AXA Launches GBA EverGuard to Bridge Cross-Border Healthcare Gaps in Greater Bay Area

AXA Hong Kong and Macau ("AXA") today announced the launch of GBA EverGuard Medical Insurance ("GBA EverGuard"), a comprehensive medical protection solution designed to meet the rising demand for cross-border healthcare services. The new plan supports customers throughout their healthcare journey across Greater China – from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and rehabilitation. It combines comprehensive medical protection, enhanced rehabilitation support, healthcare navigation services and access to professional healthcare networks, empowering customers to access appropriate care with greater confidence, convenience and peace of mind, wherever they choose to seek treatment.

The launch comes as a new survey conducted by AXA among 600 Hong Kong residents open to utilising medical services in the Chinese mainland reveals growing demand towards Greater Bay Area (GBA) healthcare. As regional healthcare integration accelerates, Chinese mainland healthcare is increasingly seen as a practical alternative – offering patients broader treatment choices, greater flexibility, and faster access amid rising healthcare costs and long waiting times in Hong Kong.

Faced with healthcare inflation and wait-time pressures in Hong Kong, 87% of respondents worry that the expensive treatment costs will prevent them from affording most suitable care, while 88% fear that long waiting time could lead to missing the golden treatment window. Overall, 68% of respondents have received medical treatment in the Chinese Mainland previously. Primary drivers for considering Chinese Mainland medical care include more reasonable cost or more comprehensive treatment within the same budget (57%), faster access to specialist consultations and procedures (44%), and more diverse and advanced medical technologies and treatment options (36%).

However, navigating an unfamiliar healthcare system remains a major obstacle. Top hurdles include unfamiliarity with Mainland hospitals and healthcare systems (47%), complex appointments, registration and treatment procedures (37%), and uncertainty regarding treatment costs, payment and insurance claims arrangement (36%). Dedicated professional guidance will help to provide peace of mind, with respondents valuing access to specialist and hospitals referral services (97%), and a dedicated care coordinator (95%) when seeking care in the Chinese Mainland.

"As Greater Bay Area connectivity deepens, consumers are increasingly seeking high-quality, sustainable protection solutions across the region. GBA EverGuard was specifically designed with GBA medical care at its core to address this exact pain point – enabling our customers to access comprehensive, top-tier and long-term sustainable healthcare resources. We also extend Greater China flexibility for designated illnesses or major surgeries, providing our customers with the freedom to choose their preferred treatment journey. Matched with dedicated, end-to-end navigation via AXA Health Concierge, we bridge regional healthcare ecosystems – delivering confidence and peace of mind wherever they choose to seek care." said Janet Lee, Chief Life and Health Insurance Officer, AXA Hong Kong & Macau, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, AXA Global Private.

Key features of GBA EverGuard Medical Insurance include:

1. Access to healthcare resources across the region: With guaranteed renewal up to age 100, the plan provides long-term protection with cost-effective premiums. It offers full cover for hospitalisation, surgical procedures and prescribed non-surgical cancer treatments, with no itemised sub-limits. Customers can enjoy standard private room accommodation at designated premier network hospitals in the Chinese mainland. For designated illnesses, customers can enjoy their preferred treatment journey in Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan, subject to 20% coinsurance. For treatment received through the AXA Signature Network in Hong Kong, annual coinsurance is capped at HK$50,000 per policy year.

2. Recovery support beyond treatment: Recognising that recovery extends beyond hospital care, GBA EverGuard includes coverage for follow-up outpatient consultations, extra rehabilitation support in the Chinese Mainland and eligible Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments, providing holistic support from diagnosis through to recovery.

3. Dedicated healthcare navigation with AXA Health Concierge: Customers can also access AXA Health Concierge, a dedicated healthcare support team providing cashless arrangements, Medical Green Pass services, access to an extensive healthcare network and healthcare coordination support. Customers can also enjoy comprehensive value-added services, including the Smart Four Diagnostic Assessment, and a complimentary medical check-up every 3 years of no-claim period from the first policy anniversary to support long-term preventative health management.