Hosted by The JC School of Public Health and Primary Care (JCSPHPC) of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), the “SPHPC Thematic Research Seminar Series – Hong Kong’s Employee Health Insurance Trends: Costs, Utilization, and Premiums” will take place on 22 August, 2025 (Friday).
Prof. Peter Yuen, Dean of the College of Professional and Continuing Education of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Dr. Gloria Siu, Chief Executive at GUM, will present the differences in Hong Kong’s healthcare expenses, utilization, and private insurance premiums before and after the COVID pandemic, through examination of the city’s Employee Health Insurance Indices. Compiled with data from 2006 to 2024, the Indices are comprised of three subsets: Insurance Premium Index, Medical Expense Index, and Utilization Index.
The seminar will be moderated by Dr. Hong Fung, Professor of Practice in Health Services Management of JCSPHPC.
Light refreshment will be served after the seminar. Registration will close at noon on 21 August 2025 (Thursday).
Please refer to the details below:
| Date & Time | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm 22 August 2025 (Fri) |
| Venue | Seminar Room 3 1/F, School of Public Health Building Prince of Wales Hospital Shatin |
| Mode | In-Person |
| Topic | Hong Kong’s Employee Health Insurance Trends: Costs, Utilization, and Premiums |
| Speaker | Professor Peter YUEN Dean College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPCE) Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) (More about Prof. Yuen) Dr. Gloria Siu Chief Executive GUM |
| Moderator | Dr. Hong Fung Professor of Practice in Health Services Management The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
Seminar Abstract
This study examines medical expenditure trends using group medical insurance data in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Employee Health Insurance Indices are compiled with data from 2006 to 2024. The Indices are comprised of three subsets: Insurance Premium Index, Medical Expense Index, and Utilization Index. The indices show a marked difference for Pre-COVID, COVID, and Post-COVID periods, with rather alarming increases in the Post-COVID period. Possible contributing factors to the increases are examined. Increases in utilization for both inpatient and outpatient services are found to be the main driver for the increase in insurance premiums, with significant increases in certain elective procedures most prominent for inpatient claims. The Study points out that, should the trend continue with the current rate of increase, it would have serious implications in terms of affordability for many employers and sustainability for insurers. Better communications between insurers and employers and employees, and appropriate management measures in plan designs are recommended.
About the Speakers
Professor Peter P. Yuen is Dean of the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPCE) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). He is also Professor in the Department of Management and Marketing of PolyU. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology and Master in Business Administration degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Health Economics from the University of Birmingham. He is a founding Fellow of the Hong Kong College of Health Services Executives, and an Honorary Fellow of the Australian College of Health Services Management. Professor Yuen’s research involves public policy formulation and evaluation, and health services management. He is also the Co-Editor-in-Chief of Public Administration and Policy, an Editorial Committee member of Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management.
Dr. Gloria Siu is the Chief Executive at GUM, a comprehensive consulting service in Hong Kong and Macau to corporates and their employees. Dr. Siu serves as committee member of numerous social service organizations and charities, committed to promoting public welfare in giving back to the community. Currently Director of The Hong Kong Society for the Aged, Honorary Consultant of Direction Association for the Handicapped, Founder Member of Sounds Great Charity Fund Limited and Member of the Social Enterprise Advisory Committee appointed by the Home Affairs Bureau. She is also a member of the standing Advisory Committee of Investor Education Centre (IEC), an MBA degree holder from the University of Leicester, UK, and a business administration doctorate degree from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
About the Moderator
Professor Hong Fung is Professor of Practice in Health Services Management at the Jockey Club School of Public Health & Primary Care (JCSPHPC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). He served as the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the CUHK Medical Centre (CUHKMC) until 2025. Before he joined CUHK in 2014, Prof. Fung was Cluster Chief Executive of the New Territories East Cluster and Hospital Chief Executive of the Prince of Wales Hospital at the Hospital Authority (HA) from 2002 to 2013, overseeing the management and operations of 7 public hospitals. Prior to that, he worked in the HA Head Office and was responsible for the planning and development of the public hospital services and facilities for over a decade. He spearheaded the development of HA’s Clinical Management System and electronic patient records. On the professional side, Prof. Fung was President (2014-2018) and Chief Censor (2010-2013) of the Hong Kong College of Community Medicine. Prof. Fung is well recognized for his expertise in medical leadership, health planning, health informatics, and health services management.