Hong Kong’s insurance sector has mobilised to provide emergency relief measures and pledged millions of dollars in financial aid following the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in the city’s district of Tai Po.
The blaze, which broke out in the afternoon of 26 Nov, has claimed at least 146 lives, with 79 injured, and around 40 people still unaccounted for.
Insurers have responded by introducing measures for affected policyholders, including dedicated hotlines, streamlining and prioritising claims, premium pauses, and waiving death certificate requirements where possible. The Insurance Authority (IA) has also established a dedicated task force to help coordinate the industry’s response.
In addition, major insurers and banks have pledged more than HK$100m (US$13m) in direct donations and charitable funds.
AIA, Manulife, and Prudential have each committed HK$20m to the relief effort.
“AIA Hong Kong is deeply saddened by the tragic fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po and extends heartfelt condolences to all those affected and their families”, AIA said, adding it would donate HK$20m through the AIA Foundation to support emergency relief and assist with recovery efforts.
Similarly, a statement from Manulife read, “We are deeply saddened by the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po and extend heartfelt sympathy to those affected and their families. To provide immediate support for the community, Manulife will donate HK$20 million to the Hong Kong Red Cross Tai Po Fire Emergency Appeal.”
Prudential Hong Kong announced a total commitment of HK$20m. In a statement, the insurer said that half of this sum will be donated to the government’s “Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court”, while the remaining HK$10m has been allocated for direct financial relief, offering a one-off payment of HK$10,000 to customers living in the affected blocks.
Sun Life pledged HK$10m and has activated an emergency subsidy of HK$5,000 for clients and financial advisors residing in the complex. Ping An said it would also donate HK$10m to support emergency relief and post-disaster reconstruction at Wang Fuk Court. In a LinkedIn announcement, FWD said it was donating HK$10m to “support emergency assistance and recovery efforts.”
HSBC and Hang Seng Bank, which have insurance arms, have also contributed heavily, jointly announcing a donation of HK$30m.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating events in Tai Po,” said Peter Wong, Chairman of HSBC and The Hongkong Bank Foundation. “We stand in solidarity with the victims, their families and the community during this incredibly difficult time.”
The fire, the city’s deadliest in decades, was believed to have been exacerbated by flammable materials used in ongoing renovation work at the estate.
China Taiping Insurance (HK) is the insurance underwriter for key property policies and also holds a significant portfolio of home and domestic helper policies for residents. In a statement on Thursday, the insurer pledged to "make every effort to assist affected residents," adding that it stands "united with society" in overcoming the crisis.
