the new Global Prestige VHIS Plan (Signature) for discerning customers
Bupa introduces a prestigious VHIS plan with enhanced protection, personalised health concierge services, and dedicated health expertise for those who seek the best HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 24 February 2025 - For people in Hong Kong who want to safeguard what matters most with a plan that goes beyond, Bupa is now welcoming a new Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) plan into its portfolio: the Global Prestige VHIS Plan (Signature). As a leader in the insurance industry, Bupa stands out by providing extensive options within its VHIS plans. Developed under the established requirements of the Hong Kong Government's VHIS, Global Prestige VHIS Plan (Signature) is a premium VHIS-certified plan which invites customers into a prestigious network of care that is connected, making it seamless and convenient for customers. Global Prestige VHIS Plan (Signature) offers comprehensive benefits, bespoke assistance, and enhanced protection in Hong Kong and worldwide—all in line with Bupa's commitment to deliver seamless, integrated healthcare experiences. Global Prestige VHIS Plan (Signature) not only adheres to the well-defined standards of the Scheme but also goes above and beyond to deliver personalised support across cutting-edge digital tools and caring in-person provision. The plan's ample benefits and features[i] include: Extraordinary full coverage up to a high annual benefit limit, with no lifetime benefit limit at the standard private room level worldwide, for more peace of mind A unique flat premium within specific age groups up to 69 years old, for easier planning of finances A dedicated Care Manager to support customers through treatment and recovery An expansive range of optional benefits, including clinical, dental and optical, so customers can tailor their plan to meet personalised needs Daily wellness tools to promote early intervention and lasting health, via the Blua Health app Cashless service at designated private hospitals and Bupa appointed clinics in Hong Kong, for a more seamless and convenient healthcare experience Direct support to help book appointments, choose a care facility or find a second opinion Deductible waivers for cancer treatment so expenses are covered straightaway Enhanced cover including unknown pre-existing conditions Free access to 24/7 medical support via Bupa's Worldwide Assistance Programme Yuman Chan, General Manager of the Bupa Insurance Business in Hong Kong, said, "As the insurer in Hong Kong purely dedicated to health, with leading positions across health insurance and health services, Bupa is 'Together for Your Health' and can exclusively cater to discerning VHIS healthcare customers who seek robust coverage and round-the-clock assistance. Under Bupa's Connected Care commitment, customers have access to a well-rounded team that is available to help customers navigate their unique healthcare journey, wherever it may lead." The enhanced benefits of Global Prestige VHIS Plan (Signature) are made possible by Bupa Insurance and Quality Healthcare to jointly serve customers as one united team across both health insurance and health provision, powered by the digital health app Blua Health. "Together for Your Health" is Bupa's promise to work as one seamless team of specialists and professionals to create a connected healthcare journey. Yuman added, "Global Prestige VHIS Plan (Signature) is an investment in long-term health, offering stability, reliability and flexibility for evolving needs. Staying healthy is the greatest commitment we can make to ourselves and our family. As Hong Kong's healthcare specialist, we are proud to use our credibility and expertise to deliver an enhanced VHIS plan which connects customers to deeply coordinated care and interactive wellness support, no matter where in the world they may be." [i] This product summary is intended for reference only. Please refer to the Policy for detailed coverage, general exclusions, terms and conditions. Hashtag: #Bupa #VHIS #GlobalPrestige #ConnectedCare The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Bupa – A health insurance specialist Bupa is an international healthcare group dedicated to helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world for over 70 years. We serve more than 38 million customers worldwide. With no shareholders, we reinvest our profits into enhancing healthcare for the benefit of current and future customers. Bupa has been a health insurance specialist in Hong Kong since 1976, offering one-stop solutions across domestic and international health insurance, and healthcare services. Our comprehensive medical insurance schemes are tailored to meet individual needs, and we provide health solutions for companies of all sizes. We also have a team of registered nurses, health management professionals, and doctors who provide various expert healthcare support. Our healthcare provision arm, Quality HealthCare Medical Services (QHMS), became part of Bupa in October 2013. QHMS offers Western Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Diagnostics & Imaging, Dental, Physiotherapy, Mental Health and Wellness services via a network of over 1,650 provider service points in Hong Kong. For more information, visit Bupa
