Hong Kong's First Virtual Insurer -- Bowtie Launches Online VHIS

HONG KONG, April 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Hong Kong's first virtual insurer, Bowtie unveiled its fully online insurance platform and its first Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) Standard Plan product. The announcement follows the launch of the Food and Health Bureau-approved health insurance plans and services and is the first step in Bowtie's mission to bring basic medical protection to every Hong Kong citizen.

Bowtie’s Founders and CEOs toasts with honorable guests. Left: Ms. Carol Hui, Executive Director of HKIA; Mr. Clement Cheung, CEO of HKIA; Mr. James Lau, JP, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury; Dr. Moses Cheng, GBM OBE JP, Chairman of HKIA; Mr. Fred Ngan, Bowtie Co-Founder and Co-CEO; Mr. Michael Chan, Bowtie Co-Founder and Co-CEO; Mr. John Tsang, Bowtie Senior Advisor; Mr. Fabien Jeudy, CEO of Sun Life Hong Kong; Mr. Clement Lam, General Manager of Life and Health, Sun Life Hong Kong.

"Whether it's your first individual insurance policy, or a supplement to your existing group medical plan from your employer, everyone in Hong Kong should protect themselves with basic medical insurance. For many people, the Food and Health Bureau-approved VHIS is the ideal solution to fulfil this basic need," said Michael Chan, Bowtie's Co-founder and Co-CEO. "Bowtie's fully online medical underwriting engine is a first-of-its-kind in Hong Kong. It evaluates users' health conditions instantly and provides fairer and more transparent insurance pricing for Hong Kong citizens."

Bowtie's platform and product feature the following unique elements:

• Full End-to-End Digital VHIS Experience: Everything can be done online via smartphone or computer -- from initial application to online underwriting, to making a claim. No medical examinations or paper forms required, application process is shortened from at least 3 days to as fast as 10 minutes.
• Same Protection, Better Value: From day one, Bowtie has reinvented the very structure of an insurance company and is harnessing the latest technology. By offering commission-free products and reducing operating costs through efficiencies, it can pass on the savings to its customers while still offering the same level of protection. According to Food and Health Bureau[1], Bowtie's standard premiums for most age groups are lowest among all 25 VHIS providers with certified Standard Plans.
• BowtieCash Loyalty Program: BowtieCash is a unique loyalty program which complements the Standard Plan, enabling customers to earn, and pay for medical costs that exceed the VHIS Standard Plan coverage. This helps relieve customers' medical expense burden at critical moments in their lives.

Bowtie's customers will also benefit from comprehensive and convenient customer care. Customers can seek assistance from its dedicated Hong Kong-based professional support team over live chat, email, its hotline, as well as a physical customer service center.

The Bowtie professional medical concierge service team comprises of a qualified doctor who is able to assist with making doctor appointments, handle hospital admission arrangements, answer queries relating to claims estimates and more. If diagnosed with critical illness, the team will also support customers with a thorough explanation of treatment details, provision of medical second opinions and health tips to customers whenever they need.

"As a made in Hong Kong insurance brand, Bowtie is committed to innovating and offering products that its citizens truly need and can make a positive impact in their lives. We care about our customers and we want to ensure they receive the immediate support they need at the critical moments they seek healthcare. Therefore, we're investing in both online and offline customer services to help them when they need us most."  said Fred Ngan, Co-founder and Co-CEO, Bowtie.

Bowtie also recently confirmed that former Financial Secretary, Mr John Tsang, has joined Bowtie as its Senior Advisor. Mr Tsang will be advising Bowtie on its business strategy and how it can make a positive impact on Hong Kong's insurance industry. "I am delighted to witness the launch of Bowtie's platform and its first product with the team. Currently, many Hong Kong citizens in need may not be able to receive timely medical treatment due to the burdened public healthcare system. I believe that technology can change our current situation, enabling more people to enjoy basic medical protection with VHIS, and to relieve pressure on the public healthcare system by utilizing private medical resources," said Mr Tsang.

To celebrate the launch of VHIS, Bowtie has arranged a fleet of pink Bowtie taxis across different districts in Hong Kong on Thursday April 4, to provide complimentary rides for anyone in need leaving from designated hospitals or medical clinics.

For more information on Bowtie's insurance platform or VHIS product, please visit www.bowtie.com.hk.

About Bowtie

The Bowtie Life Insurance Company Limited is an authorized life insurance company and Hong Kong's very first virtual insurer approved under the Fast Track pilot scheme. Built with modern technology and medical expertise, Bowtie's platform will offer health insurance plans under the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) to customers directly. Bowtie is backed by Sun Life Financial and supported by leading international reinsurers. Stay up to date at www.bowtie.com.hk.

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