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Manulife Launches Two New Critical Illness Plans: IncomeGuard and IncomeShield Offer Market-Leading Annual Critical Illness Payouts for Potential Income Loss During Long-term Treatments

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IncomeGuard and IncomeShield introduce a market-first[1] heart attack/stroke continuous treatment benefit offering up to 100% coverage[2] for each payout following receipt of a major critical illness benefit, along with total critical illness coverage of up to 1,000% and 500%, respectively, of notional amount

IncomeShield also features simplified underwriting procedures with just three health questions

HONG KONG, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Manulife Hong Kong today announced the launch of two new critical illness plans designed to offer customers market-leading annual critical illness payouts, helping to mitigate potential income loss during long-term treatment. The IncomeGuard Critical Illness Protector covers 121 critical illnesses and diseases, providing a market-first[1] heart attack/stroke continuous treatment benefit with up to 100% of the notional amount upon diagnosis of a heart attack or stroke for subsequent specified complex or major surgeries, following the receipt of major critical illness benefit. The IncomeShield Critical Illness Protector delivers focused protection for cancer, heart diseases, and stroke, featuring simplified underwriting with as few as three health questions. Together, these plans provide essential financial support tailored to the diverse needs of customers facing serious health challenges.

Darren Thompson, Chief Product Officer_Manulife Hong Kong and Macau
Darren Thompson, Chief Product Officer_Manulife Hong Kong and Macau

Manulife's research[3] reveals that consumers seeking critical illness coverage prioritize three key factors: coverage for a wide variety of critical illnesses (53%), the availability of various value-added services to support them during illness (39%), and coverage for recurring critical illnesses (37%). In addition, upon diagnosis, 39% of surveyed consumers identified their immediate concern, ranked among the top three, as losing their ability to work and their income-earning potential. This was closely followed by 34% who cited becoming a burden to their family and needing care as their next most pressing issue. Yet, even as they contemplate securing insurance coverage for critical illnesses, one of their top concerns is the higher premiums that come with increasing age (25%). These findings underscore the importance of financial stability in helping consumers focus on their recovery and providing them with peace of mind.

The IncomeGuard Critical Illness Protector offers extensive coverage for 121 critical illnesses and diseases, including 60 major critical illnesses, 44 early-stage critical illnesses, and 17 juvenile diseases. Key features include: