19-08-2020
China:Insurer's study shows worries over healthcare costs affect mental health
Insurance AlertssChina:Insurer's study shows worries over healthcare costs affect mental health
Worries about health and healthcare costs continue to impact mental health in China, including linking conditions such as depression to the risk of more serious physical and mental illness, according to a study by AXA Tianping.
The findings from the study are issued against the backdrop of changing demographic and lifestyle trends that highlight rising rates of critical diseases in China, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, reported Shine.cn.
With a growing number of prominent studies linking poor mental health to the increased risk of such diseases, one pernicious effect of health-related anxiety and stress is that they might actually be increasing people’s risk of getting sick, creating a vicious cycle of fear, worry and correlated health problems, the study says.
Leveraging its expertise in healthcare, AXA Tianping is helping to lift the taboos surrounding mental health. In May, the P&C insurer began a gradual roll-out of a free and confidential telecounseling service for policyholders. It is also poised to launch several new products that will cover more comprehensive mental health treatment options to its customers.
As part of the study, 1,000 people of different ages and incomes were canvassed in 10 Tier 1-3 cities on a range of healthcare-related issues. Some 79% of respondents identified feelings of anxiety associated with the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
In terms of serious non-communicable diseases such as cancer, the survey revealed a strong correlation, regardless of income level, between worries about general health and personal and family finance. Commonly cited concerns included those relating to accessing affordable and quality care, as well as reduced incomes.
Source: Asia Insurance Review
