Over 200 regional experts convene at CUHK to examine the role of private health insurance in advancing universal health coverage
The Centre for Health Systems & Policy Research (CHSPR) in the Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s Faculty of Medicine, in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Network for Health Systems Strengthening (ANHSS), organised a regional knowledge event titled “Private Health Insurance for Sustainable Health Financing to Advance Universal Health Coverage” on 1 June. The event brought together over 200 policymakers, regulators, academics and industry leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region for an evidence-based dialogue on the evolving role of private insurance in health financing systems.
Over 200 regional experts convene at CUHK to examine the role of private health insurance in advancing universal health coverage.
As populations age and healthcare costs continue to rise, health systems around the world are facing growing financial pressures. Governments and policymakers are increasingly exploring diverse financing approaches to maintain equitable access to quality healthcare, while safeguarding long-term fiscal sustainability. Against this backdrop, questions remain about how private health insurance can contribute meaningfully to health system goals and the advancement of universal health coverage.
Professor Yeoh Eng-kiong provides an overview of the role of private health insurance and how it could enable universal health coverage.
Professor Yeoh Eng-kiong, Director of the CHSPR, said: “With increasing fiscal pressures on public health systems, it is both timely and necessary to re-examine how private financing mechanisms, in particular private health insurance, can better align with broader health system objectives. Appropriate design, regulation and cross-sector collaboration are essential if private health insurance is to facilitate equitable access to care and contribute meaningfully to the goal of universal health coverage.”
The event featured keynote presentations and country-specific insights from health systems across Asia-Pacific region. Panel discussions examined the strategic contribution of private health insurance to sustainable health financing, drawing on the practical experience of insurers and healthcare industry stakeholders, senior government representatives, regulatory bodies, international organisations, insurance associations, the pharmaceutical industry and academia. They shared perspectives on how private health insurance can complement public financing arrangements to ensure affordability, equity and system resilience.
Policymakers and researchers also deliberated on the comparative experiences of Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, Southeast Asia and beyond, highlighting lessons learned in the development of private health insurance in the context of health financing policies in national health systems. Participants examined policy and regulatory considerations, health system design, and business and operational perspectives to better understand the conditions under which private health insurance can function as a sustainable complementary financing tool.
Panel discusses the role of private health insurance for sustainable health financing.
Professor Dr Laksono Trisnantoro, Chairman of ANHSS, gives a welcome message at the opening session.
Professor Laksono Trisnantoro, Chairman of the ANHSS, remarked: “This event provided an important platform for sharing regional experiences and fostering cross-country learning. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the forum helped inform policy and support evidence-based approaches to strengthening health systems across Asia-Pacific.”
The event formed part of the CHSPR’s ongoing efforts to support health system strengthening through research, policy dialogue and regional collaboration. The event was supported by the ANHSS, the Tung Foundation, The Golden Jubilee Charity Foundation and the industry.
