The much-anticipated public consultation on "Healthcare Finance Reform" to be launched on the second half of this year is starting to generate attention towards some of the main issues to be addressed, among which is the possibility of the Hong Kong Government implementing a company to provide medical insurance for cases where private insurers may not be able to provide a "reasonable cover" to policyholders.

The federal government is trying to rally support behind a bill in the Australian Senate which would impact private medical insurance rebates for some Australians. The proposal seeks to rule out a 30% rebate on private medical insurance policies for any individuals earning over AUD$75,000 and families earning over AUD$150,000 annually. The Treasurer for the Labor government is saying this measure…

As part of CIGNA's continued efforts to expand its international business base, it counts now with a network of 4,000 hospitals and clinics in Russia, as per announcement released early this week.

The existing requirement for Expatriates living in Japan to provide proof of current or future enrolment in the country's national health insurance system to renew or apply for a visa with validity longer than one year will become compulsory starting from the 1st of April, 2010.

Cigna International Insurance has acquired Kronos Optimal Health Company of Phoenix, Arizona USA as part of an effort to expand their on-site health-management programmes for companies and their employees.

International Investment Magazine recently conducted a poll of its readers to determine which International Insurance Company is able to provide the highest levels of service and comprehensive coverage to expatriates living around the globe. The results are in, and BUPA has been named as the magazine's "Best International Healthcare Provider" for 2009. Responding…

CIGNA International has announced an initiative to develop and distribute individual private medical insurance on the international stage. Currently, CIGNA only offers international private medical insurance to corporations and group customers. The new business plan will open up new markets of potential clients as they aim to sell private medical insurance to…

Amidst the global debate on healthcare reform, Hong Kong has waded into the fray with a proposed "voluntary medical insurance" scheme aimed at alleviating the massive financial burdens faced by the city's public healthcare network. The issue was first raised in late 2008, following in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis, and has now reached the penultimate stage of industry level discussion before…

Politicians and Doctors in Spain have recently joined forces to speak out against certain British 'health tourists' who are receiving free-of-charge medical treatment which is ultimately being paid for by taxpayers.

Two new insurance companies are working their way through regulatory boards in developing economies as of today, February 8, 2010. The India-based Max Bupa Joint venture is part way through the Indian regulatory framework, while further east, the China Insurance Regulatory Commission gave the go-ahead for the establishment of Anbang Life Insurance Co. Ltd. The independent joint venture between