港人北上“新宠”：买社保

Core Viewpoint - The trend of Hong Kong residents moving to mainland China to purchase social insurance, particularly for retirement planning, is gaining popularity, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior and lifestyle choices among this demographic [1][2][3]. Group 1: Social Insurance Demand - There is an increasing interest among Hong Kong residents in applying for social insurance in mainland China, particularly in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area [2][4]. - As of August 2024, 332,800 Hong Kong and Macao residents participated in social insurance programs in Guangdong, marking a 118.93% increase since the launch of the "Bay Area Social Insurance" initiative at the end of 2021 [6]. - The social insurance options available include pension, medical, unemployment, work injury, and maternity insurance, which are seen as beneficial for retirement planning [12][13]. Group 2: Healthcare Services - The medical insurance provided under mainland social insurance is highly regarded for its efficiency and affordability compared to Hong Kong's healthcare system, which is often criticized for long wait times [7][10]. - Hong Kong residents report significant satisfaction with the medical services in mainland cities, citing lower costs and quicker access to treatment [8][9]. - The flexibility of the medical insurance system allows residents to apply for coverage based on their employment status, making it accessible for both employed and non-employed individuals [12][13]. Group 3: Policy Framework - The "Interim Measures" implemented in 2020 allow Hong Kong and Macao residents to participate in social insurance schemes in mainland China, facilitating their integration into the local system [12][13]. - The policies are designed to be inclusive, covering both employed and non-employed residents, and aim to improve cross-border social insurance services [13][14]. - Local authorities are actively working to enhance the accessibility and understanding of these policies among Hong Kong residents, addressing the need for better information dissemination [11][14].