No more pay-first, claim-later? cross-border health insurance is finally starting to happen.
Boao Lecheng: What the new AXA deal means for expats in Hainan
Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Zone signed a cooperation agreement with AXA on August 8, 2025, integrating cross-border medical insurance with its advanced facilities.
In 2024, Lecheng received 413,700 medical-tourism visits (+36.76% YoY), reflecting rising interest from Hong Kong, Macao, and overseas patients.
What this means for expats:
Insurance support: AXA will facilitate cross-border claims; confirm cashless/direct billing with your provider.
Specialist treatments: Advanced therapies and overseas-approved drugs/devices are expanding; BNCT is an emerging cancer therapy in development in China.
Cross-border demand: Shenzhen alone handled 700,000+ consultations for Hong Kong residents in 2023, highlighting the need for nearby high-quality options.
It’s not a replacement for everyday healthcare, but it widens practical choices for expats and international visitors seeking advanced treatments in China.
Full breakdown here: International Medical Options in Hainan Expand with AXA Partnership