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Hong Kong people rate their financial well-being poorest, Cigna Healthcare International Health Study reveals

Hong Kong, 25 October 2024 – The latest research from Cigna Healthcare, International Health, reveals that local respondents rated their overall well-being score at 56 over 100. Among the seven well-being metrics, “Family Well-being” is the strongest aspect (58%). While work well-being (45%) and financial well-being (39%) among the lowest in well-being score.

Cigna Healthcare’s latest International Health Global Study 2024, which surveyed more than 1,000 respondents in Hong Kong in May this year, found that more than 40% respondents rated "excellent" or "very good" for metrics including healthy weight (49%), balanced diet (48%), good quality sleep (45%) and regular exercise (44%). Uncertainty about the future (38%) remains the primary stressor for Hong Kong respondents, followed by personal finance (29%), and family finance (25%).

The challenge of financial stress underscoring the multi-dimensional character of health

The Study, which assesses health, well-being and vitality across 11 global markets, looks into respondents’ perception in seven key well-being areas - family, mental, social, spiritual, physical, work, and financial. The research looks at the full picture of people’s health and well-being, going beyond physical and emotional health, and draws attention to the continuing challenge of financial stress and the importance of people’s experience at work.

Employees looking for more mental health support amidst long working hours

In the workplace, respondents in Hong Kong are less satisfied with their jobs compared to the global average, with only 48% of respondents expressing satisfaction, and only 28% of respondents indicating they had the freedom to decide when and where they work. Long working hours continue to be an issue in Hong Kong, with 85% of respondents working more than 40 hours per week.

When asked about their experiences with line managers, only 42% felt that their managers were understanding and cared about their mental health and well-being.

Financial constraints and accessibility issues to mental health services persist

Misconceptions and financial constraints are the key reasons why respondents in Hong Kong do not seek mental health support. Beyond a prevailing belief that mental health therapy is unnecessary, respondents in Hong Kong were less likely to receive therapy due to limited appointment availability, challenges in finding providers, and providers not accepting insurance, as compared to their peers globally.

Jonathan Spiers, CEO of Cigna Healthcare Hong Kong said, "We are committed to empowering our group clients and individual customers with the information, insights and tailored solutions they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality. Our latest International Health Study offers fresh insights into people’s evolving needs, perceptions, and healthcare utilization. This information will help Cigna continue to support organizations and individuals to understand and proactively manage multiple dimensions of health through our extensive range of health service offerings."

Please visit here to access the full International Health Study 2024.

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About the Cigna Healthcare International Health Study

Cigna Healthcare surveyed more than 10,000 respondents in 11 markets – Hong Kong, the US, UK, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Kenya, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore from May 9 -27, 2024 in collaboration with YouGov – a global public opinion and data company. The nationally representative online survey assessed the health, vitality and well-being of more than 1,000 adults (aged 18 years and older) in each of these markets – Hong Kong, the US, UK, UAE, Spain, and Singapore and more than 500 adults per market in Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Netherlands and Switzerland.

About Cigna Healthcare Hong Kong

Cigna Healthcare is a health benefits provider that advocates for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the health care system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality.

Founded in 1933, our Hong Kong business provides comprehensive health and wellness solutions to employers, employees and individual customers. Leveraging on our extensive global healthcare network, we offer global group medical benefits that provide comprehensive and tailored coverage for a wide range of organizations. For individual customers, we also offer a full suite of health insurance plans to cater for their diverse needs. For more details, please visit www.cigna.com.hk.

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