‘Headquarters in Shanghai’ Interview with Celine Zhang, CEO of MSH CHINA: Taking InsurTech Innovation from Shanghai to the World
In 2001, MSH CHINA established China’s first international health insurance service center in Shanghai and introduced direct billing to Chinese hospitals. Over the past 25 years, the company has grown from a two-person startup into an organization with more than 450 employees, serving over 200,000 insurance members. In 2025, MSH CHINA was officially recognized by Shanghai Municipal Government as the Asia Regional Headquarters of a multinational corporation. Today, MSH’s global medical network covers more than 2 million medical providers across 178 countries and regions.
During the interview, Celine Zhang shared MSH CHINA’s 25-year journey in China, from its original vision of establishing roots in Shanghai, to the global expansion of Chinese innovation, and the structural opportunities arising from healthcare reform and policy evolution in China’s commercial medical insurance sector.
INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
YICAI: In 2001, MSH CHINA established China’s first international health insurance service center in Shanghai. Why did you choose Shanghai as your first location in China?
CELINE ZHANG: In 2001, China had just joined the WTO. At that time, international health insurance was mainly offered by foreign-invested or multinational companies as a benefit for employees on global assignments. When these employees came to China, their employers needed to provide healthcare protection at a level similar to what they had in developed markets. This gave employees the confidence to come and stay. In a way, we took part in this chapter of China’s integration with the world.
Shanghai had the highest concentration of multinational headquarters and international professionals in China at the time. We went where our clients were, so Shanghai was the natural place to establish China’s first international health insurance service center.
At that time, international health insurance was still an unfamiliar concept in China. Leading Chinese hospitals had both the ability and the willingness to serve international patients well. MSH CHINA had clients and experience working with international insurance systems. We came together and introduced direct billing to Chinese hospitals. We also helped hospitals improve the patient journey for international patients and placed representatives on site to handle daily coordination. Step by step, we brought together international service standards and the deep strengths of China’s medical system.
YICAI: How is MSH CHINA’s business model different from the Group’s approach in other markets?
CELINE ZHANG: What makes me most proud is that, over the past 25 years, we have transformed what was once an imported concept into mid- to high-end medical insurance that truly works for people in China and puts their needs at the center. We started by serving expatriates. Today, our members also include many middle-class Chinese families. With insurance, they can access high-quality healthcare at VIP or international departments within leading public hospitals, as well as private medical facilities and international hospitals.
In recent years, we have accelerated digital transformation through innovations such as our AI-powered claims processing system and MSH Cloud, our all-in-one digital collaboration platform connecting healthcare providers and insurers. These digital infrastructures continue to empower key stakeholders of the ecosystem, including insurance companies, hospitals, technology platforms, reinsurers, and health management providers.
YICAI: In 2025, MSH CHINA was upgraded to the Asia Regional Headquarters of a multinational corporation. Why has Diot-Siaci Group continued to increase its investment in Shanghai?
CELINE ZHANG: China is the world’s largest growth engine. Diot-Siaci Group chose Shanghai for MSH’s Asia-Pacific headquarters because of the city’s open and forward-looking approach to financial services. From regulatory approvals and day-to-day operations to support for recruiting talent, the relevant authorities have given us strong support.
In recent years, senior executives from our global headquarters have visited Shanghai several times. Diot-Siaci Group is a leading insurance and reinsurance advisory and brokerage group in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. These visits send a clear message: the Group has long-term confidence in the Chinese market.
YICAI: Many multinational companies now talk about taking innovations developed in China to global markets. Which MSH CHINA example makes you most proud?
CELINE ZHANG: Many of our China-led innovations are now being adopted by the Group as best practices and introduced in other markets.
Earlier this year, I presented China’s AI-powered claims processing system at the Group’s global summit. Our digital employee, Nova Xin, can manage the full claims workflow, from data collection and AI-powered claims assessment to automated payment. The innovation impressed the audience and helped us win the Group Innovation Award for the second year in a row.
In this new wave of AI, China’s insurtech sector has advanced quickly and is now among the global front-runners. China has become a leading force in global innovation.
YICAI: What are MSH CHINA’s main priorities for the future?
CELINE ZHANG: As healthcare reform moves forward, commercial health insurance has a major new growth opportunity. MSH CHINA will take an active role. We will work with more insurers to bring practical healthcare protection to more Chinese families.
MSH’s global medical network covers 178 countries and more than 2 million medical providers. In the past, we supported employees of multinational companies coming to China. Today, for many Chinese companies going global through the Belt and Road Initiative, we deliver globally coordinated healthcare support, protecting their people wherever their business takes them.
As Shanghai positions itself as a leading medical hub in Asia and an international destination for medical tourism, our global network can serve as a vital bridge—bringing China’s leading hospitals to the attention of international audiences and enabling more people around the world to discover, trust and choose healthcare in China.
YICAI: Shanghai is strengthening its role as an international financial center, advancing fintech and opening its financial system further. What practical opportunities does this create for MSH CHINA in China?
CELINE ZHANG: Shanghai’s progress in opening up its financial sector gives us even more confidence to stay rooted in China and grow here for the long term. What has impressed me most is that government departments have always listened to us and helped solve practical issues. At every stage of our growth over the past 25 years, they have provided policy guidance and steady support. This has shown us how Shanghai’s business environment can be both supportive and effective.
Shanghai has always welcomed people and ideas from around the world. It was the first city in China to allow individuals to use the balance in their social health insurance accounts to purchase mid-tier private medical insurance. This has helped more families to access more comprehensive healthcare coverage at a lower cost. It also created a new model for the flexible use of social health insurance funds and offered a useful example for other cities. We hope Shanghai will continue to lead in financial innovation and further unlock the potential of its high-quality medical resources.
YICAI: After living in Shanghai for so many years, how do you feel about the city?
CELINE ZHANG: I have traveled to many places around the world, but the Shanghai East Bund Greenway is my favorite running route. It runs for 24 kilometers from Yangpu to Xupu Bridge without a single break. Along the way, you pass through industrial heritage sites, the financial center, art museums and Shanghai’s historic international architecture. The views are remarkable from start to finish. Shanghai has given this long stretch of riverside back to the public as a space for health and wellbeing. Even among the world’s great cities, that kind of vision is rare.
I also love tai chi. Shanghai has the best tai chi teachers and classes I have ever found. I have practiced for 15 years and met a wonderful group of friends who share the same passion.
After 27 years in Shanghai, I have truly fallen in love with this city — a city full of health, vitality, and endless possibilities.
CLOSING THOUGHT
“Rooted in China, protecting health: Insurance makes quality healthcare simple and convenient.”
— Celine Zhang, CEO, MSH CHINA
