4 April 2023
To: Chief Executives of authorized insurers carrying on long term insurance business
Dear Sirs,
Cessation of Phase 2 of the temporary facilitative measures to tackle the outbreak of COVID-19
Further to our circulars on 27 March, 15 June, 4 September, 2 December 2020, 24 February, 27 May, 13 September 2021, 4 March and 9 September 2022 regarding Phase 2 of the temporary facilitative measures (“TFM”) for non-face-to-face distribution of specific protective insurance products, having considered the latest epidemic development, as well as the lifting of all mandatory mask-wearing requirements by the Government, the Insurance Authority (“IA”) no longer sees the need to further extend the TFM. In view of the aforesaid considerations, the IA has decided that Phase 2 of the TFM will not be extended beyond 30 April 2023.
To facilitate a smooth transition, the IA recognizes that authorized insurers who have adopted the TFM may need time to adjust their internal procedures, as well as processing the insurance applications that were submitted under the TFM on or before 30 April 2023, a transitional period of 1 month (i.e. 1 May to 31 May 2023) will therefore be provided to allow sufficient time for relevant authorized insurers to return to normalcy and complete the underwriting process.
If you wish to seek further clarification on the above, please contact your case officers accordingly.
Yours faithfully,
Carol Hui
Executive Director
Long Term Business Division
Insurance Authority
c.c. Hong Kong Monetary Authority
The Hong Kong Federation of Insurers
The Life Underwriters Association of Hong Kong
General Agents and Managers Association of Hong Kong
Insurance Industry Regulatory and Development Concern Group
The Hong Kong Confederation of Insurance Brokers
Professional Insurance Brokers Association
Hong Kong Insurance Practitioners General Union
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