Hong Kong IA Begins Review of Medical Insurance Pricing and Benefits

18 March 2026

Hong Kong’s Insurance Authority (IA) is conducting a market-wide review of medical insurance pricing and benefits to address rising healthcare costs and attract international policyholders. The regulator plans to collect detailed data from insurers on premiums, claims, and compensation structures to improve transparency and help consumers make informed choices. The IA aims to encourage insurers to offer more accessible products, increase competition, and make switching providers easier. Rising medical costs, particularly for high-end coverage, and an aging population are driving pressure on both individual and group plans. The review aligns with broader Asia-Pacific trends, where medical costs are projected to increase 14% in 2026, the highest globally.

5 Countries Where Expats Access High-Quality Healthcare for Less Than in the U.S.

15 March 2026

Rising U.S. healthcare costs are driving Americans to seek affordable, high-quality care abroad, with France, Portugal, Spain, Costa Rica, and Panama among the top options. Expats report modern facilities, English-speaking doctors, and faster access to treatment at a fraction of U.S. prices. Many countries offer both private and public healthcare, with some public systems accessible after residency or legal registration. This allows individuals to benefit from lower costs without fully relocating, while private care often provides shorter wait times and comprehensive coverage. Overall, these destinations combine affordability, accessibility, and quality, making them attractive for long-term care or medical tourism.

Japan to Fully Cover Child Delivery Costs Through Public Health Insurance

13 March 2026

Japan’s Cabinet approved a plan to make child deliveries fully covered by public health insurance to ease financial burdens and address the declining birth rate. Currently, standard deliveries receive a lump-sum allowance of ¥500,000, often insufficient to cover rising costs, which averaged ¥520,000 nationwide in 2024 and reached ¥648,000 in Tokyo. The government will establish a universal delivery fee covered entirely by insurance, with implementation aimed for fiscal 2028. Additional out-of-pocket charges for certain prescription drugs will apply, excluding children and patients with intractable diseases. The move is intended to make childbirth more affordable and encourage higher birth rates.

Egypt to Expand Universal Health Insurance to Minya in Phase Two

11 March 2026

Egypt plans to extend its universal health insurance program to Minya governorate, covering over six million residents as part of the initiative’s second phase. Health authorities are reviewing hospital readiness, primary care capacity, and digital integration to ensure smooth implementation. Six major infrastructure projects worth EGP 6.75 billion are underway, adding 1,506 hospital beds and upgrading facilities. The rollout also includes partnerships with the private sector to enhance healthcare investment. The expansion aims to improve service delivery and advance Egypt’s broader healthcare reform goals.