As flu cases surge across Asia, insurers are on standby for a rise in health claims, with public health officials linking the spike to seasonal weather patterns that favour the transmission of the virus.
In Thailand, more than 30,000 new flu cases were reported in just one week, while Japan declared a nationwide influenza epidemic in early October after confirming over 6,000 cases in the same time period. The Philippines also recorded a 10% increase in private hospital admissions due to the flu, prompting a temporary suspension of in-person classes in Metro Manila. Similar spikes have been observed in Taiwan and Singapore, indicating a widespread regional trend.
Increased Demand for Health Insurance Products
The rise in flu cases, combined with an ageing population, presents both challenges and opportunities for insurers in the region. There is a growing need for insurance products tailored to address the specific health risks faced by older adults, including coverage for preventive care such as vaccinations and routine screenings. As Asia’s demographic profile shifts, insurers are poised to play a pivotal role in supporting public health initiatives and responding to the evolving healthcare needs of an ageing population.
Older Adults at Greater Risk
Medical professionals are particularly concerned about the flu’s impact on older adults, who are more vulnerable to severe complications like pneumonia, cardiovascular events, and increased hospitalisation and mortality rates. The demographic shift in Southeast Asia is exacerbating these risks, with the World Health Organization (WHO) projecting that by 2050, the proportion of people aged 60 and over will nearly double, reaching almost 23% of the population.
Despite the growing number of elderly people, vaccination rates within this group remain low, leaving many older adults exposed to serious illness each flu season. According to the Aging Well in Asia: Asian Development Policy Report, the number of people aged 60 and above in the Asia-Pacific region is projected to reach 1.2 billion by 2050, representing roughly a quarter of the population. This demographic shift is expected to drive demand for enhanced pension systems, healthcare services, and insurance products designed to meet the needs of older adults.
The report also highlighted that 60% of older adults do not undergo regular health screenings, and nearly one-third experience symptoms of depression due to illness, isolation, or financial difficulties. Elderly women, in particular, are more at risk for certain health conditions.
Expert Perspectives and Regional Collaboration
To address these challenges, Sanofi, in partnership with the Vietnam National Institute for Control of Vaccines and Biologicals (NICVB) and the Malaysian Society of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases (MyICID), recently hosted a regional webinar focused on influenza prevention for older adults. The event brought together nearly 700 healthcare professionals from across Southeast Asia.
Dr. Steven C.L. Lim, president of MyICID, stressed the need for influenza vaccination as part of standard care for the elderly, particularly those with chronic conditions: “Flu virus infection exacerbates underlying chronic medical conditions, leading to an increased risk for hospitalisation and death. Influenza vaccination should be part of standard care for the elderly, especially those with chronic diseases.”
Assoc. Prof. Pham Quang Thai, head of the expanded immunisation office for the Northern Region of Vietnam, added: “In Vietnam, annual influenza hospitalisations are 154% higher, and mortality rates are 700% higher among older adults compared to those aged 50-64. However, vaccination coverage for those aged 65 and above remains low at just 5.55%, far below the WHO target of 75%.”
Prof. Sasisopin Kiertiburanakul, vice president of the Infectious Disease Association of Thailand, commented: “Flu vaccines offer meaningful protection against severe outcomes such as hospitalisation and complications in this vulnerable population. The priority now is ensuring that older adults are vaccinated with the right vaccines available to prevent serious flu-related outcomes.” She also called for expanded awareness and regional cooperation to improve vaccine access and uptake across the region.