Swift inclusion of innovative liver tumor treatment technology, lowers barriers for Hongkongers to access advanced medical services
HONG KONG, March 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bowtie, Hong Kong’s first virtual insurer[1], collaborates with Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong (Gleneagles), Asia’s first private hospital to offer Histotripsy treatment, to enhance the “Bowtie & Gleneagles Hospital Wellness Package”[2].
Through the swift integration of this innovative liver tumor treatment technology[3] into Bowtie’s VHIS rider under Bowtie VHIS Flexi Plan and Bowtie Pink, the collaboration aims to reduce barriers for Hongkongers to access advanced medical services, enabling more patients to benefit from Histotripsy treatment.
This upgrade takes effect immediately. Existing policyholders of Bowtie’s VHIS plans who have opted for the “Gleneagles Hospital Wellness Package” are now eligible for full reimbursement for Histotripsy treatment[4] and can enjoy the service of “Cashless Settlement Application Waiver[5]. This VHIS rider also covers 249 designated “all-inclusive fixed price medical packages” provided by Gleneagles. Patients simply need to indicate they hold this wellness package upon seeking medical treatment at Gleneagles. Bowtie and Gleneagles will handle the service application process, eliminating paperwork and allowing patients to focus entirely on their recovery.
Liver cancer is one of the most pressing issues in Hong Kong, ranking as the fifth most common cancer with 1,612 new cases in 2022 and the third leading cause of cancer deaths with 1,408 deaths in 2023[6]. While 5.6% of Hongkongers carry chronic hepatitis B—one of the key risk factors for liver cancer—advanced treatments are vital for local patients[7].
Unlike conventional surgery or radiation therapy, Histotripsy employs high-intensity ultrasound waves to destroy and liquefy targeted tumor cells, offering patients an additional, precise option for tumor elimination. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2023 for the treatment of liver cancer, this technology has gained increasing recognition worldwide.
In Asia, following its introduction to Hong Kong last year, Gleneagles will commence its Histotripsy treatment service towards the end of March. This partnership with Bowtie to enhance the VHIS rider not only lowers the threshold for Hongkongers to access cutting-edge medical services but also underscores Hong Kong’s leadership in medical innovation within the private healthcare landscape.
Mr. Fred Ngan, Co-Founder of Bowtie, stated, “As a home-grown local insurer, Bowtie is committed to unlocking private healthcare services for Hongkongers. We believe our role goes beyond simply financing private care, and we aim to drive innovation and empower patients with greater opportunities to access advanced medical technologies like Histotripsy, making them both accessible and affordable.”
Mr. Fred Ngan added, “Recent data reveals that around 20% of eligible VHIS customers have the ‘Medical Insurance + Wellness’ packages, indicating the strong demand and confidence in private medical services. We are delighted to have partnered with Gleneagles, an like-minded and forward-thinking organization, to bring this collaboration to life. “
Dr. Kenneth Tsang, Chief Executive Officer of Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong and Regional Chief Executive Officer of IHH Healthcare North Asia, stated, “We are excited to offer this transformative Histotripsy treatment for liver cancer with our full-trained medical team, providing an additional treatment option and a new hope for patients. We believe that our collaboration with Bowtie will help further enhance patients’ access to cutting-edge healthcare solutions while providing them with extra peace of mind.”
As part of this partnership, Bowtie and Gleneagles are dedicated to providing quality healthcare education to raise awareness about Histotripsy and promote its adoption, ensuring more liver cancer patients can benefit from this groundbreaking technology.
More information about the Histotripsy technology and liver cancer treatment package are available on the website of Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong.
About Bowtie
The Bowtie Life Insurance Company Limited is an authorised life insurance company and Hong Kong’s first virtual insurer. Its vision is to bridge the medical protection gap and transform the way people access healthcare in Hong Kong. By combining modern technology and medical expertise, Bowtie offers a commission-free and convenient online platform for customers to quote, apply, and claim for medical insurance plans anytime, anywhere. Bowtie is backed by Sun Life Financial, Mitsui & Co, and supported by leading international investors. Currently, Bowtie has raised more than HK$680 million and provided over HK$100 billion of insured value to families. Stay up to date at https://www.bowtie.com.hk/en/.
About Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong
Located at Wong Chuk Hang on Hong Kong Island South, Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong (Gleneagles) is a multi-specialty private hospital, providing cutting-edge medical technologies and a comprehensive range of clinical services spanning more than 35 specialties and subspecialties. As Hong Kong’s top-notch private teaching hospital, Gleneagles also contributes to the training and development of healthcare professionals and advancement of clinical research. Gleneagles is a joint venture between IHH Healthcare and CTF Services Limited, with The University of Hong Kong as its exclusive clinical partner.
Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong is part of IHH Healthcare, one of the world’s largest healthcare providers. With its full spectrum of integrated services, dedicated people, reach and scale, and commitment to quality and safety, IHH aspires to be the world’s most trusted healthcare services network, united by a single purpose: to touch lives and transform care. More information on Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong can be found at https://www.gleneagles.hk/.
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[1] Bowtie is the first company authorised by Hong Kong’s Insurance Authority under its Fast Track Pilot Scheme |
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[2] “Gleneagles Hospital Wellness Package” is not a certified plan under the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme, and the respective premium is not tax deductible |
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[3] Histosonics: https://histosonics.com/news/fda-awards-histosonics-clearance-of-its-first-of-a-kind-edison-histotripsy-system-2/ |
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[4] The reimbursement for the “Histotripsy Treatment – Liver Cancer Treatment Package” is an ex-gratia arrangement and it is subject to the annual or lifetime benefit limit (if applicable) of the relevant VHIS plan. If any additional expenses arise during this treatment, including complications, further surgeries, or intensive care, these costs will be reimbursed according to the relevant VHIS benefit schedule. This arrangement will take effect from March 14, 2025, until further notice. |
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[5] GHK will submit to Bowtie on your behalf the pre-approval application in respect of the Designated Medical Packages(s) for the intended surgery(ies)/ procedure(s) for the cashless settlement service, which the cashless settlement service is subject to Bowtie’s approval. |
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[6] The Hong Kong Cancer Registry: https://www3.ha.org.hk/cancereg/pdf/overview/Overview%20of%20HK%20Cancer%20Stat%202022_tc.pdf |
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[7] Information Services Department: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202407/28/P2024072600568.htm?fontSize=1 |
