Consumers are increasingly focused on healthcare and financial protection against illness, according to a Manulife representative. This has led to higher expectations for insurance advisors.

Nguyen Minh Tam, a project manager in Hanoi, has held insurance for 5 years. He often asks his advisor about hospital procedures, disease symptoms, and specialist doctors. He says he feels reassured by his advisor's public health knowledge.

"I once needed surgery for a herniated disc and had questions about the necessary paperwork and choosing a reputable hospital," Tam said. "Thanks to my advisor's understanding of hospital processes and insurance claims, my admission was smoother, and I felt comfortable proceeding with the surgery."

An insurance advisor shares information and supports a client. Photo: Thu Hang

An insurance advisor shares information and supports a client. Photo: Thu Hang

Six months ago, Tran Thi Hong, an office worker in Ho Chi Minh City, developed lipid disorder and digestive problems. She thought getting insurance would be difficult. However, her advisor explained the exclusions thoroughly, enabling her to find suitable coverage despite her conditions. Hong says her advisor understood her medical situation and offered lifestyle and dietary advice.

Recognizing this need, Manulife Vietnam launched a public health training program for its advisors. The program is a collaboration with the Vietnam Young Physicians’ Association and the Hanoi Medical University's Training Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health.

The company implements a public health training program for its advisory team. Photo: Hue Ngoc

The company implements a public health training program for its advisory team. Photo: Hue Ngoc

Tina Nguyen, CEO of Manulife Vietnam, stated this training initiative aims to develop a new generation of professional advisors skilled in both finance and public health. The company wants to meet the growing demand for healthy living and help clients find optimal protection. The program also aims to foster transparency, professionalism, and sustainability within Vietnam's insurance sector.

The program focuses on common infectious and non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer – the primary reasons for insurance claims. Besides theory, advisors learn to interpret lab results and advise on health issues related to insurance benefits, applying this knowledge to client consultations.

Associate Professor, Doctor Le Minh Giang, Director of the Hanoi Medical University's Training Institute for Preventive Medicine, said the course aims to provide advisors with essential public health knowledge to help clients understand health and insurance.

Experts believe this training model benefits everyone. Clients receive better support from advisors with a foundation in public health. For Manulife, it's a long-term investment in its workforce, differentiating the customer experience. More broadly, it promotes a professional and proactive insurance industry focused on client health and empowered advisors.

The first classes were held at Hanoi Medical University. Photo: Hue Ngoc

The first classes were held at Hanoi Medical University. Photo: Hue Ngoc

According to the Vietnam Insurance Association, nearly 900,000 new insurance policies were issued in the first 6 months of this year, a 22.3% year-on-year increase. Total claims paid reached nearly 29,000 billion VND, up 6.5% year-on-year. These figures demonstrate the growing role of insurance and public demand.

People now prioritize quality of life over simply living longer. The Manulife Asia Care 2025 survey revealed that longevity is no longer the primary aspiration. Instead, people prioritize healthy living and financial independence.

Given insurance's practical role and consumer needs, many industry experts consider Manulife's approach well-suited to Vietnam's insurance landscape.

Pham Van Tam, an insurance consultant in Ho Chi Minh City with over 20 years of experience, notes that most consumers ask advisors about common illnesses and claim procedures before purchasing insurance. They seek comprehensive advice to choose suitable policies and maintain physical and mental health, along with a positive lifestyle. Therefore, advisors with strong public health knowledge can better support and guide their clients.

Hoang Dan