Categories > Insurance

best-annuity-plan-hong-kong-banner

4 Best Annuity Plan Providers in Hong Kong for Your Foolproof Retirement  

  • Payout Options: We looked into how each annuity plan structured its payment terms (monthly, quarterly, or annually). We evaluated whether plans allowed for flexible payout start dates of early withdrawals under special circumstances.
  • Provider Reputation: We reviewed the track records, financial strength, and claims reliability of providers behind each plan. We gave preference to those with consistently strong service feedback and local reputation.
  • Fees and Charges: We reviewed all fees associated with the plans, including administration, surrender, and management charges. We compared how transparent and competitive these fees were across different providers.
  • Tax and Death Benefits: We checked if the plans qualify for tax deductions under Hong Kong’s deferred annuity policy. We also assessed what happens to the balance or payouts in the event of the policyholder’s death.
  • Customer Support: We evaluated the ease of accessing plan information, making changes, and getting help from providers. We also considered the availability of digital tools like mobile apps or online dashboards.

Retirement planning in Hong Kong? Not exactly light reading, right? Between skyrocketing rent and ever-changing MPF returns, it’s no surprise that many Hong Kongers feel totally unprepared for the future.

A solid plan gives you something the city rarely does: predictability. And part of the equation is working with an annuity plan provider that ensures guaranteed monthly income and peace of mind.

You don’t have to worry about doing the heavy lifting – we’ve already rounded up the best annuity plan providers to trust. 

How much do annuity plans cost in Hong Kong?

The cost of an annuity plan in Hong Kong can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $5,000,000. The premium depends on the provider, applicant’s age, and payment structure. 

1. 香港年金公司 HKMC Annuity Limited

hkmc-annuity-limited-logo

Location: 19/F, Two Harbour Square, 180 Wai Yip St, Kwun Tong
Contact: +852 2512 5000
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website

Google4.3/5
Glassdoor3.3/5
Total reviews3.8/5
Score consistency4/5
Payout Options5/5
Provider Reputation4/5
Tax and Death Benefits5/5
Fees and Charges4/5
Customer Support 5/5

Our team finds HKMC’s annuity plan to be one of the most comprehensive solutions in Hong Kong. This one is designed for permanent residents aged 60 and above, allowing them to make a one-time premium payment from $50,000 to $5,000,000.

We liked that the plan offers a guaranteed fixed monthly income for life. This eliminates concerns about outliving savings or receiving less based on market volatility. Their 6.1% annuity payout is also one of the highest we’ve reviewed.

Another feature that we love is their special medical withdrawal arrangement. Through this benefit, policyholders can withdraw up to $1,000,000 once in their lifetime to cover approved medical or dental expenses.

As for the death benefit structure, we find it solid. Beneficiaries either receive monthly payouts or a lump-sum payment, depending on the terms. 

We also appreciate the “breakeven” guarantee, wherein beneficiaries won’t receive less than the premium paid. 

While there are many advantages, there’s no inflation protection or flexibility for partial withdrawals. However, for those who want robust guarantees and long-term retirement income, we still find this to be a good choice.

Pros

  • Backed by the Hong Kong Exchange Fund
  • Lifelong guaranteed monthly income
  • Starts payout as early as the next time
  • Simple payment structure
  • 6.1% annuity payout rate
  • Whole-life benefit term
  • Special medical withdrawal up to $1,000,000
  • Lump sum or monthly death benefit
  • Guaranteed “breakeven” total payout
  • No ongoing fees

Cons

  • Limited options for premium payment
  • Lacks flexibility for partial withdrawals
  • No inflation protection

2. Chubb Life Insurance Company Ltd.

chubb-life-insurance-company-ltd-logo

Location: Causeway Bay, Gloucester Rd, 311號, Windsor House, Chubb Tower, 35/F
Contact: +852 2894 9833
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website

Google4.3/5
Glassdoor3.7/5
Total reviews4/5
Score consistency4/5
Payout Options 5/5
Provider Reputation3.5/5
Tax and Death Benefits5/5
Fees and Charges4/5
Customer Support5/5

We find Chubb’s Gold Fortune Deferred Annuity Plan to be a good choice for those who value flexibility. This option comes with a 5-year premium option, which even comes with a generous 12 % discount on the first year.

We liked that the plan offers both guaranteed and non-guaranteed monthly annuity income, with the option to start receiving payments at age 55 or 65. There’s even a maturity dividend that can potentially boost total returns. 

Another key highlight is tax deductibility since the plan qualifies under HK’s tax-deductible deferred annuity scheme. According to the policyholders we spoke to, this enabled them to save a lot of money annually.

We were also impressed by the built-in disability protection. If the insured is diagnosed with permanent disability before the annuity period, the plan guarantees an additional 10% monthly annuity income payout.

One downside is that part of the monthly annuity is non-guaranteed, meaning returns could vary depending on investment performance. But with a strong range of benefits, they remain a strong choice for flexible retirement planning.

Pros

  • 12% first-year premium discount
  • Short premium payment term options
  • Monthly annuity income for 10 years
  • Guaranteed maturity dividend
  • Option to start income at 55 or 65
  • Eligible for tax deduction under QDAP
  • Up to 2 years of premium holiday
  • Additional 10% monthly payout for total disability

Cons

  • Part of annuity income is not guaranteed
  • Income payout for 10 years only

3. 香港永明金融 – 客戶服務中心(人壽) Sun Life Hong Kong

sun-life-hong-kong-logo

Location: Hung Hom, Hung Luen Rd, 18號祥祺中心B座地下
Contact: +852 2103 8928
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Website

Google3.7/5
Glassdoor4/5
Total reviews3.85/5
Score consistency4/5
Payout Options 5/5
Provider Reputation3.5/5
Tax and Death Benefits5/5
Fees and Charges4/5
Customer Support 5/5

When it comes to flexible terms and tax savings, we find Sun Life’s Foresight Deferred Annuity Plan to be a strong contender. As a QDAP-certified plan, policyholders can enjoy up to $60,000 in tax deductions.

Our team liked that policyholders are allowed to customize key features before insurance, including payments terms and annuity start age. For reference, annuity periods can be tailored for 10, 15, 20 years, or until age 100.

The plan stood out for its guaranteed monthly annuity payment, which starts at $125 USD and grows based on the premium paid. 

There’s also a non-guaranteed component, which our experts said helps maintain a stable base income.

Another standout point is that there are no medical underwriting requirements. This simplifies the application process, especially for older applications or those with pre-existing conditions that may affect approval.

One minor drawback is that the non-guaranteed income depends on bonus, which may largely vary from time to time. 

Pros

  • QDAP-certified
  • Up to $60,000 annual tax deduction
  • Flexible premium payment terms
  • Customizable annuity start age
  • Various annuity period options
  • Guaranteed monthly payments
  • No medical underwriting required
  • Flexible death benefit settlement
  • Clear eligibility criteria

Cons

  • Non-guaranteed income relies on bonuses
  • Limited short-term liquidity

4. Manulife (International) Limited (Incorporated in Bermuda with Limited Liability)

manulife-international-limited-logo

Location: 21/F, Manulife Financial Centre Tower A, 223-231 Wai Yip St, Kwun Tong
Contact: +852 2108 1388
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website

Google3.1/5
Glassdoor3.9/5
Total reviews3.5/5
Score consistency4/5
Payout Options3.5/5
Provider Reputation5/5
Tax and Death Benefits5/5
Fees and Charges4/5
Customer Support4/5

Manulife’s ManuLeisure Deferred Annuity Plan is a solid choice for those looking for stability, flexibility, and added health protection. As a QDAP-certified plan, it also qualifies for tax deductions, ideal for mid-to-high-income earners.

What stood out during our reviews is the plan’s focus on guaranteed monthly income. The good part is that the policyholder can choose their annuitant age (55, 60, 65, or 70). There are also non-guaranteed terminal bonuses for extra income.

We also liked the inclusion of a critical illness benefit. This ensures that, if the policyholder is diagnosed with a qualified condition (e.g., cancer) during the payout phase, they can receive advances on their future annuity income.

Another solid feature is their premium holiday option. This allows clients to take a break from payments for up to 2 years after the second policy anniversary. Plus, you may enjoy discounts on your first-year premium depending on their current promos.

The only challenging thing about this is that reaching out to their advisors isn’t the easiest process. Connecting with one is crucial, as they don’t offer a lot of digital access to policy details and information. 

Pros

  • QDAP-certified with tax deductions
  • Guaranteed monthly income stream
  • Various annuity start age portions
  • Non-guaranteed terminal bonus 
  • Offers a critical illness advance benefit
  • Advance payout option for serious illnesses 
  • Premium holiday option up to 2 years
  • No medical exam/health questions
  • Offers first-year premium discounts

Cons

  • Difficult to reach out to advisors
  • Limited digital tools
Related topics