FWD Hong Kong launches new "Crisis AllSupporter Insurance Plan" Series

Adopting the "Standardised CI Definitions" across all new and existing CI policies, while applying more favourable definitions to customers

"Crisis AllSupporter Insurance Plan" Series features market-first³ family protection concept, safeguarding the health of three generations

Leading the way for "FWD The Next Standard"

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 October 2026 – FWD Hong Kong (FWD) has announced the launch of its new "Crisis AllSupporter Insurance Plan" Series (the "Crisis AllSupporter" Series), making it the first newly launched critical illness product in Hong Kong¹ to receive the "Standardised Critical Illness Definitions" Q-mark² from the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers (HKFI). The Crisis AllSupporter Series broadens coverage upon the solid foundation of crises, adding in mild conditions, a number of special diseases, multiple-claim protection and extended support following a crisis. Featuring a market-first³ family protection concept, the series further strengthens coverage for children and parents without needing them to undergo health underwriting. Together with a special focus on elderly disease protection, the series safeguard health across three generations.

Photo caption: Kelvin Yu, Chief Proposition and Healthcare Officer, FWD Hong Kong & Macau (left), announce the new Crisis AllSupporter Insurance Plan Series, Hong Kong's first critical illness product to receive the HKFI's "Standardised Critical Illness Definitions" Q-mark. The launch was witnessed by Selina Lau, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers (right).

Standardisation of critical illness definitions make coverage clearer and easier to understand

The definitions of critical illness conditions within critical illness policies vary across insurers in Hong Kong. To address this, the HKFI has introduced the Best Practice on Standardisation of Critical Illness Definitions, which aims to enhance transparency and customer protection. The HKFI has also introduced a Q-mark² scheme to help the public identify new products that adopt these standardised definitions.

FWD actively supports the HKFI's Best Practice on Standardisation of Critical Illness Definitions. In fact, the newly launched Crisis AllSupporter Series is the very first new critical illness product in Hong Kong¹ to earn the HKFI's standardisation Q-mark². FWD goes a step further with the FavourU Approach⁴. More favourable disease definitions shall apply should there be any inconsistencies or conflicts between the corresponding disease definitions in FWD critical illness policy and HKFI's standardised CI definitions, giving customers peace of mind.

Selina Lau, Chief Executive, The Hong Kong Federation of Insurers, said, "The HKFI is committed to promoting the standardisation of critical illness definitions by establishing a common industry benchmark for the most frequently diagnosed conditions. This will help minimise consumer confusion caused by varying definitions, while enhancing overall transparency and the claims experience. We welcome FWD Hong Kong launching the first critical illness product with our Q-mark², demonstrating strong support to provide consumers with clearer and more straightforward protection."

Ken Lau, Managing Director of Greater China and Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer, FWD, said, "FWD Hong Kong fully supports the HKFI's initiative to standardise critical illness definitions. Through our Crisis AllSupporter Series, which is the first to receive the HKFI's Q-mark², we are embracing this new industry benchmark and taking it a step further by pioneering a better-off approach across our entire range of critical illness products. This ensures that both new and existing customers always benefit from the most favourable definitions, a commitment that perfectly embodies the spirit of 'FWD The Next Standard'. By putting customers first and continuously elevating the insurance experience, we ensure our protection keeps pace with the evolving health needs of families, supporting them as they embrace every stage of life."

Three plan levels to suit different budgets and coverage needs

• All Good —Affordable core cover: Designed for customers seeking to build a foundation of critical illness protection with affordable premiums, this tier covers 62 critical illnesses, angioplasty of coronary artery, carcinoma-in-situ and early-stage cancer of specific organs, with an Additional Coverage Benefit to offer extra protection. The plan also offers coverage for mild conditions or unknown illnesses meeting the relevant criteria, and the Protection Restore Benefit will 100% restore the crisis or death protection after advance payment.

• All Better —Extensive advanced cover: Building on the core foundation of All Good, this tier further broadens coverage to a total of 86 special diseases, including 28 juvenile-specific diseases such as ADHD, and multiple benefit claims of up to 9 times at a total of 1290% of initial sum insured for designated crises, providing sustained support for customers facing different medical conditions. The plan also offers Income Benefit for cancer, heart attack or stroke; if fertility treatment is medically necessary due to the diagnosis of crisis, Infertility Benefit will be paid to support family planning after crisis.

• All Great —Supreme comprehensive cover: Designed for customers seeking more comprehensive critical illness protection and support during treatment on top of All Better, this tier includes additional coverage relating to the use of experimental drugs for designated crises or admission to an intensive care unit due to the claimed crisis, addressing diverse customer needs throughout their treatment journey.

Kelvin Yu, Chief Proposition and Healthcare Officer, FWD Hong Kong & Macau, said, "When choosing critical illness protection, customers look beyond just the number of conditions covered. What matters most is whether that protection meets their practical needs across different medical conditions, treatment stages, and life roles. The Crisis AllSupporter Series broadens coverage upon the solid foundation of crises, adding mild conditions, special diseases, multiple-claim protection and extended support following a crisis. By offering three distinct plan levels, we empower customers to strike the right balance between their budget and their desired scope of coverage. Furthermore, by incorporating our market-first³ family protection concept, the Series further strengthens coverage for children and parents without needing them to undergo health underwriting, allowing customers to safeguard the health needs across three generations while planning their own personal protection."

One policy for three generations with new elderly-related protection

Beyond individual critical illness protection, the Crisis AllSupporter Series further strengthens its family protection offering. Through the optional "Family Booster"⁵ benefit, customers can extend specified coverage to their parents and children without having them to answer any health underwriting questions during application. The coverage limit for specified diseases for parents and children are up to 25% and 30% respectively of the initial sum insured⁶, covering cancer, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer's disease / irreversible organic degenerative brain disorders or Parkinson's disease for parents, and 62 critical illnesses and 28 juvenile-specific diseases (such as ADHD and severe eczema) for children. This empowers customers to seamlessly provide for their family's health needs while securing their own protection.

In response to an ageing population and the growing focus on seniors' health, the new series also offers the optional "AgeWell Support"⁵ tailored for older age groups. For diseases such as Alzheimer's disease / irreversible organic degenerative brain disorders or Parkinson's disease, 6% of initial sum insured will be paid as lifelong annuity per year until termination of the policy; eligible expenses for related treatment, training courses and caregiver support will also be reimbursed. It also covers treatment costs for severe osteoporosis, and eligible customers can receive regular health check-ups or dental care, allowing customers and their families to plan ahead for their protection needs in later life with greater confidence.

¹ Per a comparison made on 9 Oct 2026 among the critical illness insurance plans of key insurers available in Hong Kong, FWD is the first company in Hong Kong to launch new critical illness product which meets HKFI Standardised CI definitions. This statement is based solely on currently available market information and FWD's understanding thereof. FWD accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

² The HKFI has standardised 16 major and 5 minor Critical Illness (CI) conditions, as well as a common term "Activities of Daily Living" (ADL). The policy has adopted the standardised CI definitions (version 2026) . For the actual definitions of coverage under the policy, please refer to the policy documents and provisions.

³ Per a comparison made on 30 September 2026 among the critical illness insurance plans of key insurers available in Hong Kong, FWD is the first insurance company in Hong Kong to launch Infertility Benefit, Lifestyle Management Program, Crisis Medical Booster Benefit for Designated Crises, Extended Critical Medical Care Benefit, Family Booster (optional benefit), and AgeWell Support (optional benefit) and is the first insurer to collaborate with HKSH to launch the Cancer Management Program.

⁴ The actual scope and arrangements for applying the FavourU Approach are subject to the relevant policy provisions, the HKFI's standardised critical illness definitions, and FWD Hong Kong's final underwriting and claims decisions. For diagnostic eligibility and coverage restrictions of relevant crisis, special disease and a covered disease with conditions related to "Activities of Daily Living" (ADL), please refer to the full terms of policy provisions and subject to the final decisions of Claims.

⁵ "Family Booster" and "AgeWell Support" are optional benefits. Customers must meet the relevant eligibility requirements and terms and conditions.

⁶ All benefit percentages are calculated based on the initial sum insured.

Hashtag: #FWDHongKong

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

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 over 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 health 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 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.

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

Following a dramatic confinement trial with Joe Wicks MBE, psychiatrist warns that trying to forcibly suppress stress may fuel physical burnout

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2026 – For millions of busy Hong Kong professionals, daily stress and anxiety are often internalised as personal weaknesses or frustrating obstacles to career performance. Following World Mental Health Day, Bupa Group's new global health experiment video series, Health or Hype, challenges this perspective by exploring a counter-intuitive question: What if anxiety is not our enemy, but a biological signal meant to protect us?

Following a dramatic confinement trial with Joe Wicks MBE, psychiatrist warns that trying to forcibly suppress stress may fuel physical burnout

The video series features British fitness coach and best-selling author Joe Wicks MBE taking part in a confinement challenge designed to trigger feelings of stress and anxiety. To demonstrate some of the ways acute anxiety can affect human physiology in real-time, Wicks took part in a monitored challenge inside a purpose-built, pitch-black wooden box. As the door was fastened shut, Wick experienced an immediate physical respond—his heart rate surged, his breathing turned rapid and shallow, and he described a knot and cramping sensation in his stomach.

Psychotherapist Owen O'Kane, who supported Wicks during the challenge, explained that these involuntary physical reactions are primal survival mechanisms. In modern high-pressure environments, however, individuals routinely fall into the trap of trying to suppress, numb, or mentally fight these uncomfortable sensations. O'Kane highlights that attempting to eradicate anxiety may paradoxically reinforce the brain's perception of threat; instead, learning to acknowledge anxiety without judgment allows the mind to regain emotional equilibrium. In the episode, breathwork specialist Liza Al Sady guides Wicks and international rugby legend Ruby Tui through targeted nasal diaphragmatic breathing, demonstrating how extending exhalations directly stimulates the vagus nerve to calm the nervous system.

To help Hong Kong's busy professionals find a realistic balance and navigate intense corporate pressure, Dr. Oliver Chan, Specialist in Psychiatry, shares his medical perspective on the brain's stress response, "Many professionals in Hong Kong view anxiety as a personal failing, trying to force themselves to 'stop worrying' through sheer willpower. But from a brain-science perspective, during intense panic or acute anxiety, the brain's threat-response system can temporarily overpower logical reasoning. Think of anxiety as your body's internal smoke alarm. When you face enormous stress or overwhelming workloads, this alarm goes off, flooding your body with stress hormones that could impair the functioning of brain regions involved in attention, planning and rational decision-making. Your heart races, your breathing gets shallow, and your body enters survival mode.

The biggest mistake people make is trying to argue with the alarm. If you try to fight, ignore, or feel ashamed of the anxiety, your brain assumes the danger is escalating, making the alarm ring even louder and eventually leading to prolonged psychological distress and fatigue. Instead, we must learn to shut off the alarm physically before we can calm down mentally. Simple breathing techniques, specifically making your out-breath significantly longer than your in-breath, act as a physical brake pedal. It may help shift the body towards a calmer physiological state and reduce the intensity of the stress response. Treating anxiety not as an enemy, but as an internal alert system we can actively manage, is essential for long-term health in a high-pressure city like Hong Kong."

Your 60-Second Desktop Reset: Calming the Nervous System
Instead of trying to fight or suppress the physical feelings of stress, try this simple, clinically backed reset to soothe your nervous system during your workday:

• Unclench and Ground: Place both feet flat on the floor, drop your shoulders away from your ears, and consciously unclamp your jaw.
• Nasal Diaphragmatic Breath: Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of 3, allowing your abdomen to expand rather than your chest.
• Extended Exhale: Slowly exhale through your nose for a count of 5 or 6. Making the exhale visibly longer than the inhale increases parasympathetic activity and may naturally modulate your heart rate

Caring for mental wellbeing is not about eliminating stress entirely. By recognising anxiety as a natural signal and learning simple tools to reset our nervous system, every Hong Kong professional can cultivate sustainable resilience.

Watch the full episode and see Joe Wicks take part in the confinement challenge on YouTube: What if anxiety isn't the enemy? Joe Wicks finds out - Health or Hype Episode 5: Anxiety - YouTube

Hashtag: #BupaHongKong #HealthorHype #HealthInsurance #HealthTips #StressManagement #WorkplaceHealth #EmployeeWellbeing #BurnoutPrevention

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

Bupa – A health insurance specialist

Established in 1947, Bupa's purpose is helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world. We are an international healthcare company serving over 68 million customers worldwide. With no shareholders, we reinvest profits into providing more and better healthcare for the benefit of current and future customers. Bupa has businesses around the world, principally in Australia, the UK, Spain, Poland, Chile, Hong Kong SAR, India, Türkiye, Brazil, Mexico and New Zealand. We also have associate businesses in Saudi Arabia.

Bupa has been a health insurance specialist in Hong Kong since 1976, offering one-stop solutions across domestic and international health insurance, and healthcare services. Our comprehensive medical insurance schemes are tailored to meet individual needs, and we provide health solutions for companies of all sizes. We also have a team of registered nurses, health management professionals, and doctors who provide various expert healthcare support.

Our healthcare provision arm, Quality HealthCare Medical Services (QHMS), became part of Bupa in October 2013. QHMS offers Western Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Diagnostics & Imaging, Physiotherapy, Mental Health and Wellness services via a network of over 1,650 provider service points in Hong Kong.

For more information, visit www.bupa.com.hk/en/.

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