Fostering the spirit of giving back to the society and promoting public health, AIA Hong Kong announces its partnership – first ever for insurance companies in Hong Kong – with four leading global pharmaceutical companies, AstraZeneca Hong Kong, Lilly, Novartis and Pfizer, to launch the "Health Plus Partnership Programme". New customers of selected group medical tailor-made policies1 will be the first to enjoy this additional reimbursement benefit on cancer medications. For insured members who are unfortunately diagnosed with cancer and if their prescribed cancer medications are on the eligible medication list2 of the programme, they will be reimbursed additional benefit on top of the benefits as per the terms of their group medical insurance. With six types of medication mainly for breast cancer currently on the medication list, the programme helps to alleviate the financial burden of long-term treatment for cancer posed on unfortunate members who are diagnosed with the disease. AIA Hong Kong and the four pharmaceutical companies plan to expand the programme gradually to cover other customers, providing them with adequate and timely support while giving back to the society.
The collaboration reaffirms AIA Hong Kong's commitment to be customers' lifelong health partner, providing comprehensive support throughout their health journey through AIA "Health & Wellness 360". The partnership with leading pharmaceutical companies provides crucial and concrete support for cancer patients on the aspects of "Protect Well" and "Get Well" in response to public concern on the fight against cancer. AIA Hong Kong and the four pharmaceutical companies will further explore extending the additional reimbursement benefit to cover other cancer medications to benefit more customers in need.
According to a report by the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, cancer is the number one killer in Hong Kong, accounting for 30.5% of all deaths. Furthermore, new cancer cases saw a 35% increase3 compared to 2009. A recent market survey4 commissioned by AIA Hong Kong also revealed that over 50% of respondents are concerned about critical illnesses such as cancer and stroke. Critical illness and cancer treatments are noted as their utmost concern on health-related needs for themselves and their families. For younger respondents aged 19-24, one of their pain points is the difficulty to get lower-cost treatment and care against their needs, as seen through friends or family members who have gone through cancer experience.
Mr. Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau said, "As a leading insurance company, AIA Hong Kong has always been committed to contributing to the society. It is a pleasure to join forces with four world-renowned pharmaceutical companies, AstraZeneca Hong Kong, Lilly, Novartis and Pfizer, who share the same vision of giving back to the society, to help lessen customers' financial burden on cancer medication treatment. This innovative initiative brings our 'Health & Wellness Proposition' to life. We go beyond traditional product concept by incorporating elements of Prevention, Prediction, Diagnosis, Treatment and Recovery, and integrating product edges with a quality service ecosystem to provide 'customer-led' all-round solutions. We will continue to explore other ways to further help cancer patients on their fight and enable them to be able to also live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives."
Dr. York Chow, Chief Medical Officer and Corporate Advisor of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said, "With the continuous technological advancement in cancer treatment and drug development, cancer patients now have more treatment options. Compared with other critical illnesses, whether one has more sufficient financial means for effective cancer treatment has much greater bearings on survival and mortality. Since we rolled out privileged rates on cancer genomic testing services in 2019, through to the introduction of additional reimbursement benefit on cancer medication today, we have set our sight on providing the most critical support for cancer patients. We will continue to be committed in supporting customers with appropriate cancer treatment solutions, and stand by them on their medical journey."
Ms. Carol Mui, General Manager of AstraZeneca Hong Kong & Macau, said "AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company. AstraZeneca has been operating in Hong Kong for more than 30 years. We have delivered many life-changing medicines that have transformed the lives of patients and have revolutionised disease treatment. In the recent years, we have proactively built partnership with stakeholders to create a vibrant medical ecosystem. We look forward to our first collaboration with AIA Hong Kong, which hopefully will co-create values to cancer patients, providing them with more appropriate support and maintaining their quality of life."
From Mr. Howard Lin, General Manager of Eli Lilly Asia, Inc., "Lilly is excited to participate in this important initiative spearheaded by AIA Hong Kong, as it is designed to expand access to innovative, life-changing medications. A diagnosis of cancer can be the beginning of one of the most difficult of times, which makes it even more important that we do everything we can to support patients and their families along the treatment journey."
Dr. Sian Ng, General Manager of Novartis Hong Kong (Oncology) said, "As a member of the healthcare community, Novartis has always been committed to working with cancer patients to walk through the disease journey together. Once diagnosed, cancer treatment should be initiated without delay. With the collaboration with AIA Hong Kong, we hope patients could receive appropriate treatment as soon as possible for better treatment outcome."
Pfizer Country Manager of Hong Kong, Krishnamoorthy Sundaresan stated, "Pfizer is committed to bring the latest breakthroughs to patients in Oncology and other specialties. We are dedicated to address patients' affordability concerns as well. We believe this partnership with AIA Hong Kong will benefit many patients and their families."
