Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-07-09
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Hitting your 40s often means your career is on track and your income has grown since your 20s or 30s. But as you reach life’s peak, health risks climb too. The Bowtie team brings in a financial expert to share personal stories and guide you on choosing the right protection for your needs.
Health Issues You Might Face at 40
According to Hospital Authority statistics , from 2011 to 2020, over 31,000 people aged 40 to 49 were diagnosed with cancer. That’s nearly double the number for those aged 30 to 39, and a staggering 10 times higher than the 20 to 29 age group. The risk of cancer at this age is definitely not to be ignored!
Based on articles from international medical institutions, individuals over 40, besides the health risks mentioned in our [Insurance Planning at 30] post, should also be aware of the following health concerns:
- High Blood Pressure: As one of the “three highs,” high blood pressure risk accumulates with age. Globally, about 16 to 37% of people suffer from it. Long-term high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, making it closely linked to modern causes of death.
- Kidney Stones: Since kidney stones develop over time, unhealthy lifestyle and dietary habits can lead to their formation by the age of 40. While they often pass naturally, surgery may be required if they don’t.
- Joint Inflammation: Cartilage, which acts as a cushion between joints, wears down over time, leading to pain and discomfort. In severe cases, it can even affect mobility.
- Diabetes: Due to poor diet, stress, and obesity—common urban issues—those over 40 face a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes . Regular blood sugar monitoring is crucial at this age to prevent serious complications like heart disease , stroke , and kidney failure .
- Osteoporosis: Bone density loss accelerates after 40, with women and those with limited sun exposure at higher risk of osteoporosis . This condition shows no obvious symptoms but increases the risk of fractures.
Real Stories: Middle Age and Chronic Pain Trends
In my articles on [20s Insurance Planning] and [30s Insurance Planning] , I’ve shared heartbreaking stories of friends passing away from cancer or battling the “three highs” (high blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar). It’s clear that serious illnesses like cancer aren’t just for the elderly—they’re striking younger folks too.
But beyond these critical conditions, as we age, the saying “old age, worn-out machine” rings true. Even if you dodge major diseases, aches and pains often creep in.
Among my clients and friends in their 40s, many grumble about various pains—backaches from poor posture, knee soreness from wear and tear. These issues mess with daily life, and in severe cases, even work and sleep take a hit. Beyond joint pain, some mention recurring headaches or abdominal discomfort. These are red flags, possibly hinting at high blood pressure or internal organ issues lurking beneath the surface.
Yet, the 40s to 50s decade is often the golden era of career growth, with income far surpassing younger years. This age group has the means to act before minor niggles turn into chronic nightmares. It’s the perfect time to secure comprehensive coverage, heed your body’s warnings, and seek early treatment.
Key Insurance Needs to Consider at 40
Compared to those in their 20s or early 30s, folks in their 40s are often settled with families or hitting career milestones, entering a stable, rewarding life phase. But in a world of high inflation, medical costs are skyrocketing too. Over the past decade, treatment and doctor fees have surged by over 50%, sometimes doubling. Today’s basic coverage might not cut it for tomorrow’s medical bills.
Take medical insurance coverage as an example. An annual limit of HK$1 million might just cover cancer treatment costs today. But with current medical inflation rates, that same HK$1 million might only pay for half the treatment in 20 years! In short, what seems “enough” now won’t fully shield you from future healthcare expenses.
Boost Your Medical and Critical Illness Coverage
Advances in medical tech and drugs are driving up costs, while everyday living expenses keep climbing. Higher medical and critical illness coverage is a must to ensure you’re protected against health battles down the road.
If your current medical coverage is just a few hundred thousand to HK$1 million annually, now’s the time—while finances are more flexible—to upgrade. Consider opting for plans with no sub-limits on claims and annual coverage exceeding several million, like premium medical insurance , to tackle the inevitable medical inflation ahead.
For critical illness insurance, reassess if your coverage matches your family’s income and expenses. Ensure it can support 2-3 years of living costs if you’re struck by a serious illness. Think about increasing your coverage from HK$1 million to HK$2 million, or upgrading to a multiple critical illness protection plan that pays out for more than one claim, just to be safe.
If you lack company medical insurance, go for a plan with “Supplementary Major Medical” (SMM) benefits, such as Bowtie VHIS Flexi Plus . If your company offers group medical coverage, opt for premium plans with “deductible” options to avoid overlapping coverage.
For those who’ve settled down with a family, the risks faced by your partner and children are also your own. So, while checking if your coverage is enough, don’t forget to thoroughly review the protection for your loved ones too!
Take Bowtie VHIS Flexi Plus as an example, the total premium over 5 years is only about HK$40,000 – HK$45,000 :
| Bowtie VHIS Flexi Plus
Monthly Premium |
Male | Female |
| Age 40 | $602 | $715 |
| Age 41 | $639 | $737 |
| Age 42 | $677 | $759 |
| Age 43 | $709 | $785 |
| Age 44 | $724 | $806 |
| Total Over 5 Years | $40,212 | $45,624 |
=> Learn More About Coverage Details & Policy Terms
Get a Quote for Bowtie VHIS Flexi Plus Now
Bowtie Pink Monthly Premiums from $250
Take the full reimbursement* plan Bowtie Pink (Ward) as an example, the total premium over 5 years is only about $17,000 :
| Bowtie Pink (Ward) VHIS Monthly Premium (HK$80,000 Deductible) | ||
| 40 years old | $264 | |
| 41 years old | $276 | |
| 42 years old | $286 | |
| 43 years old | $298 | |
| 44 years old | $309 | |
| Total over 5 years | $17,196 | |
=> Learn More About Coverage and Policy Details
Get a Preliminary Quote for Bowtie Pink VHIS
Boost Life Coverage Based on Family Needs
If you’ve already bought a home, or even upgraded from a small flat to a larger one, the mortgage debt you carry might far exceed your current life insurance coverage. In the unfortunate event of losing the family’s main breadwinner, a life insurance payout of several million can ensure your loved ones don’t have to worry about mortgage payments or children’s expenses. More importantly, it provides your partner with a financial buffer and time to grieve, while transitioning to become the new financial pillar of the family and taking on remaining debts and responsibilities.
At this stage, a no-savings-component term life insurance like Bowtie Term Life can help you boost your life coverage at an affordable premium.
Non-Smoking Males Aged 40 to 44
| Monthly Premium per HK$1M Coverage (HK$) | Bowtie Term Life |
| 40 years old | $68 |
| 41 years old | $75 |
| 42 years old | $82 |
| 43 years old | $90 |
| 44 years old | $99 |
| Total over 5 years | $4,968 |
Non-Smoking Females Aged 40 to 44
| Monthly Premium per HK$1M Coverage (HK$) | Bowtie Term Life |
| 40 years old | $48 |
| 41 years old | $53 |
| 42 years old | $58 |
| 43 years old | $63 |
| 44 years old | $69 |
| Total over 5 years | $3,492 |
- * The above premium calculations are for reference only. The actual premium you need to pay may be affected by factors such as time, inflation, underwriting, and will include the premium levy collected by the Insurance Authority.
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