医康养融合加速保险业转型

Core Insights - The aging population is driving the medical and health care industry from a marginal issue to a core component of economic and social development [1] - Insurance is evolving from a mere risk compensation tool to a critical connector within the medical, rehabilitation, elderly care, and payment systems, becoming an indispensable part of the health care industry [1] Demographic Changes - By the end of 2024, the population aged 60 and above in China is expected to exceed 300 million [1] - There is a significant increase in chronic diseases among the elderly, leading to a rising demand for long-term care and medical services [1] Financial Pressures - The growth rate of medical insurance fund expenditures is consistently outpacing income growth due to accelerated aging and advancements in medical technology [2] - A growing "protection gap" is emerging as many rehabilitation, nursing, and special medical expenses remain out-of-pocket for families [2] Role of Insurance - The unique value of insurance lies in its ability to connect customer needs, service supply, and funding payments, creating a closed-loop operational mechanism [2] - Some regions are beginning to integrate insurance products with rehabilitation and nursing services, allowing policyholders to access cash benefits and direct service resources [2] Challenges for Commercial Health Insurance - Current commercial health insurance products often focus on short-term hospitalization, which does not align with the long-term care needs of the elderly [3] - Pricing pressures exist due to high risks and costs associated with elderly care, making it challenging to balance affordability for consumers and sustainability for insurance companies [3] Future Outlook - The medical and health care industry is expected to evolve into a comprehensive system encompassing payment, services, and industry chain collaboration as the "silver economy" and elderly finance become national development priorities [3]