AXA operates in the Chinese insurance market through a combination of its international health products (sold as offshore policies to expatriates) and its domestic joint-venture, AXA Tianping. The international health products are designed for expatriates and foreign nationals residing temporarily in China and provide cover that often includes treatment outside China — useful for those who visit home countries for specialist medical care.
AXA International's expatriate health plans typically include inpatient cover, specialist outpatient consultations, pharmaceutical benefits, and medical evacuation. Premium dental and optical modules are available as add-ons. AXA has a direct-billing arrangement with a number of major international hospitals in China, simplifying the process for policyholders seeking planned specialist treatment.
One consideration when purchasing AXA international plans as a China-based expatriate is the currency and payment mechanism. Premiums are often quoted and billed in USD, GBP, or EUR, and payment must typically be made from an overseas bank account. This can create complications for expatriates whose financial lives have become primarily China-based. AXA's brokers or internal sales teams can advise on payment logistics.
AXA is particularly well-regarded for its large-group employer schemes. Multinational companies with significant China workforces often maintain AXA group health policies that extend to expatriate employees with locally competitive premium structures. For individual expatriates, comparison-shopping between AXA, Bupa, Cigna, and Allianz via a specialist broker is advisable before committing.