Hong Kong insurance stocks surged collectively. As of press time, NCI (01336) gained 3.11% to HK$48.46; CPIC (02601) rose 3.02% to HK$31.4; CHINA LIFE (02628) climbed 3.02% to HK$22.52; and PING AN (02318) advanced 1.03% to HK$54.05.
On the news front, the National Financial Regulatory Administration recently issued "Guiding Opinions on Promoting High-Quality Development of Health Insurance," outlining the overall development approach and phased objectives for health insurance in the coming period. The document specifically mentions support for insurance companies with favorable regulatory ratings to conduct dividend-type long-term health insurance business. This marks the return of dividend-type health insurance to the market after a 22-year absence.
Dongwu Securities noted that in 2003, the former China Insurance Regulatory Commission issued a directive to halt dividend-type critical illness insurance products, after which only traditional insurance designs were permitted. Against the backdrop of consecutive reductions in predetermined interest rates, the reintroduction of dividend-type health insurance in an orderly manner will help enhance product attractiveness and further stimulate growth potential in the health insurance market.
Kaiyuan Securities highlighted that the release of high-quality health insurance development guidelines will enrich product offerings and improve the appeal of "product + service" combinations, potentially driving new development opportunities across various health insurance categories. This is expected to further reduce insurers' interest spread risk, benefiting profitability and valuation improvements.