SHENZHEN residents might be able to purchase commercial health insurance with the balance in their public medical insurance accounts, according to a document recently rolled out by the Shenzhen Bureau of China Insurance Regulatory Commission on the guidance of the reforms of the city’s insurance industry, the Shenzhen Economic Daily reported yesterday.

Currently, local residents can only use the money in their public medical insurance accounts to pay for some medication and treatment at recognized hospitals, health-care centers and pharmacies. They aren’t allowed to use the money to purchase commercial health insurance such as a critical-illness policy.

However, the document proposes that residents might be able to pay for commercial medical insurance with their public medical insurance accounts provided that their balances meet a certain standard.

Shenzhen is not the first city in China to mull over such relevant policies. Shanghai, Shandong and Zhejiang have released official documents on the matter since last year, proposing to allow their residents to spend the spare money in their accounts on commercial medical insurance.

Insurance for the aged population is another highlight addressed in the document. The guideline pointed out that it would further support insurance companies in providing various kinds of services for the elderly and enhancing these companies’ roles in providing insurance. (Zhang Qian)