Prudential Hong Kong has announced a collaboration with the Hong Kong Integrated Oncology Centre (HKIOC) and Zhongshan Chenxinghai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (CXH) to introduce the Cross-Border Cashless Cancer Treatment Service in the Greater Bay Area.
This initiative is in response to the increasing demand for integrated cross-border medical services, particularly in cancer care. Statistics from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry reveal a growing incidence of cancer in Hong Kong, with a significant number of men and women being diagnosed by the age of 75.
In mainland China, the rate of cancer diagnosis and the number of breast cancer patients are also rising sharply. This increase in cancer cases, coupled with the high cost of treatment, is placing financial burdens on patients and their families.
The collaboration between HKIOC and CXH aims to provide eligible Prudential customers with cashless cancer treatment and exclusive medical concierge services. A key feature of this partnership is the Cancer Patients Shared Care model, which offers multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) consultation support from both oncology centres.
This model also grants Prudential customers prioritised access to the resources and services of HKIOC and CXH, facilitating more convenient cancer treatment. Patients can receive treatment at either centre, with the option for referral to the other centre if required.
The service streamlines the entire treatment process, from initial consultation to follow-up, providing a one-stop oncology support system. Additionally, CXH offers medical transportation services within mainland China, enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare services.
Prudential's Cashless Service offers a pre-approval process for medical budgets, allowing for direct settlement of approved medical expenses post-treatment. This service eliminates the need for upfront payments, addressing cash flow concerns for customers. Prudential has also removed the credit card pre-authorisation requirement for those applying for the Cashless Service.
The relationship between HKIOC and CXH began in 2019, focusing on cancer patient care in mainland China and Hong Kong. In February 2023, they signed the Greater Bay Area Medical Services Strategic Cooperation Agreement, aiming to enhance medical resource sharing and professional exchanges, as well as to facilitate MDT consultations.
“Prudential has always been committed to the service promise of ‘Listening. Understanding. Delivering.’ Understanding the growing customer demand for cross-border medical services, we are delighted to collaborate with the Hong Kong Integrated Oncology Centre and Zhongshan Chenxinghai Hospital to launch the industry's first cross-border Cashless Cancer Treatment Service in the Greater Bay Area, allowing them more treatment options within the GBA,” said Candy Au Yeng, Prudential Hong Kong chief customer operations officer.
Elsewhere in the region, a recent survey by WTW indicates a consistent trend in healthcare benefit cost increases across the Asia Pacific region, noting that nearly three-fifths (59%) of health insurers in APAC expect higher or significantly higher cost increases in the next three years.
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