2026 Hong Kong Influenza Peak: Prevention and Insurance Guidelines
The peak of winter influenza in Hong Kong this year is expected to last from January to February and may extend into after the Lunar New Year. With many people returning to Hong Kong from overseas during the Lunar New Year, the risk of virus importation and community spread is relatively high
Sudden changes in weather / Travel boom – Epidemic prevention
Get your flu shot as soon as possible/early next season: Experts remind that the peak of the winter flu season is around the Lunar New Year. It is recommended to get vaccinated about two weeks before traveling to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization for yourself and your family
What to do during the trip and after returning to Hong Kong: Wear a mask and wash hands frequently in closed environments with many people, such as airports, airplanes, and stations. Within 7-10 days after returning to Hong Kong, if you have symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, etc., try to avoid visiting the elderly or infants. If you feel unwell, see a doctor as soon as possible
To stay warm when the weather is unstable: wear layers to make it easy to add or remove clothing when entering or leaving air-conditioned places; during flu season, keep indoor areas well-ventilated, and it is still recommended to wear a mask when there are many people around
Post-infection response
Seek medical attention early: If symptoms such as high fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches occur, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible, especially high-risk individuals
Use anti-influenza medication: Doctors recommend using anti-influenza medication in the early stages of illness (within 48 hours) to reduce symptoms and shorten the course of the disease
Rest and hydration: Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and avoid overexertion
To avoid infecting others: After the onset of illness, you should stay at home to rest and avoid going to work or school to reduce the spread of the disease
The main areas of protection that insurance can provide
1. Local medical insurance
Voluntary Health Insurance (VHIS) or Hospitalization Insurance: If hospitalization is required due to influenza or other complications (such as pneumonia), it can reimburse ward fees, doctor's fees, examinations, and medications, alleviating the pressure of large medical expenses. The coverage amount of VHIS is reset annually, and the insurance can also be used for tax deductions
Outpatient/Emergency Coverage: Provides coverage for routine outpatient visits, emergency outpatient follow-up visits, and also supports medical expenses after you return to Hong Kong from abroad if you contract the disease
2. Travel insurance during overseas travel
Travel Medical Coverage: Most travel insurance policies now treat COVID-19 as a common illness, covering eligible overseas medical expenses incurred during travel due to COVID-19 or common illnesses (including influenza). In addition, coverage is also provided for medical expenses incurred locally for any injuries or illnesses that occur during the trip
Trip cancellation/shortening/delay: If you contract an illness before departure or are diagnosed during your trip and need to cancel or shorten your trip, you can usually get compensation for non-refundable airfares, hotels, etc., according to the terms and conditions
Follow-up visits after returning to Hong Kong: Some travel insurance policies cover follow-up visit costs within a certain period after returning to Hong Kong (e.g., 3 months), depending on the policy terms. However, the limit on follow-up visit costs after returning to Hong Kong also varies depending on the insurance product
24-hour emergency support: Most travel insurance policies offer a 24-hour emergency support hotline. If customers encounter an emergency during their trip and need assistance, 24-hour international rescue services can provide help
Suitable personal insurance combinations to consider
You can deploy insurance using two lines: "medical insurance" and "travel insurance"
A Voluntary Health Insurance (VHIS) plan serves as the basic medical insurance plan for hospitalization
Function: It covers the huge expenses incurred when hospitalization is required for any illness (including influenza and COVID-19 complications). It is the most common "basic medical bottom line" for Hong Kong people and can also be deducted from taxes
2. Depending on the budget, "outpatient care coverage" will be added
method:
Choose a flexible plan under a voluntary health insurance plan, with additional outpatient medical coverage, or
Purchase additional outpatient plans/company group medical supplements
Purpose: During the flu season, it is easy to visit the doctor multiple times, and outpatient coverage can reduce the cost of each visit
3. I always buy travel insurance when I travel abroad
Please note:
Coverage for those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 before departure;
Limit on follow-up appointment fees after returning to Hong Kong
In summary, a healthy mind and body are essential for a happy life and free travel. If you or your family are planning personal/family insurance, AWM's insurance specialists can provide advice. For more information, please contact AWM via WhatsApp