Waterdrop(US:WDH) Cai Jing Wang·2025-12-03 03:24Core Insights - The report indicates a rapid growth in China's chronic illness insurance market, with a market size exceeding 12 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a 50% year-on-year increase [1] - Waterdrop Insurance plans to launch 214 innovative chronic illness insurance products by 2025, leveraging AI technology to promote inclusivity in insurance coverage [1] Group 1: Market Demand and Challenges - The elderly population in China has reached 310 million, accounting for 22% of the total population, with 75% suffering from at least one chronic disease [2] - The prevalence of chronic diseases among the youth is alarming, with rates of sub-health and chronic diseases being twice that of the elderly [2] - The average treatment cost for chronic illness patients is 87,000 yuan, which is 2.1 times the annual disposable income of residents in 2024, indicating a significant protection gap [2] Group 2: Insurance Accessibility Issues - Nearly 30% of chronic illness patients face rejection for insurance due to inability to pass health disclosures [3] - A significant portion of the population expresses a strong willingness to pay extra premiums for coverage of pre-existing conditions, with an average willingness to pay 4,049 yuan annually [3] - The report highlights the need for government and industry collaboration to enhance the development of chronic illness insurance products [3] Group 3: AI and Product Innovation - Waterdrop Insurance has launched 214 chronic illness insurance products, including 34 that are industry-first innovations, and 37 that support no health disclosures [4] - The application of AI technology has significantly reduced the average processing time for health insurance underwriting by 80% [6] - Waterdrop Insurance has initiated a "Universal Product Alliance" with 18 insurance companies to focus on the insurance needs of chronic illness patients and other specific demographics [6]