Critical Illness
The Hong Kong Federation of Insurers (“HKFI”) has published Best Practice on Standardization of Critical Illness Definitions (version 2026)1 (“Standardized Definition”) to establish industry common benchmark and enhance the transparency of Critical Illness (“CI”) definitions across insurers in Hong Kong which have taken effect from 1 September 2026.
“FavourU Approach” is now introduced to put new and existing customers2 first and consider the more favourable definitions of covered diseases3 of CI policies in the best interest of customers.
Under this approach, FWD will take consideration of the definitions of 16 Major CI and 5 Minor CI with 1 common term laid out in this Standardized Definition (version 2026) when processing CI claims. More favourable disease definitions shall apply should there be any inconsistencies or conflicts between the corresponding disease definitions in your policy and the Standardized Definition, giving you peace of mind.
When disease definitions meet more favourable criteria, why settle for one over the other? FWD upholds its “FavourU Approach” by adopting the disease definitions that are more favourable to customers. Whether you are an existing or new customer2, you can automatically benefit from this approach without any additional application, and enjoy more caring and comprehensive critical illness protection.
FWD is First-in-Hong Kong4 to launch a new critical illness product5 complying with HKFI’s Standardized Definition as a minimum requirement and carrying the HKFI’s Standardized CI Definitions label6 as a participating insurer. This demonstrates FWD’s commitment to customers’ interests, making FWD a trusted choice for customers.
Why not both ? Definitions upgrade in no time
If you are diagnosed with a covered disease, you only need to meet the relevant critical illness definition that is more favourable to customers under either FWD policy or HKFI’s Standardized Definition. This will be regarded as meeting the definition requirements of the relevant disease, truly delivering the benefit of “getting the best of both worlds”.
More favourable disease definitions in customers’ best interest
Using Kidney Failure as an example: If insured’s both kidneys irreversibly failed to function which requires renal dialysis 3 times every week. However, the treatment period only lasted for 30 days.
FWD disease definition7: Fulfil disease definition
HKFI disease definition: Not fulfil disease definition which requires renal dialysis undergoing for at least 90 consecutive days
True to “FavourU Approach”, the example will be paid with FWD disease definition of Kidney Failure.
Using Endovascular Treatment for Cerebral Aneurysm as an example: Insured undergoing of an intracranial endovascular surgical intervention to cure cerebral aneurysm:
FWD disease definition7: Not fulfil disease definition which requires undergoing by the Insured of intracranial surgery via a craniotomy for treatment
HKFI disease definition: Fulfil disease definition
True to “FavourU Approach”, the example will be paid with HKFI disease definition of Endovascular Treatment for Cerebral Aneurysm.
| Crisis | |
|---|---|
| Kidney Failure | Adopt FWD Disease Definition7 |
| Special Disease | |
| Cerebral Aneurysm Requiring Surgery | Adopt HKFI Disease Definition |
New and existing customers2 can enjoy
Both new and existing customers2 with CI policies can now enjoy the claims arrangement of covered diseases under “FavourU Approach”.
Quick and easy No further application needed
No further application required under “FavourU Approach”. Rest assured.
Cross reference table
Customers may refer to disease name cross-reference table for FWD Assurance critical illness products against the HKFI Standardized CI Definitions
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Remarks:
For more information about the Standardized Definition (version 2026) as a minimum requirement, please refer to HKFI’s webpage https://ci-definitions.hkfi.org.hk/best-practice. “FavourU Approach” and relevant critical illness definition provisions shall only consider Standardized Definition (version 2026). This approach shall not apply to any subsequent changes made by HKFI in respect of Standardization of Critical Illness Definitions in the future.
To ensure customers with FWD CI insurance policies can also enjoy the benefits of this Standardized Definition as a minimum requirement, we have introduced the “FavourU Approach” with effect from 12 October 2026. All following CI claims with incident date on or after the aforementioned effective date should follow this approach.
For the avoidance of doubt, this approach solely applies to the definition of the covered diseases and does not modify or waive any eligibility criteria, additional conditions or diagnostic and assessment requirements under the specific benefit (if applicable) of the policy applicable to second or subsequent claims for the same disease. All such eligibility criteria, additional conditions and diagnostic and assessment requirements shall continue to apply and must be satisfied.
Per a comparison made on 9 Oct 2026 among the critical illness insurance plans of key insurers available in Hong Kong, FWD is the first company in Hong Kong to launch new critical illness product which meets HKFI Standardized CI definitions as a minimum requirement.
New critical illness product is Crisis AllSupporter Insurance Plan.
The HKFI has standardized 16 major and 5 minor Critical Illness (CI) conditions, as well as a common term “Activities of Daily Living” (ADL). The policy has adopted the standardized CI definitions (version 2026) https://ci-definitions.hkfi.org.hk as a minimum requirement. For the actual definitions of coverage under the policy, please refer to the policy documents and provisions.
This is based on Crisis AllSupporter Insurance Plan as an example of FWD policy, please refer to relevant policy provisions of disease definitions of other critical illness products. The disease definition of above disease is excerpt of such disease and does not represent full terms of policy provisions. For diagnostic eligibility and coverage restrictions of relevant crisis, special disease and a covered disease with conditions related to “Activities of Daily Living” (ADL), please refer to the full terms of policy provisions and subject to the final decisions of Claims.
