HANGZHOU -- The number of participants in China's online mutual aid platforms will reach 450 million by 2025, accounting for over 30 percent to the country's population and three times the current figure, a report said.

According to the report on the online mutual aid industry published Thursday by the research arm of Ant Financial Services Group, nearly 80 percent of the 58,000 people surveyed felt that online mutual aid platforms have strengthened their sense of security.

About 53 percent also stated that they would consider enrolling their family members in online mutual aid programs.

The reimbursement rate of China's serious disease insurance scheme, part of the public healthcare system, was increased to 60 percent in 2019.

Online mutual aid programs help by further reducing out-of-pocket expenses accrued in the treatment of critical illnesses, bringing the figure from 40 percent to below 20 percent for patients solely dependent on public healthcare coverage, the report said.

"These platforms have become a complementary force in China's comprehensive healthcare system, which comprise both essential public coverage for all citizens and commercial health insurance," said Zheng Bingwen, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

As awareness and concerns about healthcare needs grow in China, especially since the COVID-19 outbreak, public demand for more comprehensive and diversified healthcare coverage will continue to rise, said Yin Ming, vice president of Ant Financial.