Business Daily Media

Men's Weekly

.

Blue Cross Survey: 74% of Young People Travel for Unique and Exciting Experiences One-third Lack Protection Awareness

Preference for Spontaneous Travel, Grabbing Cheap Flights and Travelling on a Whim

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 13 February 2025 - Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited ("Blue Cross") today announced the results of a survey1 of young people's travel habits and preferences, as well as their level of protection awareness.

The survey found that young people love to travel, with nearly 70% planning to travel2 twice or more a year. 74% of the respondents hope to explore and try unique, novel and exciting experiences during their travels. However, one-third would not purchase travel insurance, implying a lack of awareness of risk management and protection.

Ms. Bonnie Tse, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross (2nd from left), Ms. Sylvia Chow, Director of Marketing of Blue Cross (2nd from right), Mr. Aiden Hung, young Hong Kong singer (left), and Ms. Akina Fong (right) at Blue Cross’s Press Conference
Ms. Bonnie Tse, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross (2nd from left), Ms. Sylvia Chow, Director of Marketing of Blue Cross (2nd from right), Mr. Aiden Hung, young Hong Kong singer (left), and Ms. Akina Fong (right) at Blue Cross’s Press Conference

The survey was conducted by Blue Cross earlier through online questionnaires. The key findings are as follows:

New Generation Loves to Travel, Prefers Novel and Exciting Experiences

69% of the respondents plan to travel twice or more in the next 12 months; 22% plan to travel three times or more. In other words, one in five young people plans to travel three times or more in the coming year.

74% of the respondents aspire to explore and try unique, novel and exciting experiences during their travels, and about one-third (32%) prefer to explore lesser-known destinations.

Preference for Spontaneous Travel, Travelling on a Whim after Grabbing Cheap Flights, Following Travel KOLs Suggestions for Itinerary, "Checking in" and "Happy Sharing" on Social Media

Nearly 60% (58%) of the respondents prefer improvised travel to planning an itinerary in advance. Two-thirds (66%) of the respondents' travel plans depend on the availability of cheap flights. As for planning their itinerary, 70% of the respondents said they would refer to the suggestions and recommendations of travel KOLs

62% of young people travel to "check in" and are keen on "happy sharing" on social media, highlighting the close connection between their offline and online activities.

Most Worried about Flight Delays, Cancellations or Lost Luggage, Yet Lacks Protection Awareness

When asked about travel-related concerns, 71% of the respondents cite flight delays or cancellations as their top worry; half (50%) of the respondents are concerned about lost or damaged luggage. These are common risks that travellers occasionally face.

Two-thirds (66%) of the respondents said they would purchase travel insurance to protect themselves and their families, of which 80% considered premium and promotional offers as the key factor when choosing travel insurance. One-third (34%) would not acquire insurance, of which 42% considered it unnecessary, showing that the new generation has inadequate awareness of their protection needs.

Blue Cross to Actively Tap the Youth Market in Line with its Young and Dynamic Brand Image

Ms. Bonnie Tse, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross, said, "Today's young people love to travel, seeking out fresh and exciting experiences. They are fearless, innovative and willing to take on challenges. However, their lack of protection awareness is concerning. In addition to common travel disruptions such as flight delays and lost luggage, comprehensive travel insurance provides crucial protection and mitigates the risks against accidents, injuries, and illness during the journey.

"We hope to inspire the new generation to balance living fully with protecting themselves and their families. As young people grow and progress through different stages of life, their priorities, concerns, and aspirations evolve, and a thoughtful awareness and understanding of risk management becomes increasingly important."

Blue Cross values the youth market. Its business data reflect a growing base of younger customers, with a 108% increase in policyholders aged 18 to 29 and a 164% increase in the number of policies. Moreover, the number of policyholders and policies for the age group 18 to 22 jumped 150% and 191% respectively.

Ms. Tse said, "This market research is focused on local university students. This new generation has huge market potential and matches Blue Cross's young and dynamic brand positioning. The survey results help us further understand young people's preferences, consumption patterns, habits and protection awareness, and enable us to enhance our product design and marketing strategy. For example, we will introduce more flash sales and collaborate with travel platforms and KOLs that meet the preferences and lifestyles of young people. We will tailor our offerings to the needs and pain points of the new generation, providing better value for money, and creating 'Just Right' protection for them."

In addition, today's young people are growing up in a digital environment. Blue Cross has been keeping up with the pace of digital life. For example, it has optimised its company website to create a one-stop, seamless digital insurance service experience. It has also established affinity partnerships with different digital platforms to connect with young customers at various touch points across their daily activities, from online shopping and travel bookings to payment systems and financial management services. This year, Blue Cross plans to launch a series of marketing activities catering to young people, further engaging the young customer segment online and offline.

Blue Cross Business Performance in First Three Quarters of 2024 Surpassed Market Average

Blue Cross also announced its business performance for the first three quarters of 2024. Its overall performance showed a 22% rise compared with the same period in 2023, which is significantly higher than the market's 2% increase3. Its non-medical insurance business soared by 33%, while the market fell4 by 6% during the same period; of which, travel and personal accident insurance business surged by 44%, more than twice the market's 21% increase5. Blue Cross's medical insurance also outperformed the market, with a 19% increase over the same period, higher than the market's 16% increase6.

Note:

  1. Blue Cross conducted a survey from 9 December 2024 to 19 January 2025 through online questionnaires. A total of 823 Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above who are currently receiving post-secondary education were interviewed to understand the travel preferences, habits and protection awareness of young people.
  2. Excludes travelling to mainland China and Macau.
  3. Source: Insurance Authority Quarterly Release of Provisional Statistics for General Business (direct business) from January to September 2024, excluding Mortgage Guarantee.
  4. Source: Insurance Authority Quarterly Release of Provisional Statistics for General Business (direct business) from January to September 2024, excluding Medical and Mortgage Guarantee.
  5. Source: Insurance Authority Quarterly Release of Provisional Statistics for General Business (direct business) from January to September 2024, non-medical part under Class of Business "Accident & Health".
  6. Source: Insurance Authority Quarterly Release of Provisional Statistics for General Business (direct business) from January to September 2024, medical part under Class of Business "Accident & Health".

Disclaimers:
  • This press release is for distribution in Hong Kong only. The distribution of this press release is not and shall not be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or a provision of any insurance product outside Hong Kong.
  • Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited is a subsidiary of AIA Group Limited. It is not affiliated with or related in any way to Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association or any of its affiliates or licensees.

Hashtag: #BlueCross

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited

Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) Insurance Limited ("Blue Cross") is a subsidiary of AIA Group Limited. With over 50 years of operational experience in the insurance industry, Blue Cross provides a comprehensive range of products and services including medical, travel and general insurance, which cater to the needs of both individual and corporate customers. Blue Cross distributes its products through various channels, including AIA agency force, online platform, direct sales, BEA network, insurance agents and brokers, as well as travel agencies.

In 2024, Blue Cross is assigned financial strength rating of A+ (stable outlook) and issuer credit rating of A+ (stable outlook) by S&P Global Ratings.

News from Asia

ISCA Launches $2 Million Career Support Programme to Help Jobseekers Pivot into Accountancy Profession

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 August 2025 - With the demand for accountancy and finance professionals growing amid Singapore's transition to a digital and sustainable economy, the Insti...

Veterinary Emergency Centre Launches 24/7 Emergency Care for Pets Now Offering Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialty Service & HomeVet Services

Tailored Solutions for Complex Pet Health IssuesHONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 August 2025 - To address the increasingly diverse medical needs of pet owners in Hong Kong, Veterinary...

J. Bruhin Muller Introduces New Luxury B3 NAD+ Serums with AI-Powered Skin Analysis

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2025 - Luxury skincare J. Bruhin Muller today announced the launch of new concentrated serums and sumptuous crème, formulated with Vitamin...

Foxconn Technology Invests US$30 Million in Robocore to Expand into Medical and Elderly Care Robotics Market

Projects 5X Revenue Growth by 2028, Accelerates Global Market Leadership and Paves the Way for IPOHONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 August 2025 - Robocore Technology Limited (Robocore)...

Hani Terraced Fields: A Paradise Harboring Ingenious Technology

BEIJING, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2025 – The year 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of China's accession to the World Heritage Convention, a milestone that highlights the country...

Vingroup awarded first-class labor order for outstanding achievements in developing the National Exhibition Fair Center

HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2025 – Vingroup was awarded the First-Class Labor Order in recognition of its exceptional achievements in developing the National Exh...

Algo Forest Showcases Hong Kong Fintech Power on World Stage with Revolutionary "AI Signals Page"

Invited to landmark meeting with Abu Dhabi Investment Office, as its Forex Forest ecosystem empowers global retail investors, crediting H.K. government policy and Belt and Road opportunities.HONG K...

BAC Education’s MUSIC4GOOD 2.0: The Polymaths Are Back

SELANGOR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire – 20 August 2025 – Get ready to turn up the volume for a night of unforgettable music and meaningful impact! The Polymaths featuring Raja Singham, Azl...

Singapore’s Most Experiential Indoor Attraction, Museum of Ice Cream, Offers Unlimited Ice Cream in Up to 19 Flavours and Multi-Sensory Fun for All Ages

Museum of Ice Cream Singapore has attracted fans worldwide, including Bollywood stars Rucha Hasabnis, Juhi Parmar, and internet personality Aakriti Rana. Endless scoops of fun awa...

Carlsberg Asia launches Digital Acceleration Program to drive future growth across Asia

New regional strategy deepens digital platform partnerships, and fuels innovationHONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 August 2025 - A new chapter is underway at Carlsberg Asia, as the bra...

Portable Monitors for Coding and Programming Students

Today, coding and programming require more focus and efficiency. But, the most essential thing it demands is ample screen space. Students can stru...

Beyond the Banks: Why Agility and Tech Integration Are Defining the Future of Lending in Australia

In Australia’s evolving credit landscape, non-bank lenders are no longer merely filling gaps left by traditional institutions; they are actively r...

Carma appoints Owen Wilson as Chair of the Board

Carma’s next phase of growth to be guided by REA Group’s outgoing CEO who oversaw realestate.com.au rise to be Australia's #1 place for property ...

Digital Upgrade to Boost Efficiency Across Tasmanian Ports

TasPorts is undertaking a multimillion-dollar digital transformation that will improve efficiency, and enable smarter, more sustainable operations a...

Simplifying ecommerce integrations: How to streamline your setup without the stress

In today’s fast-moving retail world, having an ecommerce presence isn’t optional. Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Squarespace have lowered...

Shop Small Returns to Back the Small Businesses Supporting Local Communities

The annual Shop Small movement by American Express is returning for its 13th year in Australia to galvanise support for the country’s vibrant smal...

Sell by LayBy