AXA Hong Kong launches the first ‘AXA Chronic Disease Management Programme’

According to a recent survey conducted by AXA Hong Kong, comprising 1,000 Hong Kong people, it is deduced that more than one-third of those surveyed have been diagnosed with chronic diseases in which this proportion increased to over 50% in the 45-60 age group[1]. Observed chronic diseases do not solely trouble the aged, AXA Hong Kong have been bringing customers with innovative health management solutions. Furthermore, government’s latest statistics also reveal that the proportion of chronic disease patients aged 15-24 years increased from 9.2% to 12.4% in 3 years[2]. Taking diabetes mellitus as an example, it is estimated that this affects one person in every 10 in Hong Kong, and for one in every 5 diabetic patients, the disease occurs before the age of 40[3]. Furthermore, the age-standardised prevalence of gout increased continuously in 10 years, reaching 1.4% in 2016[4]. Indeed the cost of chronic disease management is often as burdensome as that of critical diseases, the expenditure involved is too high to be disregarded.

‘AXA BetterMe’, a one-of-a-kind platform launched by AXA Hong Kong in 2018, strives to promote overall physical and mental wellbeing by offering a unique suite of diseases management programmes and health protection and diseases prevention solutions. This year, AXA Hong Kong announced the ‘AXA Chronic Disease Management Programme’ (Programme), collaborating with CUHK Medical Clinic, Hong Kong Diabetes Specialist Centre, HKSH Medical Group and Virtus Medical Group. The programme targets different chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and gout, and provides an all inclusive service that include outpatient medical consultations, annual comprehensive complication, dietitian consultation, and more.

Dr. Alexander Chiu, Medical Director, Health and Employee Benefits, AXA Hong Kong and Macau, said, “The demand for insurance for chronic diseases cannot be ignored. AXA Hong Kong has reformed its core concept of insurance and expanded the coverage of its products to cope with changes in society since 2018, helping customers improve their health. The collaboration with CUHK Medical Clinic, Hong Kong Diabetes Specialist Centre, HKSH Medical Group and Virtus Medical Group aims at helping chronic disease patients in a more effective way, with proper consultation and solutions provided by professional medical organisations. We are looking forward to working with more of these reputable medical institutions, and to providing more personalized and flexible plans and products, to overcome the challenges of the market and to help our customers prepare a healthy body and mind to embrace the future.”

All ‘AXA Wiseguard Pro Medical Insurance’ eligible customers[5] are entitled to particiate in ‘AXA Chronic Disease Management Programme’ with 12-month of medical service. The participants are allowed to choose one of the following institutions as their service provider: CUHK Medical Clinic, Hong Kong Diabetes Specialist Centre, HKSH Medical Group and Virtus Medical Group. Under the Programme, the participants will receive up to four out-patient medical consultations by a registered medical practitioner, one dietician consultation and one annual comprehensive complication assessment by an endocrinologist or specialist, and nurse communication.

To provide the best healthcare to customers, a registered medical practitioner will be assigned to support each participant throughout the entire Programme journey. The registered medical practitioner will conduct an initial medical consultation, as well as follow-up appointments. A personal health target will be set according to the condition of each individual, including electrocardiogram (ECG), blood test for blood pressure and/or HbA1c, for a more effective health management routine. For those who successfully reach their goal, a 10% premium discount[6] will be given against their eligible basic plan in recognition of the efforts which the customer has striven to achieve.

Meanwhile, the expenditure of daily medication and self-financed drugs could be a huge financial burden. In view of this, this Programme offers an option of medication from a pre-agreed list or alternative medication at a special discount. It covers up to 52 weeks of treatment/dosage[7] which provides a more comprehensive protection to the customer.

Initiatives under ‘AXA BetterMe’ include the ‘Quit Smoking Incentive Programme’, ‘AXA Diabetes & Three-Highs Management Programme’, ‘Health Collaboration Programme’ with Mannings and also the ‘Mind Health’ promotes employee wellness. AXA Hong Kong will put forth the “payer to partners” promise by developing more innovative solutions with renowned medical institutions under ‘AXA BetterMe’, empowering customers to lead a healthy and happy life.