OWC Health Awareness Series: Kidney Health Awareness (World Kidney Day, March 12)

OWC Health Awareness Series: Kidney Health Awareness (World Kidney Day, March 12)

Every year on World Kidney Day (12 March), the global health community turns its attention to one of the body’s most quietly essential organs.

The 2026 campaign marks the 20th anniversary of World Kidney Day, and the theme chosen for this milestone year is “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet.” It is a theme that connects individual health to systemic responsibility, and it carries a message that is directly relevant to international employers: kidney disease is far more common than most people realise, it is largely silent until it is serious, and the consequences of missing it early are significant for individuals and for the organisations that support them.

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Understanding the Scale and Challenge

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects an estimated 1 in 10 adults worldwide. Most people who have it do not know. There are no symptoms in the early stages, and by the time symptoms appear, significant damage has often already occurred. For internationally employees – many of whom live in regions with high rates of diabetes and hypertension, the two leading drivers of CKD – the risk is real and the consequences of missing it are serious.

The good news is that early detection is straightforward. Two simple, inexpensive tests are all it takes. The challenge is making sure people actually get them.

• 1 in 3 adults with diabetes and 1 in 5 with high blood pressure may have CKD.
• High cost when missed: CKD can account for up to 10% of annual employer healthcare costs. End-stage renal disease is one of the most expensive claim categories in any health insurance portfolio.
• Screening is simple: Two inexpensive tests – eGFR (blood) and uACR (urine) – can detect CKD early. Neither requires specialist referral.

💡Did you know? The World Health Organization adopted its first-ever resolution dedicated to kidney disease at the 78th World Health Assembly in 2025 – a landmark moment that reflects how seriously the global health community now takes this condition. The WHO estimates that CKD will become the fifth leading cause of death globally by 2040 if current trends continue.

What You Can Do

• Get tested: Ask for eGFR and uACR at your next annual health check-up, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
• Stay hydrated: The kidneys depend on adequate fluid intake – particularly important in hot climates across Asia and the Middle East.
• Manage blood pressure and blood glucose: These are the two most important modifiable risk factors for CKD.
• Avoid overusing NSAIDs: Ibuprofen and similar anti-inflammatories can damage kidney tissue with prolonged use.
• Know the warning signs: Persistent fatigue, swollen ankles, changes in urination, or lower back pain warrant a check-up.

READ MORE >> Why Annual Health Check-Ups Should Be a Must-Have for Your Expat Team

How Employers Can Support Kidney Health Awareness

For HR and benefits leaders, World Kidney Day is a useful prompt to review whether kidney function screening is part of your employees’ annual health check-up. It often is not – and it should be.

• Include kidney screening in annual health check-ups: Ensure eGFR and uACR are part of any structured wellness screening your employees access.
• Communicate what is covered: Many international health insurance plans include preventive care benefits that cover these tests. Make sure employees know.
• Share this resource: A well-timed communication can prompt someone to book a check-up that identifies a problem early enough to manage effectively.
• Review benefits design: For organisations with staff aged 40-plus, or known prevalence of diabetes or hypertension, structured kidney screening is worth discussing at the next benefits review.

Resources: Employee Toolkits/Educational Materials

World Kidney Day 2026 Official Campaign >>

International Society of Nephrology World Kidney Day 2026 >>

CDC Chronic Kidney Disease Risk Factors >>

US National Kidney Foundation >>

# Common social media hashtags for kidney health awareness

#WorldKidneyDay #KidneyHealthForAll #CKDAwareness #EarlyDetectionSavesLives 

Why Kidney Health Awareness Matters for Employers

Kidney disease is common, largely silent, and disproportionately costly when it is not caught early. The conditions that drive it -diabetes and hypertension – are already among the most prevalent in internationally mobile workforces. CKD is often the downstream consequence that nobody sees coming until it is expensive to manage.

The employers who take kidney health seriously are the ones who will see fewer late-stage, high-cost claims in this category – and who will have the data to demonstrate to their insurers that their workforce is being managed proactively. Prevention and early detection through annual health check-ups are among the most cost-effective interventions available.

At One World Cover, we help international employers build benefits programmes that treat prevention as a cost-control strategy, not just a wellbeing initiative. If you would like to discuss how kidney health screening fits into your current benefits programme, or how to communicate this resource to your employees, our team is here to help.

How One World Cover Supports Preventative Care

Annual health check-ups are one of the few areas where international health insurance delivers provable cost-return through early detection, lower severity claims, and healthier long-term risk pools.

One World Cover actively works with international employers, schools and corporate clients to ensure that:

• Annual check-ups are included in wellness and outpatient benefits
• High-value screening packages are negotiated with trusted clinics
• Staff know how to use their benefits effectively
• Preventative care is positioned as a cost-control strategy, not just a wellbeing initiative

We also support members in identifying suitable hospitals, comparing packages and aligning screenings with their insurance coverage to maximise value.

Your health is your most valuable asset. If you have not had a comprehensive annual health check-up in the past 12 months, January is the ideal time to book one. Early screening, better awareness and informed action can make a measurable difference to your health, wellbeing and long-term quality of life.

If you would like support identifying suitable packages in your city or understanding what your insurance plan covers, please contact our team at [email protected].

You can find a comprehensive list of annual health check-ups at leading medical facilities across Asia and the Middle East below >>

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Annual Health Check-up Packages

Mainland China

Beijing Hong Kong International Medical Center Health Check-up Package CNY3,000 (~USD420)

Beijing New Century Riverville Clinic Health Check-up Package CNY2,600 (~USD365)

Beijing Oasis Health Check-up Package CNY2,990 (~USD415)

Beijing Shunyi Friendship Hospital Annual Health Check-up Packages CNY2,643-2,735 (~USD375-390)

Beijing Raffles Medical Health Check-up Package – Ages 18-35 CNY2,280 (~USD320)

Beijing Raffles Medical Health Check-up Package – Ages 35-50 CNY3,580 (~USD500)

Chengdu Global Doctor Health Check-up Package CNY3,500-3,600 (~USD490-505)

Chengdu BOE Hospital Health Check-up Packages CNY999-2,999 (~USD140-425)

Chengdu Distinct HealthCare Clinic Health Check-up Packages CNY1,500-4,320 (~USD210-610)

Guangzhou EurAm Medical Center Health Check-up Package CNY1,600 (~USD225)

Guangzhou Foresea Health Clinic Health Check-up Package CNY3,400 (~USD480)

Hangzhou Sino-United Health Check-up Package CNY3,000 (~USD425)

Nanjing Global Doctor Health Check-up Package CNY1,988 (~USD280)

Qingdao Bellaire Medical Center Health Check-up Package CNY1,800 (~USD255)

Qingdao New Century Women & Children’s Hospital Health Check-up Package CNY3,400 (~USD480)

Qingdao United Family Hospital Health Check-up Package CNY3,395 (~USD480)

Shanghai Jiahui Health Check-up Packages CNY2,800-7,000 (~USD400-990)

Shanghai Parkway Hospital Health Check-up Packages CNY1,000-3,000 (~USD140-425)

Shanghai Sino-United Health Check-up Package CNY1,000 (~USD140)

Shanghai Sino-United Health Check-up Package CNY2,000 (~USD285)

Shanghai Sino-United Health Check-up Package CNY3,000 (~USD425)

Shanghai Yida Hospital Health Check-up Packages CNY690-12,180 (~USD98-1,728)

Wuhan Distinct HealthCare Clinic Health Check-up Packages CNY3,775-4,110 (~USD530-580)

Tianjin Raffles Health Check-up Package CNY2,880 (~USD405)

Wuhan Asia General Hospital Health Check-up Package – Children CNY1,750 (~USD245)

Wuhan Asia General Hospital Health Check-up Package – Female CNY3,379 (~USD475)

Wuhan Asia General Hospital Adult Health Check-up Package – Male CNY2,916 (~USD415)

Wuhan Optics Valley Hospital Health Check-up Packages CNY1,566-3,662 (~USD220-520)

Yantai Taibo Medical Health Check-up Package – Adolescent CNY2,816 (~USD395)

Yantai Taibo Medical Health Check-up Package – Female CNY2,904 (~USD407)

Yantai Taibo Medical Health Check-up Package – Male CNY2,904 (~USD407)

Hong Kong

Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong Executive Health Check-up Package HKD4,100 (~USD525)

Raffles Medical Hong Kong Essential Health Check-up Package HKD1,580 (~USD205)

Raffles Medical Hong Kong Premium Health Check-up Package HKD2,980 (~USD380)

Taiwan

Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center Health Check-up Package – Ages 18-39 TWD9,600 (~USD325)

Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center Health Check-up Package – Ages 40+ TWD11,200 (~USD365)

Korea

Severance Hospital Basic Health Check-up Package – Male KRW936,000 (~USD655)

Severance Hospital Basic Health Check-up Package – Female KRW1,001,000 (~USD700)

Thailand

Bangkok Hospital Essence Health Check-up Package THB5,400 (~USD165)

Bangkok Hospital Superior Health Check-up Package -Ages 30-40 THB13,300 (~USD405)

Bangkok Hospital Prestige Health Check-up Package – Male Age 40+ THB18,000 (~USD550)

Bangkok Hospital Prestige Health Check-up Package – Female Age 40+ THB24,000 (~USD735)

Vietnam

FV Hospital Standard Health Check-up Package VND4,800,000 (~USD182)

FV Hospital Extensive Health Check-up Package VND7,800,000 (~USD296)

Brunei

Jerudong Park Medical Centre Health Screening

Singapore

Raffles Medical Center Deluxe Health Check-up Package SGD498 (~USD384)

Parkway Shenton Classic Health Check-up Package SGD125 (~USD96)

Parkway Shenton Deluxe Plus Health Check-up Package SGD400 (~USD308)

Malaysia

Columbia Asia Hospital Puchong Health Check-up Package MYR330 (~USD80)

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur Core Health Check-up Package MYR329 (~USD80)

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur Premium Health Check-up Package MYR999 (~USD235)

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur Platinum Health Check-up Package – Male MYR1,980 (~USD470)

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur Platinum Health Check-up Package – Female MYR2,250 (~USD530)

Prince Court Medical Center Essential Health Check-up Package MYR600 (~USD140)

Prince Court Medical Center Emerald Health Check-up Package MYR 1,000 (~USD235)

Prince Court Medical Center Well Health Check-up Package – Male Age 40+ MYR1,500 (~USD355)

Prince Court Medical Center Well Health Check-up Package – Female Age 40+ MYR1,650 (~USD390)

Twin Towers Medical Center Executive Screening Package MYR1,310-1,420 (~USD 310-335)

Indonesia

Siloam Hospitals Silver Check-up Package IDR1,900,000 (~USD115)

EMC Healthcare Male Eternity Health Check-up Package IDR3,300,000 (~USD200)

EMC Healthcare Female Eternity Health Check-up Package IDR4,700,000) (~USD285)

Surabaya Ciputra Hospital Health Check-up Package IDR6,000,000 (~USD360)

National Hospital Surabaya Basic Wellness Package IDR2,750,000 (~USD155)

Medan Columbia Asia Special Health Check-up Package IDR999,000 (~USD60)

Myanmar

Grand Hantha International Hospital Crown Health Check-up Package – Male MMK320,000 (~USD151)

Grand Hantha International Hospital Crown Check-up Package – Female MMK520,000 (~USD246)

Grand Hantha International Hospital King Plus Check-up Package – Male Age 30+ MMK1,100,000 (~USD520)

Grand Hantha International Hospital Queen Plus Check-up Package – Female Age 30+ MMK1,350,000 (~USD638)

India

Mumbai Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Executive Health Check-up Package – Male INR12,500 (~USD140)

Mumbai Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Executive Health Check-up Package – Female INR12,950 (~USD145)

Mumbai Gleneagles Hospital Integra Executive Prime Health Check-up Package – Male INR8,700 (~USD98)

Mumbai Gleneagles Hospital Integra Executive Prime Health Check-up Package – Female INR9,800 (~USD110)

Delhi Fortis Healthcare Female Health Check-up Package INR10,700 (~USD120)

Delhi Fortis Healthcare Male Health Check-up Package INR8,600 (~USD95)

Bangalore Fortis Healthcare Male Health Check-up Package INR13,150 (~USD148)

Bangalore Fortis Healthcare Female Health Check-up Package INR13,150 (~USD148)

Sri Lanka

Nawaloka Hospitals Premier Health Check-up Package – Male LKR41,000 (~USD135)

Nawaloka Hospitals Premier Health Check-up Package – Male 40+ LKR35,000 (~USD116)

Nawaloka Hospitals Premier Health Check-up Package – Female LKR49,000 (~USD162)

Nawaloka Hospitals Premier Health Check-up Package – Female 40+ LKR49,000 (~USD162)

Lanka Hospitals Health Check-up Package

Bangladesh

United Hospital Male Health Check-up Package BDT22,000 (~USD180)

United Hospital Male Health Check-up Package BDT25,800 (~USD212)

Evercare Hospital Dhaka Health Check-up Package BDT21,000 (~USD172)

Evercare Hospital Dhaka Health Check-up Package BDT25,000 (~USD205)

Nepal

Nepal Mediciti Health Check-up Package NPR8,500 (~USD60)

Clinic One Health Check-up Package NPR5,999 (~USD40)

UAE

CMC Dubai Health Check-up Packages – Female

CMC Dubai Health Check-up Packages – Male

Emirates Hospital Male Silver Health Check-up Package – Male AED1,800 (~USD490)

Emirates Hospital Silver Health Check-up Package – Male Age 40+ AED2,000 (~USD545)

Emirates Hospital Silver Health Check-up Package – Female AED2,500 (~USD680)

Emirates Hospital Silver Health Check-up Package – Female Age 40+ AED3,000 (~USD815)

Medcare Basic Health Check-up AED1,599 (~USD435)

Medcare Basic Health Check-up – Male Age 40+ AED1,599 (~USD435)

Medcare Basic Women’s Health Check-up – Female Age 40+ AED1,599 (~USD435)

Saudi Arabia

Riyadh Saudi German Hospital Health Check-up Package SAR1,799 (~USD480)

Jeddah Saudi German Hospital Health Check-up Package SAR722 (~USD190)

Qatar

Wellkins Medical Center Health Check-up Packages

Aman Hospital Health Check-up Packages

Jordan

Abdali Hospital Health Check-up Packages

Israel

Ichilov (Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center) Executive Health Program

Turkey

Memorial Hospitals Group Check-up Center

Liv Hospital Health Check-up Packages

Turkiye Hospital Health Check-up Packages

Morocco

Clinique Averroes Marrakech Health Check-up Packages

** Important Note: While we help guide members to high-quality options, OWC Care does not act as a medical referral service. The final decision on where to seek care rests with the individual. We are not liable for any decisions made by the member or the medical provider.