暑期赴港投保持续火热 内地监管提示风险降温

Core Insights - The recent surge in demand for Hong Kong insurance products, particularly dividend insurance, has drawn significant attention due to a reduction in demonstration interest rates, prompting many mainland residents to travel to Hong Kong for purchases [1][2] - The Hebei Financial Regulatory Bureau has issued warnings regarding the risks associated with purchasing overseas insurance, highlighting the lack of legal protection under mainland laws and various financial risks [2][4] Group 1: Market Trends - In 2024, mainland visitors purchased insurance in Hong Kong amounting to HKD 62.798 billion, a 6.49% increase from HKD 58.971 billion in 2023 [2] - The first quarter of 2024 saw insurance premiums of HKD 15.6 billion, followed by HKD 14.1 billion in the second quarter, HKD 17 billion in the third quarter, and HKD 16.1 billion in the fourth quarter [2] - Mainland visitors accounted for 29% of the total new insurance premiums in Hong Kong, indicating a significant market share [2] Group 2: Regulatory Environment - The Hong Kong Insurance Authority has reduced the maximum demonstration interest rate for dividend insurance from 7% to 6.5% as of July 1, 2023, which has led to increased marketing efforts by intermediaries [3][4] - The Hong Kong Insurance Authority is currently reviewing the collection of insurance data from non-local policyholders and will not release specific statistics on mainland visitors until this review is complete [3] Group 3: Risks and Warnings - The Hebei Financial Regulatory Bureau has cautioned consumers about the risks of overseas insurance, including exchange rate fluctuations, uncertain policy returns, high claims costs, and difficulties in rights protection [2][4] - The complexity of insurance products and long lock-in periods can lead to liquidity constraints, necessitating careful risk assessment by consumers [4] - The Hong Kong Insurance Authority has emphasized the importance of purchasing insurance through legitimate channels and avoiding illegal transactions, particularly those involving unlicensed intermediaries [5][6] Group 4: Industry Practices - The sales practices of third-party brokerage firms often involve higher commissions, which can lead to unethical behavior, such as offering kickbacks or incentives to clients [6] - The Hong Kong Insurance Authority has a zero-tolerance policy towards unlicensed sales, with severe penalties for violations, including imprisonment and fines [6][7] - Recent collaborative efforts between the Hong Kong Insurance Authority and the Independent Commission Against Corruption aim to combat suspicious cross-border sales activities [7]