[Liver Cancer Treatment Breakthrough] Li Ka Shing Foundation launches a tissue fragmentation technology grant scheme to support liver cancer patients. Sun Life永明萬家康尊尚保 flexibly covers innovative treatment.

Since 2024, the Li Ka Shing Foundation has donated three Histotripsy (tissue fragmentation technology) devices to the HKU Medical School, the CUHK Medical School and Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, making Hong Kong the first region in Asia to apply this technology. However, the Foundation has since received letters from patients, reflecting that the relevant treatment was not covered by insurance and that they could not afford the high medical costs. In response, the Foundation has launched a new round of the “Love Can Help” medical programme, partnering with CUHK Medical Centre, Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong and Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital to provide Histotripsy treatment to 200 eligible liver cancer patients within three years, allowing patients to undergo this non-invasive procedure for HK$50,000¹.

These letters reveal a thought-provoking issue: as medical technology continues to advance, without appropriate coverage, some patients may still be unable to truly benefit.

Histotripsy is a major breakthrough in liver cancer treatment in recent years, and it was officially approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2023 for the treatment of liver tumours. Put simply, it is a treatment that requires no surgery at all. Doctors use external equipment to emit high-intensity focused ultrasound, creating a “bubble cloud” within the tumour tissue. By harnessing the force generated by the rapid expansion and contraction of these bubbles, the tumour is broken down into tiny particles and then naturally absorbed by the body. The entire process involves no incision, no needle and no radiation, and patients’ recovery time after the procedure is also much shorter than with traditional surgery².

This technology is currently mainly suitable for patients with primary or metastatic liver cancer, and it offers an additional viable option, especially for those who are not suitable for conventional surgery. Whether a patient is suitable for this treatment still needs to be assessed by a specialist². At present, the LKS Faculty of Medicine of The University of Hong Kong, the Faculty of Medicine of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, and Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong all have relevant equipment in place².

The funding scheme of the Li Ka Shing Foundation has certainly brought tangible help and hope to many patients and their families. However, with limited quota and duration, medical protection planning remains essential when faced with the needs of a large number of patients. According to publicly available information from Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, Histotripsy treatment packages start from HK$308,000, with eligible Hong Kong residents receiving a HK$50,000 waiver, while the actual cost may vary depending on the tumour condition, the attending doctor and the choice of ward². This reflects the fact that, although new technology brings fresh hope for treatment, the resulting medical expenses also need to be planned for early.

Many people place their hopes in medical insurance, but the coverage limit of VHIS does not necessarily cover the full cost of such high-cost treatment. Therefore, when planning overall health protection, the lump-sum compensation provided by critical illness cover often plays a key complementary role. Not only can it help ease the financial pressure caused by illness, but it also enables patients to maintain their daily expenses during recovery.

When faced with sudden health challenges, one of the things patients most long for is peace of mind free from worries, which also reminds us of the importance of reviewing personal protection gaps early. The market is full of critical illness protection products, but when choosing the right insurance product, it is necessary to carefully consider whether the range of covered illnesses is comprehensive enough, whether the number of claims for different critical illnesses is sufficient, and whether the financial support after diagnosis can be sustained over time. Sun Life永明’s 萬家康尊尚保 is specifically designed to address these important areas in a comprehensive way, providing more considerate and longer-term support for protection.

From childhood illnesses to illnesses in later life, and from early critical illnesses to severe critical illnesses, Sun Life’s 萬家康尊尚 cover provides protection for 188 insured illnesses and 38 specified complex surgeries resulting from known and unknown illnesses. If the insured unfortunately develops liver cancer, they may receive a lump-sum payout, which can be used flexibly to meet treatment needs, including advanced medical treatments such as Histotripsy*. The plan’s dedicated “永安心現金支援保障” also provides the insured with 1% of the original coverage amount per month for up to 18 months, offering continuous cash flow throughout the patient’s recovery journey and helping to ease any financial burden they may face.

Studies show that having had cancer increases the likelihood of developing heart disease or stroke.⁵ However, standard cover in the market generally imposes a waiting period between critical illnesses, and policyholders may well face the risk of a gap in cover during that period. Sun Life’s 萬家康尊尚 provides the market’s first⁴ waiver of the waiting period between cancer, stroke and heart disease. If the insured unfortunately develops cancer and later suffers a stroke, a claim can be made without waiting, offering genuine support for customers’ needs when they are ill.

萬家康尊尚also offers market-first additional protection for male and female care, providing separate additional cover for 12 specified conditions for men and women, with extra compensation of up to 20% of the original sum insured. It genuinely gives customers comprehensive critical illness protection tailored to different life stages.

The charitable deeds of the Li Ka Shing Foundation have infused society with positive energy, and have also inspired us to think more about future health planning. The emergence of Histotripsy is only the starting point of medical innovation. As technology continues to advance, there will undoubtedly be more breakthrough therapies and innovative technologies emerging in the future, leading to increased medical costs.

Making health planning early is the most practical and reassuring gift you can give yourself. Is your protection plan ready to meet the future?

Notes and sources:
¹ Source: Hong Kong Economic Journal website: “Li Ka-shing Foundation joins forces with 3 hospitals to support non-invasive treatment for liver cancer”
² Source: Sun Life Hong Kong website: “What is histotripsy in liver cancer treatment? Understanding the latest developments in non-invasive liver cancer treatment in one article”
³ The description “market leader” is based on a comparison as at 25 April 2024 of critical illness plans for new policies provided by insurers on the Insurance Authority’s Register of Authorized Insurers carrying on composite business and long term business.
⁴ The description “market first” is based on a comparison as at 25 April 2024 of critical illness plans for new policies provided by insurers on the Insurance Authority’s Register of Authorized Insurers carrying on composite business and long term business.
⁵ Source: Chill Health website https://www.chillhealthhk.com/%E5%B8%B8%E8%A6%8B%E7%9A%84%E8%87%B4%E5%91%BD%E7%96%BE%E7%97%85%E4%BD%A0%E7%9F%A5%E9%81%93%E5%97%8E/

*The relevant coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.
For details of the definitions and full terms and conditions, including the key product risks, please refer to the sales brochure and policy documents. If there is any inconsistency between this article and the policy documents, the policy documents shall prevail.

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.