COVID-19 Threat Persists: Two Strategies to Protect Your Health

The COVID-19 situation in Hong Kong has been like a roller coaster ride, from relative calm at the end of last year to a peak of over 50,000 daily confirmed cases earlier this year. Although the numbers have recently started to decline, there are still over a hundred confirmed cases reported each day.

 

Those who have not been infected are worried about contracting the virus, while those who have recovered still feel apprehensive about it. The public needs to take two key steps to prepare themselves, taking necessary actions to safeguard their health and avoid exposure to risks.

The current wave of the Omicron variant is considered by experts to have lower virulence, but it still carries a certain mortality rate, and there have been occasional "reinfection" cases reported globally. In the event of an unforeseen circumstance, family members may face financial difficulties, which is why purchasing a life insurance policy is akin to providing protection for your loved ones.

 

Life insurance comes in various forms; some offer lifelong coverage, while others include a savings component, often with relatively higher premiums. If you are looking for a more affordable and quicker option that still provides substantial death benefit coverage, a pure term life insurance policy is a good choice, and it can now be easily purchased online.

 

The "富衛自主保定期保障計劃" offers coverage of up to HKD 4 million¹. If a registered specialist doctor certifies that the insured is highly likely to pass away within 12 months, the death benefit can be paid in advance², helping the beneficiaries cope with financial challenges.

 

FWD currently offers a promotion with a 90% discount on the first-year premium. From now until 31 May 2022, for a non-smoking male aged 25 with a coverage amount of HKD 1 million and a renewal period of 10 years, the discounted first-year premium is only HKD 84.

 

Additionally, policyholders can convert the "富衛自主保定期保障計劃" to a designated permanent life insurance plan from FWD before the insured reaches the age of 70, without the need to provide proof of insurability³.

Currently, Hong Kong is at a critical point in the pandemic, and with the risk of infection or "reinfection" still relatively high, it is advisable to purchase medical insurance or a government-recognised Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) plan to prepare for potential major or minor illnesses in the future.

 

The "更衛您醫療計劃" underwritten by FWD Life is a Voluntary Health Insurance Flexible Plan (VHIS Certified Product Number: F00015-01-000-02; VHIS Product Provider Registration Number 00036). From now until 31 May 2022, a 90% discount on the first-year premium is being offered. For example, a 25-year-old male non-smoker would pay only HKD 287 for the first year after the discount (the premium is applicable to this example only and is not guaranteed). This insurance can also be purchased online, allowing you to obtain coverage without leaving your home.

Lastly, the two aforementioned insurance policies cover different risks—one provides protection against the risk of death, and the other safeguards health risks. Both products come with an additional Special Vaccine Side Effect Protection, making them an excellent choice for those who have not yet been vaccinated and are concerned about potential side effects.

 

From now until 30 June 2022, any eligible customer⁴ who enrols in any personal insurance plan with FWD will automatically receive the complimentary “Special Vaccine Side Effect Protection”⁵. This protection covers all vaccines recognised by local authorities, including COVID-19 vaccines. If an eligible customer experiences a covered adverse reaction after vaccination, FWD will provide pre-hospitalisation outpatient coverage, hospital cash benefits, and compassionate death benefits.

 

 

 

Lastly, the aforementioned insurance products can enhance the public’s ability to combat the pandemic. However, during this critical period of the outbreak, individuals should also reduce outdoor activities to minimise the risk of infection.

 

The product information provided is for reference only and does not include all terms and conditions, key risks, and exclusions of the policy. For details on benefits and key risks, please refer to the product brochure. For comprehensive policy terms, conditions, and exclusions, please refer to the policy provisions of this plan.

 

1. If the insured’s next actual age is between 52 and 61, the maximum sum insured is HKD 2,000,000.

2. If a registered medical practitioner certifies that the insured is highly likely to pass away within 12 months, and this certification is accepted by FWD Life, an advance death benefit will be paid to the policy beneficiary. The maximum advance death benefit payable per insured under all policies issued by FWD Life is HKD 16,000,000 (or USD 2,000,000). Once this benefit is paid to the policy beneficiary, the sum insured and premium will be adjusted accordingly. If the sum insured becomes zero after the advance death benefit payment, the basic plan (and any additional benefits, if applicable) will be terminated.

3. If you wish to convert the policy, a written application must be submitted to FWD Life. The conversion is subject to the rules and procedures applicable at the time of conversion by FWD Life, as well as the product options available at that time. For details, please refer to the policy provisions.

4. Personal insurance plans refer to those underwritten by FWD Life Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited (a limited liability company incorporated in Bermuda) (“FWD”), FWD Life (Hong Kong) Limited, FWD Life Insurance (Hong Kong) Limited, and FWD Life Insurance (Macau) Company Limited (“FWD Life”).

5. The “Special Vaccine Side Effect Protection” provides coverage for covered adverse reactions following the administration of specified vaccines, subject to terms and conditions. For more details on the “Special Vaccine Side Effect Protection”: https://bit.ly/3zW8YoB

6. The above premium information is updated as of 3 May 2022 and does not include the Insurance Authority levy on premiums.

7. Last updated on: 3 May 2022

 

The information in this article is provided by FWD Life for general reference only and does not take into account any individual needs or suitability, nor should it be considered as sales advice. Before purchasing insurance, you should consult a licensed insurance advisor to discuss a suitable insurance plan for yourself, and the information provided by the insurance company shall prevail.