HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 September 2026 - FWD Hong Kong ("FWD") has announced a comprehensive upgrade to FWD Care, collaborating with HKSH Medical Group ("HKSH") and Haven of Hope Sister Annie Skau Holistic Care Centre ("SASHCC") respectively to launch a range of new support services covering the complimentary early detection for Alzheimer's disease, the expansion of a market-first1 complimentary cancer second medical opinion service, and a palliative care referral service. The enhanced offering provides FWD's health insurance customers with support beyond financials, accompanying customers at every step of their health journey.
Dr Joseph Chan, Chief Medical Officer of HKSH Medical Group and Deputy Medical Superintendent of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital (centre), joined Ken Lau, Managing Director of Greater China and Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer, FWD (right), and Kelvin Yu, Chief Proposition and Healthcare Officer, FWD Hong Kong & Macau (left), at an FWD Hong Kong sharing session, marking their collaboration to promote the early detection of Alzheimer's disease and the expansion of a complimentary cancer second medical opinion service.
FWD Hong Kong held a cheque presentation ceremony with Haven of Hope Sister Annie Skau Holistic Care Centre, marking FWD's donation in supporting SASHCC's palliative care services. (From right to left) Dr Paul Wong, Deputy Medical Superintendent, Haven of Hope Sister Annie Skau Holistic Care Centre, received the donation cheque on behalf of the centre from Kelvin Yu, Chief Proposition and Healthcare Officer, FWD Hong Kong & Macau.
FWD's latest survey2 found that 78% of respondents consider it equally important for insurance solutions to provide support beyond financials – such as second medical opinions and specialist referrals – in the event of a serious illness diagnosis. Almost 70% (69%) of the respondents further expect emotional, psychological and bereavement counselling to be available for patients and their families, indicating that public expectations of insurance services have moved beyond claims alone. The health and care burden of later life is also a concern for many Hong Kong people. Recognising this need, FWD has further enhanced FWD Care's services, which span prevention, treatment and recovery, by introducing later-life care to close the support gap for seniors and their families.
Ken Lau, Managing Director of Greater China and Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer, FWD, said, "The survey shows that when facing serious illnesses such as dementia and cancer, customers value treatment and care arrangements after diagnosis just as much as the financial support from claims settlement. FWD is committed to a customer-led approach and understands that they value support beyond financial protection. By deepening our collaboration with HKSH Medical Group and partnering with Haven of Hope Sister Annie Skau Holistic Care Centre for the first time, we are providing professional health support ranging from early detection screening to later-life care. We will continue to actively expand our network of health partners and enhance FWD Care to meet the diverse needs of our customers."
Dementia prevalence rises with age and awareness of palliative care remains low
Research by a local organisation3 indicates that the prevalence of dementia rises significantly with age: 10% of Hong Kong people aged 60 or above live with dementia, increasing to 50% among those aged 85 or above. As Hong Kong's population continues to age, the number of people living with dementia locally is projected to reach 550,000 by 2045, further intensifying demand for medical services and family care. FWD's survey findings echo these concerns, with 57% of respondents worried about developing dementia and losing the ability to look after themselves in later life.
On care during the final stage of life, the survey found that the largest proportion of respondents would prefer home care (30%), followed by a palliative care centre (23%) – both ahead of hospital (16%) and residential care homes for the elderly (13%). However, almost 70% (69%) of respondents said they did not understand or had never heard of palliative care services, and only 15% had made financial preparations for palliative care.
Collaborating with HKSH to offer free Alzheimer's disease screening for earlier detection and intervention
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, with pathological changes beginning more than a decade before symptoms appear. Many patients, however, only seek medical advice when there is obvious decline in cognitive ability, by which time the optimal treatment window may have passed. To address this gap, FWD has collaborated with HKSH to offer free Alzheimer's disease screening to eligible customers of FWD's full range of health insurance products4. The screening comprises one blood test and two consultations, with results explained by a designated Resident Medical Officer at the HKSH Family Medicine & Primary Care Centre (Happy Valley).
Dr Joseph Chan, Chief Medical Officer of HKSH Medical Group and Deputy Medical Superintendent of Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, said, "Population ageing is a structural shift faced by society as a whole, bringing an immense impact to patients, caregivers, and the entire public healthcare system. HKSH has long advocated preventive medicine, and deeply understands that meeting this challenge cannot rely on treating illness after it occurs, a proactive defence strategy focusing on early prevention and intervention is essential. With our strengthened collaboration with FWD, we hope to build a defence line for brain health, enabling early diagnosis and treatment through the Alzheimer's disease screening."
Assessing the p-Tau 217 biomarker through blood test is currently one of the key tools for evaluating the risk of Alzheimer's disease pathology. If necessary, further PET scan can be arranged to detect abnormal accumulation of Amyloid and Tau protein in the brain. Seizing this critical window to administer targeted medication during the early, mild stages of the disease can effectively delay brain damage caused by Alzheimer's disease, helping patients maintain cognitive function and quality of life.
FWD has also launched the "FWD MAX x HKSH - Protect Your Brain Health: Free Online Dementia Screening Test" campaign on its lifestyle experience platform, offering a short questionnaire enabling the public to detect changes in cognitive health early5.
In addition, FWD and HKSH have collaborated to expand the scope of a market-first1 complimentary cancer second medical opinion service to all health insurance customers. Following a confirmed diagnosis of cancer, the insured6 can attend a face-to-face consultation with a doctor from the HKSH Cancer Centre, who will review the relevant medical information and provide treatment recommendations, giving patients an additional professional opinion on their treatment options.
Joining hands with SASHCC on referral service to palliative care, relieving discomfort and providing emotional support for patients in the final stage of life
The FWD Care upgrade also extends to supporting patients in the final stage of life. FWD has partnered with SASHCC to add a referral service to palliative care under the FWD Care recovery plan, responding to the multiple medical, emotional and social support needs of patients and their families. Eligible customers7 under FWD Care recovery plan can be referred to SASHCC by a dedicated FWD Recovery Nurse8 on an as-needed basis for a comprehensive assessment conducted by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and social workers9.
Dr Paul Wong, Deputy Medical Superintendent, Haven of Hope Sister Annie Skau Holistic Care Centre, said, "Palliative care does not mean giving up on treatment. Its focus is on relieving physical discomfort and supporting emotional needs, so that patients can maintain their dignity and quality of life in the final stage of life, whilst their families are accompanied through this journey. Our assessments are carried out jointly by doctors, nurses and social workers to ensure that every aspect is properly addressed. Through this collaboration with FWD, families in need can receive support sooner whereby dedicated Recovery Nurses proactively refer their eligible customers to us."
Kelvin Yu, Chief Proposition and Healthcare Officer, FWD Hong Kong & Macau, said, "FWD Care moves beyond the traditional claims framework. It is designed around the customer's healthcare journey to provide professional support, in addition to financial protection, at every critical stage. This comprehensive upgrade to FWD Care extends from prevention, diagnosis and treatment through to recovery and later-life care, offering appropriate assistance precisely when our customers need it most, and reinforcing our commitment to being a solid partner for them and their families at every stage of life."
FWD Care is available to customers of designated critical illness and medical insurance products of FWD Life Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited (incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability) ("FWD"). The above information is for reference only, does not constitute the full terms of the coverage, and is subject to the terms and conditions of the relevant services.
1 Per a comparison made on 14 April 2025 among the key insurers in Hong Kong, FWD is the first insurer to collaborate with HKSH to launch the Cancer Management Programme. Free Cancer Second Medical Opinion is part of the Cancer Management Programme.
2 FWD commissioned "ESDlife", a major lifestyle and health media platform in Hong Kong, to conduct the "Hong Kong Later-life Health and Care Attitudes Survey" from June to July 2026, interviewing 1,106 Hong Kong residents aged between 25 and 65 via questionnaire.
3 Source: Hong Kong Alzheimer's Disease Association (https://www.hkada.org.hk/what-is-dementia). The relevant figures cite Lam, L., et al. (2023) Hong Kong Mental Morbidity Survey for Older People, Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; and Hong Kong Population Projections 2022-2046, Census and Statistics Department.
4 The offer is available to eligible insured persons aged 40 or above who successfully apply for a designated insurance product during the promotion period with annually payable premium. The promotion period runs from 15 July 2026 to 30 September 2026 (both dates inclusive), and eligible policies must be issued on or before 31 December 2026. The screening is conducted by a designated Resident Medical Officer at the HKSH Family Medicine & Primary Care Centre (Happy Valley) and comprises two consultations and one blood test for pTau217 (a biomarker). Designated insurance products include Crisis OneMaster Series, Crisis USupporter Series, Crisis EasyGo – UPrime Cover, NobleCare Premier Medical Plan, Jade Deluxe Premier Medical Insurance Plan, EBeyond Medical Insurance Solution, MyMillion Medical Plan, as well as vCore Medical Plan (VHIS Certification Number: S00036), vCare Medical Plan (VHIS Certification Number: F00015), vCare Supreme Medical Plan (VHIS Certification Number: F00032), vFamily Medical Plan (VHIS Certification Number: F00072), vCANsurance Medical Plan (VHIS Certification Number: F00051), vBooster Medical Plan (VHIS Certification Number: F00069), vPrime Signature Medical Plan (VHIS Certification Number: F00070) and vTheOne Medical Plan (VHIS Certification Number: F00067). Terms and conditions apply.
5 The Dementia Screening Test is based on the AD8 questionnaire and is intended for initial assessment only. It is not a substitute for a professional clinical assessment. If you have any questions about the test results, please seek professional assistance.
6 The HKSH cancer second medical opinion service is available to customers holding an FWD critical illness or medical policy who have received a confirmed diagnosis of cancer. Customers may arrange the service through FWD eServices or an FWD Recovery Nurse under the FWD Care recovery plan. The service is provided by HKSH Medical Group and the relevant arrangements are subject to terms and conditions.
7 Eligible customer refers to the Insured Person of designated individual life insurance products (in the case of an approved claim from FWD or FWD Life on Crisis Benefit or for benefits in relation to reimbursement of hospitalisation and surgical expenses or hospital cash due to Designated Diseases) or his/her spouse, children or parents (in case of successful claim of Death Benefit) ('Family Member') or one carer designated by Insured Person or Family Member ('Carer'). Designated individual life insurance products include the following individual insurance products underwritten by FWD (as defined in remark 1), FWD Life (Hong Kong) Limited and FWD Life Assurance Company (Hong Kong) Limited (FWD Life (Hong Kong) Limited and FWD Life Assurance Company (Hong Kong) Limited collectively called 'FWD Life'):
a. for Death Benefit: all individual life insurance products; and
b. for Crisis Benefit and benefits in relation to reimbursement of hospitalisation and surgical expenses or hospital cash: all individual medical products, such as indemnity hospital
insurance plans (including but not limited to Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme products) and individual critical illness insurance products
(Hereinafter called 'Designated Insurance Product(s)')
The respective Designated Insurance Products are subject to change as determined by FWD and FWD Life from time to time without further notice. The Policies of the Designated Insurance Products are subject to the respective policies' terms and conditions. Please refer to the product brochures and policy provisions for details.
8 The Recovery Nurses under the FWD Care recovery plan are healthcare professionals employed by third-party service providers and not FWD employees, agents or representatives. FWD shall not be responsible for or liable to their actions, negligence or omission. There is no charge for the designated Recovery Nurse support under the FWD Care recovery plan. The Recovery Nurses will make their best effort to arrange support services. The availability of these services cannot be guaranteed and will be subject to the availability of service providers. The Recovery Nurse and service providers have the sole discretion in deciding the types and frequency of support services on a case-by-case basis. Any disputes in relation to the Recovery Nurses and support services provided by service providers shall be resolved between the Eligible Customer and third-party service providers.
9 The referral service to palliative care is available to customers who joined the FWD Care recovery plan. Referral is subject to assessment by an FWD Recovery Nurse, and customers may not make a booking directly. The service is provided by Haven of Hope Sister Annie Skau Holistic Care Centre, and the relevant assessment and service fee arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions of SASHCC.
The services provided by HKSH Medical Group, HKSH Family Medicine & Primary Care Centre (Happy Valley) and Haven of Hope Sister Annie Skau Holistic Care Centre referred to above are currently provided by third-party service providers and do not form part of the policy provisions or benefit items under the policy. FWD makes no representation, warranty or undertaking as to the availability and quality of the services, and shall not accept any responsibility or liability for the services, opinions, treatment, negligence, omission or failure to act by such third-party service providers. FWD reserves the right to terminate or vary these services in its sole discretion without further notice. Details of the services may be revised from time to time without prior notice from FWD. FWD does not provide any medical advice and you should consult your own medical advisors for professional advice.
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About FWD Hong Kong
FWD Hong Kong is part of the FWD Group (1828.HK), a pan-Asian life and health insurance business that serves approximately 40 million customers across 10 markets, including BRI Life in Indonesia. FWD Hong Kong is firmly positioned as a top five pan-Asian insurer by business scale in Hong Kong*.
FWD Hong Kong has been assigned strong financial ratings by international agencies. It offers life and medical insurance, employee benefits, and financial planning.
FWD's customer-led and tech-enabled approach aims to deliver innovative propositions, easy-to-understand products and a simpler insurance experience. Established in 2013, the company operates in some of the fastest-growing insurance markets in the world with a vision of changing the way people feel about insurance. FWD Group is listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code 1828.
For more information about FWD Hong Kong, please visit www.fwd.com.hk.
*According to Provisional Statistics on Hong Kong Long Term Insurance Business - January to December 2025, Insurance Authority of Hong Kong, as well as FWD's own assessment based on market information, FWD ranks among the top five pan-Asian insurers in Hong Kong in both new business first year premium and new business case count rankings. Calculated based on individual and group businesses. Pan-Asian insurers refer to multinational insurers currently having a well-established operation in the Asian market with multiple distribution channels.
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