We have all been there: During a long day at work, someone pops the evil question, “Boba tea, anyone?” ending up with everyone going around gathering drink orders. Indeed, since its introduction in Hong Kong, boba tea has become a little sweet escape for many people.
Boba tea: Hong Kongers’ addiction
According to Deliveroo’s data, the order volume for boba tea they received between September 2021 and March 2022 in Hong Kong is enough to fill up 2,708 entire bathtubs. After all, it is not easy to resist the temptation. It’s simply addictive.
A cup of boba tea a day leads the doctor your way: Risks of colorectal cancers and gynaecologic cancers
Taiwanese Gastroenterology and Hepatology experts point out that the sweet taste of boba tea comes mainly from fructose and corn syrup. Studies have shown that these two types of sugar may promote cancerous cell growth to as much as 3 times the ordinary amount. Another Swedish study also shows that having desserts 2 to 3 times a week may raise the risk of endometrial cancer by 33%. Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome in particular are at a higher risk.
As harmful as boba tea can potentially be, it’s not easy to stay away from it. Simply by reducing the frequency of getting one, the money saved is enough for the monthly premium of a critical illness insurance plan.
Over HK$1 million of critical illness coverage, at the cost of a few cups of boba tea
Indeed, for as low as a two-digit figure each month, you can be insured for critical illnesses (1). On average, you’re recommended to get a coverage amount enough for about 2 to 3 years of living expenses, or 2 to 3 times your annual income to cover the financial needs during treatment and recovery.
Expect the unexpected. Always be prepared
Your health should not be a gamble. Do not ignore all the worst-case scenarios just because the possibility is seemingly low. With critical illness insurance protection, you would be able to receive a one-off compensation when the unfortunate possibility comes true. Commonly insured illnesses include cancer, stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, major organ transplant, multiple sclerosis, etc. The compensation will cover the loss of income sources due to the illness and can be used for purposes such as medical and other expenses.
Critical illness insurance vs health insurance
Merely having a medical insurance cover may not be good enough. While general health insurance can help you pay for any necessary treatment and hospital expenses, a critical illness insurance plan offers a compensation covering expenses such as diagnostic benefit, hospitalisation and surgery, outpatient, reconstructive surgery benefit and monitoring benefit on reimbursement basis. For VCare Cancer Protector, the Covered Cancer Limit(2) is HK$1.5 million while the Lifetime Limit(3) is HK$4.5 million.
With these two different types of financial support, many people would go for both critical illness and health insurances to play safe.
A cup of boba tea for your pleasure; an insurance plan for your future
Worried that your medical history may affect your eligibility for the scheme? Don’t be! Regardless of your health conditions and claims history, VCare Cancer Protector will guarantee a successful plan renewal until you’re 100 years of age(4). Enjoy life to its fullest knowing that we’ve got your back!
If boba tea is the balm for your soul, a critical illness insurance plan is your safety net. Safeguard your future today!
1: An 18-year-old male (non-smoker) who’s insured under VCare Cancer Protector will have a Lifetime Limit of HK$1.5 million with a monthly premium of HK$47.96 in the first year. The premiums are not guaranteed and only applicable to insured of standard risk class. Loadings may be applied subject to the underwriting decision. Renewal premium will be based on the prevailing premium rates at the time of renewal. The Company reserves the right to adjust the premiums from time to time.
2: Covered Cancer Limit means the aggregate maximum amount of all benefits (applicable to diagnostic benefit, hospitalisation and surgery, outpatient, reconstructive surgery and monitoring benefit) paid and payable for one Covered Cancer under all in-force and terminated VCare Cancer Protector covering the same insured.
3: Lifetime Limit means the aggregate maximum amount of all benefits (applicable to diagnostic benefit, hospitalisation and surgery, outpatient, reconstructive surgery benefit and monitoring benefit) paid and payable under all in-force and terminated VCare Cancer Protector covering the same insured.
4: Premiums will be adjusted according to the insured’s age at the time of plan renewal. Please refer to the Product Brochure for more details, excluded items and key product risks.
Disclaimers: The information and health information contained in this article is for reference only and is not and should not be considered as medical advice. Chubb Life makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or appropriateness for any particular purpose of the information. If you have any medical related questions, you should consult your doctor or other healthcare professionals. Chubb Life shall not be liable for any losses, damages, legal costs or other expenses and liabilities that you may incur because of any information contained herein. The information, views and opinions in this article are expressed purely based on general circumstances, without considering the specific circumstances of any individuals. Such information, views and opinions should not be a substitute for any professional advice. You should make your own assessment of the content contained herein. You may also consider seeking independent professional advice if necessary. There may be differences in the products of different insurance companies. Before taking out insurance products, it is necessary to understand, analyze and compare in order to find out the appropriate insurance product(s). The above information shall not be construed as an offer to sell or solicitation to buy or provision of any of insurance products outside Hong Kong. Chubb Life reserves the right to modify and remove this article or any content thereof at any time without prior notice.
The “Chubb Life”, “Company”, “we”, or “our” herein refers to Chubb Life Insurance Hong Kong Limited.