Aon plc has published its inaugural 2025 Insurer Wellbeing Benchmarking Report, offering a detailed look at how insurance providers in mainland China are responding to the growing demand for health and wellbeing services.
The report, which surveyed 12 insurers and analysed more than 600 data points across 10 wellbeing categories, highlights both the expansion of available services and the persistent gaps in achieving measurable health outcomes for employees.
China’s health insurance sector is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 7.4% between 2024 and 2032, according to the report.
This growth is supported by national policy initiatives such as Healthy China 2030, which prioritises universal health coverage and increased focus on preventive care.
As competition intensifies, insurers are being pushed to improve operational efficiency and adopt cost management strategies.
The report noted that 92% of surveyed insurers now offer tailored solutions for corporate clients with workforces exceeding 1,000 employees.
Susan Fanning, head of wellbeing solutions for APAC at Aon, commented that the health insurance sector in China is undergoing rapid expansion, largely influenced by the rise in chronic health conditions and favourable policy initiatives.
“Insurers are expanding their offerings and rethinking how they deliver care – moving beyond traditional coverage to focus on prevention, personalisation and measurable outcomes. This report highlights the urgency for insurers to evolve their wellbeing strategies, build stronger partnerships, and use data more effectively to meet employee needs and manage costs,” she said.
Telemedicine has become a central feature in the digital health landscape for Chinese insurers.
The report found that 11 out of 12 insurers surveyed have implemented telemedicine services, which include around-the-clock access to general practitioners, chronic disease management, and electronic prescriptions.
Two-thirds of these insurers reported a reduction in outpatient claims costs, with savings ranging from 0.5% to 5.1%.
However, only 40% of insurers provide telemedicine as an annual subscription, indicating potential for broader adoption as a cost control measure.
Employee assistance programs (EAPs) are available from 66% of insurers, but actual usage remains limited, with only a tenth of corporate clients making use of these services.
The report suggests that better integration with other health offerings and increased involvement from human resources teams could encourage greater participation.
Mental health support remains underdeveloped, with only one-third of insurers providing such services.
Utilisation rates are below 10% for most policyholders, and only a quarter of mental health programs are adapted for local cultural needs.
While some insurers have introduced health screening programs, none reported direct savings on claims, which the report attributes to insufficient follow-up and reporting after screenings.
Less than half of the surveyed insurers offer case management or specialist care programs, and there are no targeted programs for conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, or gastrointestinal disorders, despite their prevalence in the population.
Customisation and collaboration as future priorities
The report identifies virtual healthcare consultations, wellbeing workshops, onsite clinics, EAPs, and physical and mental wellbeing programs as the most common services offered by insurers.
Nina Yu, head of health solutions for China at Aon, said China’s health insurance sector stands out as one of the most active in the region.
“Our findings reveal the enormous potential of customised benefits programs in increasing the utilisation of these plans and reducing health inflation costs. The findings underscore a clear opportunity: insurers and employers must collaborate more closely, use data analytics and digital platforms to tailor benefits, improve access, and drive measurable outcomes,” she said.
She added that employers aiming to distinguish themselves must go beyond simply providing services. They should focus on implementing well-designed, culturally appropriate programs that address changing workforce needs and contribute to managing healthcare expenses.
Aon’s report concludes that Chinese insurers are at a pivotal point as they seek to address rising medical inflation and evolving workforce expectations.
Enhanced digital health solutions, improved mental health support, and greater use of data analytics are seen as key areas for development as the industry adapts to new market realities.
