The prevalence of cancer, heart attacks, and strokes as leading causes of Critical Illness claims highlights the profound impact these conditions have on individuals and healthcare systems. Cancer remains the predominant cause of claims, especially among women, yet cardiovascular conditions warrant increased attention due to their severity and frequency.

Figure 1 – Top Claim Causes for Major Disease and Death by Market

A significant correlation exists between Body Mass Index (BMI) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Studies have consistently shown that higher BMI,¹ particularly in the overweight or obese range, is associated with an elevated risk of CVD.² This trend is also evident in the insured portfolio, which primarily focused on standard lives. For instance, data from the Mainland Chinese market in our Gen Re Dread Disease Survey – 8th Edition shows a marked difference in incidence rates for different BMI bands among males, with rates varying up to 3.7 times.

Figure 2 – Age-standardized Incidence Rate for Heart Attack, Coronary Artery Bypass Graft and Stroke by BMI Bands in Mainland China

Numerous risk factors for CVD exist, ranging from modifiable lifestyle and behavioral aspects to unchangeable environmental and genetic risks.³ Known contributors to increased CVD risk include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. While we cannot alter genetics, family history, age, gender, and ethnicity, we can mitigate risk through lifestyle choices.

Figure 3 – Risk Factors for CVD

Governments and health organizations advocate lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, maintaining a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. These changes, along with medical interventions, are vital for reducing CVD’s burden and enhancing overall health outcomes. In this context, the insurance industry plays a pivotal role; with wellness platforms increasingly becoming a standard offering, insurers can engage customers more effectively, promoting healthier living and benefiting both policyholders and insurance firms.

Our study on CVD risks based on BMI reveals that Malaysian females exhibit a higher CVD risk, inferred from population BMI data based on average height and weight from World Data. In contrast, BMI variations among males across the four markets studied do not significantly affect CVD rates, with only about a 5% difference. However, for females, the Malaysian market shows an incidence rate nearly 40% higher than the other markets, based on national average BMI.

Our machine learning analysis underscores the significance of BMIs, with our gradient boosting machine (GBM) model boasting a 96% accuracy rate and ranking BMI as the fourth most influential factor for the Mainland Chinese market, following age, provinces, and sum assured bands, and even preceding gender.

Figure 4 – Ranking of Factors Influencing the Incidence of CVD in Mainland China

In summary, collaborative efforts in prevention and early detection are vital to reduce CVD risks. Effective management and insurance solutions are key to supporting affected individuals, ensuring improved health outcomes and financial security. For further insights, please consult your Gen Re client manager.