Medical Inflation Drives Up Group Medical Insurance Costs Blue Cross Upgrades Caring Medical Protection Plus to Address Coverage Gaps

Enhancing Employees’ Access to Extensive, Affordable and Continuous Protection

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 August 2026 – As medical costs continue to rise, businesses are facing increasing pressure to provide medical benefits for their employees. According to Health Trends 2026, Hong Kong's medical trend rate is projected to reach 10.5% this year^*. Research by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University also indicates that the average premium per employee for group medical insurance is expected to exceed HK$10,000 this year^#, reflecting the growing pressure on employers to balance adequate coverage with cost control. In view of this growing concern, Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited ("Blue Cross") has announced the launch of the upgraded Caring Medical Protection Plus plan. Designed for existing Blue Cross group medical insurance members, the plan helps address coverage gaps and enhance continuity of protection.

Three optional benefits enhance individual and family protection

The upgraded Caring Medical Protection Plus is designed specifically for employees insured under Blue Cross group medical insurance plans, enabling them to enhance their existing coverage at an affordable premium and extend protection to their spouse and children. The plan also allows the insured to maintain continuous coverage even when they change jobs or retire.

In addition to Basic Hospital and Surgical Benefits, the upgraded plan offers three optional benefits to meet customers' different needs: Optional Outpatient Benefits, Optional Dental Benefits and the newly introduced Optional Supplementary Medical Benefit. These benefits cover common medical expenses, including consultations with general practitioners, specialists, Chinese medicine practitioners and physiotherapists, as well as dental fillings and extractions. Whether for optional supplementary medical benefit, outpatient medical services at non-network clinics or dental treatments¹ (such as fillings and extractions), 80% of eligible expenses will be reimbursed, with customers only bearing the remaining 20%. Moreover, no network co-payment is required for selected plan levels under the Optional Outpatient Benefits when customers use in-network providers, helping to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Other key features of the plan include:

• Simple enrolment: Except under certain circumstances, no underwriting is required², eliminating the need for medical examinations and lengthy procedures. Pre-existing conditions are also covered^3,4,5. The plan may be renewed annually⁶ with coverage until age 100.
• Worldwide medical coverage: Basic Hospital and Surgical Benefits are applicable worldwide⁷, and the corresponding benefit limits remain unchanged.
• Cashless arrangement for gastroscopy and colonoscopy day procedures⁸.
• Value-added services to enhance healthcare experience: Customers may purchase additional services according to their needs, including access to the Mainland Healthcare Network⁹, Pre-Assessment Service, Cashless Service¹⁰ and 24-Hour Worldwide Emergency Aid Service.

From now until 31 December 2026, existing Blue Cross group medical insurance members who successfully enrol in Caring Medical Protection Plus will be eligible for Enrolment Rewards ⁺. These include premiums at up to 19% off^{^} and a limited-time waiver of the designated enrolment period, allowing eligible customers to enrol at any time. Customers who enrol in a designated premium amount^@ will also receive Hong Kong Disneyland tickets and supermarket coupons valued at up to HK$1,000.

Expanding medical networks and support services

To further enhance the healthcare experience for customers, Blue Cross continues to expand its medical network in the Greater Bay Area ("GBA"). Last year, it partnered with United Family Healthcare, Hong Kong Integrated Oncology Centre and HEAL Oncology under New Frontier Group, as well as Zhongshan Chen Xinghai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, to create a healthcare ecosystem in the GBA. The network offers direct billing services and supports customers through different stages of the healthcare journey, from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and recovery.

In June this year, Blue Cross launched its Musculoskeletal Care Support Service in collaboration with multiple healthcare institutions in Hong Kong and the GBA, including U Care, CUHK Medical Centre, Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, Shenzhen New Frontier United Family Hospital and CORES Physiotherapy & Sports Training Centre. Guided by a dedicated Health Concierge, customers receive one-stop support throughout their healthcare journey from diagnosis to surgery and rehabilitation, improving treatment outcomes and overall experience.

Promoting public awareness of protection

In addition, Blue Cross continues to promote public awareness of the importance of protection through different community touchpoints. Recently, it extended this initiative to an everyday essential by distributing limited-edition eco-friendly tissue packs free of charge at selected restaurants and clinics across Hong Kong. Each tissue pack contains a "Words of Wisdom" card featuring practical tips on healthcare, daily living, holiday planning, and vehicle maintenance. Members of the public can also scan the QR code on the card to get a limited-time premium discount of up to 35% on general insurance products.

• This press release is for distribution in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region only. The distribution of this press release is not and shall not be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or a provision of any insurance product outside the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
• Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited is a subsidiary of AIA Group Limited. It is not affiliated with or related in any way to Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association or any of its affiliates or licensees.

Hashtag: #BlueCross

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited

Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited ("Blue Cross") is a subsidiary of AIA Group Limited. With over 55 years of operational experience in the insurance industry, Blue Cross provides a comprehensive range of products and services, including medical, travel and general insurance, which cater to the needs of both individual and corporate customers. Blue Cross distributes its products through various channels, including AIA agency force, online platform, direct sales, BEA network, insurance agents and brokers, as well as travel agencies.

In 2025, Blue Cross is assigned financial strength rating of A+ (stable outlook) and issuer credit rating of A+ (stable outlook) by S&P Global Ratings.

** This press release is distributed by Media OutReach Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 October 2026 – Agoda, an online travel platform that is part of Booking Holdings, has its largest office worldwide in Bangkok, with more than 4,500 staff — over half its global workforce. The Bangkok team develops software algorithms, artificial intelligence, and data analytics that help drive the platform, which offers accommodations in more than 200 countries and territories.

Agoda has received investment promotion from the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) for International Business Center activity. Agoda's Bangkok base underscores Thailand's potential to become a tech talent hub.

Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the BOI, visited the office at the One Bangkok complex and met Agoda Chief Executive Omri Morgenshtern and senior management. The Bangkok site serves as Agoda's Global Tech & Operations Hub, with systems developed in Thailand deployed across a platform that lists more than 6 million properties in 39 languages. The company employs more than 8,000 people in 25 markets.

More than half of the Bangkok staff are Thai, while about 2,000 foreign specialists come from more than 80 countries. Roles range from software engineering, data science and AI to product management, marketing and international business management.

"Thailand has a deep pool of skilled people in data analytics, IT and communications, engineering and business management, and an open work culture where people of many nationalities collaborate well," Mr. Narit said. "Combining Thai and foreign expertise allows the company to place complex, high value-added activities in Thailand while creating opportunities to transfer knowledge, upgrade skills, and build the country's tech ecosystem over the long term."

Agoda's foreign experts get help with visas and work permits in one place. The BOI, the Immigration Bureau, and the Department of Employment facilitate both through the Thailand Investment and Expat Service Center, a one-stop service at One Bangkok, where Agoda's office is also based. That helps experts from around the world join Thai teams quickly and conveniently. It suits a business that constantly trains, coordinates, and travels internationally.

Agoda also runs a talent pipeline with Thai universities. Its Tech Camp Day, held three times a year, brings in more than 100 students per session, and its internship program takes more than 500 students a year from over 10 universities. More than 20 percent of interns have gone on to join the company.

"Working at a global technology company gives Thai professionals exposure to the standards, tools, and working methods of international teams," Morgenshtern said. "That experience can be carried into new businesses, startups, and the upgrading of companies across industries, spreading knowledge and supporting Thailand's long-term economic growth."

"A global company like Agoda choosing Thailand as its main base for high-skilled technology work is an example of success in attracting investment driven by people and knowledge," Mr. Narit said. "These investments create high-value jobs and give Thais the chance to work with experts from around the world. The skills they gain today will help them build new businesses and develop the country in the years ahead."

Hashtag: #Thailandboardofinvestment #BOI #FDI #Investment

https://www.boi.go.th/en/index/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)

Established in 1966, the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) has spent six decades promoting high-value investment from both foreign and Thai investors, strengthening the country's competitiveness and driving its transition toward a sustainable, balanced new economy.

Investment Services Center – PR Section, Office of the Board of Investment (BOI)

555 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 Tel. +66 (0) 2553 8111, Fax +66 (0) 2553 8222

** This press release is distributed by Media OutReach Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

Agoda Makes Bangkok Its Largest Office Worldwide, with More Than 4,500 Staff

Agoda Makes Bangkok Its Largest Office Worldwide, with More Than 4,500 Staff