What Global Mobility Teams Can Learn from ITIC APAC 2025 in Hong Kong
In June 2025, the International Travel & Health Insurance Conference (ITIC) APAC was held in Hong Kong, bringing together insurers, assistance providers, hospitals, and tech innovators to discuss the future of international healthcare and mobility across the Asia-Pacific region.
For HR and global mobility teams supporting expats and globally mobile staff, the key themes from the conference offer practical insights into emerging trends – and how to stay ahead of them.
Rising Healthcare Costs Are Reshaping Access in Hong Kong
Hong Kong remains a regional hub for quality healthcare, but private costs are rising. A panel featuring Matilda Hospital and Asia Pacific Health Specialists noted that even insured expats are becoming more cost-conscious, prompting a shift toward bundled pricing and narrowed networks.
Takeaway for employers: Ensure your health plan includes negotiated access to trusted private hospitals and consider bundled care packages for predictability and cost control.
Digital Tools Are Redefining the Insurance Experience
From TravelGPT to virtual triage bots and AI-driven claims platforms, digital innovation was front and center. New tools are making it easier for travelers and expats to get help faster, file claims seamlessly, and receive virtual care across borders.
What this means for your employees: They now expect a “digital-first” experience – insurers that don’t offer intuitive apps, chat support, or on-demand telehealth are falling behind.
READ MORE >> How Telehealth and Virtual Care Can Reduce Health Insurance Costs and Boost Employee Wellbeing
Fraud Detection Is a Growing Priority
With growing cross-border activity comes greater fraud risk. Insurers and assistance companies emphasized the role of data analytics and real-time monitoring in identifying abnormal claims patterns—especially important in APAC, where medical inflation is outpacing global averages.
Tip for employers: Work with brokers or providers who actively monitor claims and can flag anomalies before they affect your renewal.
Travel and Tourism Growth Impacts Healthcare Access
As tourism rebounds across Asia, particularly in Thailand, Japan, and China, strain on medical facilities is increasing. The World Travel & Tourism Council pointed to the need for mobility strategies that factor in tourism peaks, especially when planning insurance for short-term staff or assignments in popular destinations.
Planning insight: Coverage flexibility and local hospital navigation support are more important than ever in high-traffic areas.
Affinity Partnerships Are Expanding Insurance Reach
Insurers like Allianz Partners are embedding themselves in platforms used by expats and travelers – such as airline loyalty programs, mobile wallets, and bank apps- to offer bundled benefits and easy access to care.
Opportunity for employers: Explore how ecosystem partnerships can extend coverage access and reduce admin burden for your mobile workforce.
What Should Global Mobility & HR Leaders Do Now?
| Area of Focus | Strategic Action |
|---|---|
| Cost & Access in Key Hubs | Negotiate bundled care in high-cost cities like HK and Singapore |
| Digital Readiness | Choose insurers with strong telehealth, claims automation, and app-based tools |
| Claims Oversight | Monitor fraud trends and analyze claims with your broker |
| Local Care Navigation | Equip staff with city-specific hospital maps and emergency guides |
| Ecosystem Integration | Consider affinity partnerships to improve reach and value |
How One World Cover Supports Mobility Strategy
At One World Cover, we help organizations across Asia Pacific optimize their international health insurance plans. From regional provider access to telehealth integration, we’re here to ensure your expat benefits program supports both your people and your budget. If you’d like to explore how any of the trends from ITIC APAC 2025 can be applied to your organization, we’d love to connect.
To learn more please get in touch: [email protected] or click here to contact us.
