Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-07-24
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
With soaring medical costs due to inflation, everything from check-ups to surgeries is getting pricier. Add an aging population, and you’re often shouldering healthcare bills for the whole family. Since VHIS launched on April 1, 2019, it’s the perfect chance to reassess if your current coverage can handle unexpected medical expenses—don’t miss out on better protection!
Online insurance comparison platform imSure surveyed around 1,000 folks aged 18 to 64 via an online questionnaire at the end of April 2019. They found that a whopping 88% of respondents have some medical insurance coverage; among them, 74% bought individual medical plans, 52% are covered by employer group medical insurance, and over half have purchased medical insurance for their elderly family members, spouses, and kids.
| Do you have medical insurance coverage? | |
| 88% have medical insurance coverage | 74% have purchased individual medical insurance |
| 52% have group medical insurance coverage | 52% have purchased medical insurance for family |
imSure’s survey revealed that the top 3 types of medical insurance people buy for themselves are critical illness protection (56%), reimbursement-based hospitalization and surgical coverage (50%), and personal accident protection (41%). Respondents mainly worry about medical costs rising with age (55%), prompting their decision to get insured.
| Types of medical insurance purchased for oneself | ||
| 56%
Critical illness protection |
50%
Hospitalization and surgical coverage |
41%
Personal accident protection |
As for buying medical insurance for family, the biggest reason is the fear of sudden hefty medical bills (50%). The types bought for parents and spouses are similar, with critical illness protection topping the list (57% and 68% respectively); for kids, hospitalization and surgical coverage leads (62%). This shows that considerations for buying medical coverage vary for oneself and different family age groups.
| Types of medical insurance purchased for parents | ||
| 57%
Critical illness protection |
51%
Hospitalization and surgical coverage |
38%
Personal accident protection |
| Types of medical insurance purchased for spouses | ||
| 68%
Critical illness protection |
54%
Hospitalization and surgical coverage |
47%
Personal accident protection |
| Types of medical insurance purchased for children | ||
| 51%
Critical illness protection |
62%
Hospitalization and surgical coverage |
52%
Personal accident protection |
Insurance Considerations for Different Age Groups
imSure Product Director Ko Wing Fai notes that many working folks think they’re young and healthy. But even sports can lead to injuries: “For instance, playing soccer or hiking could result in a torn knee ligament. If you don’t want to wait too long in public hospitals and delay treatment, having inpatient and surgical coverage allows you to opt for private hospitals.”
The survey found that most respondents buy inpatient and surgical coverage (62%) for their children, which Ko Wing Fai finds reasonable. “Newborns have weaker immunity, facing higher risks of flu, high fever, and even hospitalization; on the other hand, critical illness coverage might not be parents’ top priority.”
As for the elderly, they’re at high risk for hidden diseases surfacing, and buying critical illness insurance for them is pricier, yet 57% of respondents still insure their parents. Also, considering some chronic patients may need extended hospital stays, over half buy inpatient and surgical coverage for parents. “Better safe than sorry—filial children shouldn’t overlook common injuries, as seniors’ bones are more fragile, and a fall at home can be serious.”
Whether you’re planning to buy VHIS, traditional medical insurance, or critical illness coverage in the future, it’s best to understand the different categories and coverage scopes before deciding, to make the wisest and most suitable choice.
Original: [imSure VHIS Survey] What to Consider When Buying for Family and Yourself?
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