Summary of Key Changes in 2026's Huimin Insurance
In 2026, Huimin Insurance has undergone significant adjustments, shifting from a universal model where everyone paid the same amount and received the same coverage to a more tailored approach with differentiated pricing and compensation. The reasons for these changes include a slowdown in enrollment growth (with an annual increase of only 6% in 2023, and in some cities, as much as 20%-30% of policyholders dropping out) and high compensation pressures (an average compensation rate of 78.83% in 2023, with some regions exceeding 90%). Without these adjustments, the insurance product could fall into a "vicious cycle": healthy individuals leaving the program, leading to a deterioration of the risk pool, higher compensation rates, and even more healthy people dropping out. The new approach includes offering discounts to healthy or continuously enrolled policyholders (lower deductibles, higher reimbursement rates) and refining the rules for those with pre-existing conditions or chronic diseases (increased premiums or reduced compensation). At the same time, the million-yuan medical insurance coverage has also been upgraded, complementing rather than replacing Huimin Insurance. Different groups of people should choose the appropriate coverage based on their health status and age.
Detailed Explanation of the Changes
Why Has Huimin Insurance Suddenly Changed?
Huimin Insurance once expanded rapidly thanks to its low premiums and no health requirements, but it now faces two major challenges:
- Slowing Enrollment Growth: Enrollment reached 40 million in 2020 and exceeded 100 million in 2021 (a 150% increase), but the growth rate dropped to only 6% in 2023, with a total of 168 million policyholders. In some cities, 20%-30% of policyholders do not renew their coverage each year.
- Excessive Compensation Pressure: The average compensation rate in 2023 was nearly 79%, and popular products like Shanghai's Huhi Insurance have consistently exceeded 90%. High compensation rates mean that insurance companies may incur losses, making it difficult to sustain the product. More dangerously, this situation could lead to a "vicious cycle": healthy individuals feel they are paying for nothing if they do not file claims and choose to withdraw, leaving only those who are chronically ill or frail. As a result, more claims are made, further reducing coverage, which in turn drives more healthy people away, potentially leading to the product's discontinuation. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the rules to retain healthy policyholders and balance the risks.
What Exactly Has Changed in 2026's Huimin Insurance?
The main changes involve a "three-tier segmentation" approach:
- Price Differenciation:
- Age-based Pricing: For example, Hebei's Yihui Insurance charges different premiums for different age groups (0-20 years old, 21-50 years old, and over 50 years old), with higher premiums for older individuals.
- Version Selection: Hangzhou's Xihu Yilian Insurance offers a basic version for 150 yuan and an upgraded version for 300 yuan, each with different coverage levels.
- Combining Health and Age: Zaozhuang, Shandong, first divides policyholders by age and then adds extra costs for those with pre-existing conditions, allowing them to enroll while balancing risk and cost.
- Incentives for Healthy Policyholders:
Continuous enrollment without claims results in benefits, such as a reduced deductible (from 12,000 yuan to 10,000 yuan) for Shanghai's Huhi Insurance, or an increased reimbursement rate (from 80% to 90%) for Shenzhen's Huimin Insurance. The goal is to retain healthy policyholders and stabilize the risk pool.
- Refined Management for Those with Pre-existing Conditions:
- Expansion of the list of pre-existing conditions: Common chronic diseases like hypertension with complications or diabetes with complications are now considered pre-existing conditions, leading to lower compensation rates.
- Claim History Impact: In Shanghai's Huhi Insurance, claims over 1000 yuan in the previous year are classified as pre-existing conditions, reducing out-of-medical-insurance self-payment rates from 70% to 30%. For example, after Ms. Huang had her gallbladder removed, her compensation rate for the following year was reduced.
- Continuous Enrollment Consideration: Chengdu's Huirong Insurance does not cover claims for those with pre-existing conditions who did not enroll continuously; however, continuous enrollees can still receive 20% coverage.
Is the Upgraded Million-Yuan Medical Insurance a Competitor to Huimin Insurance?
The upgraded million-yuan medical insurance also offers improved benefits in 2026, such as higher coverage amounts (millions of yuan), lower deductibles (or tiered deductibles), more stable renewal options (20-year guarantee), and better services (hospitalization advances, priority access to medical care). Some products even relax health declaration requirements, allowing people with conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar to enroll. However, these two products serve different purposes:
- Million-Yuan Medical Insurance: Requires a health declaration and is suitable for people under 60 years old with good health, providing more comprehensive coverage (including overseas medications and rehabilitation care).
- Huimin Insurance: Does not require a health declaration and is open to all ages, especially the elderly, those with chronic diseases, and those denied coverage by million-yuan medical insurance, serving as an additional layer of protection beyond basic medical insurance.
How Should Ordinary People Make Their Choice?
- Healthy Young People (under 60 years old): Consider purchasing a million-yuan medical insurance with long-term renewal guarantees and good services. If budget permits, add Huimin Insurance for extra coverage for special medications or rare diseases.
- Those with Minor Health Issues (e.g., nodules, mild hypertension): Try the intelligent underwriting process for the million-yuan medical insurance; if approved or with acceptable additional costs, choose it. If denied or faced with high premiums, opt for Huimin Insurance.
- Elderly People/Those with Chronic Diseases/Denied Coverage: Choose Huimin Insurance. Even though the compensation rate has decreased, it remains a valuable supplementary coverage option.
What Should You Be Aware Of After the Changes?
The new rules are more complex, so be sure to:
- Understand Pre-existing Condition Definitions: Clearly understand how claims and chronic diseases are classified and how much the compensation rates will be affected.
- Clarify Renewal Conditions: Know the differences in benefits between continuous and non-continuous enrollment.
- Compare Coverage Levels: Compare the prices and coverage of different versions to find the best fit for your needs (e.g., choose a version that includes special medications for the elderly).
In summary, the stratification of Huimin Insurance is not a rejection of its universal nature but a necessity for its sustainability. The upgrade of million-yuan medical insurance aims to attract healthy individuals. Together, these two products can better meet the healthcare needs of a wider range of people.
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