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 - 23 August 2026 - Happitat, the World's First Happiness Destination and a landmark of happiness on Bangna Km. 7 by CP Axtra Public Company Limited (CP Axtra), officially opens its doors to welcome everyone into a world of happiness. THE GRAND CELEBRATION OF HAPPITAT "THE MAGICAL DESTINATION OF HAPPINESS" features a full day of activities and experiences, before reaching the grand climax with "The Sky Canvas of Happiness," transforming the forest and sky with more than 2,222 drones, music and performances.

Happitat Celebrates Its Grand Opening, Transforming Over 200,000 Sq.m. from Land to Sky with a Record-Breaking 2,222-Drone Show, as Zhou Yiran Leads Over 100 Artists in a Festival of Happiness

As consumer behaviours and lifestyles continue to evolve, consumers are increasingly looking beyond places for shopping towards spaces where they can spend time, enjoy aspects of everyday life, and come together across generations. In response, CP Axtra continues to advance its shopping centre business under the Happy & Healthy Mall concept. Building on this approach, Happitat serves as the Master Model for Destination Creation, developed under the Happiness-Led Destination concept and placing "happiness" at the heart of its design, bringing together spaces, nature, food, lifestyle, entertainment and imaginative experiences.

The journey begins with Immersive Experiences through the largest and highest-resolution indoor digital display in Southeast Asia. "The Butterfly Trail" invites visitors to discover rare butterflies waiting to be set free, while "Forest of Time" takes them on a mission to bring a sleeping forest back to life. At Whimsical Market, more than 60 restaurants and cafés come together with Happitat's IP Characters and a Light & Sound Show.

As the sun sets, "The Sky Canvas of Happiness" brings the Butterfly Phenomenon concept to life through music, performances and technology. More than 40 members of the MAHIDOL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA are joined by Tor – Saksit, Violette Wautier and WIM (Karn Kasidej), before more than 2,222 drones transform the sky above Happitat into a canvas of happiness, setting a new record in Thailand.

The celebration continues across Happitat with more than 100 artists and celebrities, including Chompoo Araya's family, Freen – Sarocha, Butterbear & Bianca, Yin–War, Jung, Cullen, Judy and Dan. The opening celebration concludes with a special surprise from Zhou Yiran, the popular Chinese actor, before the evening reaches its final chapter with an After Party featuring THE TOYS and Nittaya Boonsungnern.

Behind the experiences are Happitat's 3 main buildings: Bloominas, a premium lifestyle hub; Wonderwild, a world of happiness for children and families; and Festie Town, a hub of entertainment and celebration in a Semi-Outdoor setting.

This official opening is only the beginning. New experiences, activities and events will continue to bring colour and life to the destination, making this Bangna landmark a place where people will want to return, spend time, discover something new and create memories together. Happitat is ready to move forward as the World's First Happiness Destination, making 'happiness' part of every aspect of everyday life.

For the latest news, activities and new experiences from Happitat, follow Facebook Page: Happitat Thailand or the website www.happitatthailand.com.

Hashtag: #Happitat

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

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