Malaysians with pre-existing illnesses eagerly await MHIT announcement
PETALING JAYA: Cancer survivor Cheryl Eng, 57, has spent the past few years calculating the cost of illness and ageing – and coming up short.
After she was diagnosed with cancer in her early 50s, she said a medical insurance premium proposed by an agent was beyond her means.
The Kajang resident has so far relied on her company’s medical cover, but has only three years left to retirement.
ALSO READ: Fine print needs to pass real test, say policy experts
“I have been living in fear of old age with no medical insurance. The government’s Base MHIT is really a saviour with at least some basic coverage for my old age,” she said.
Eng is among the many Malaysians with pre-existing medical conditions closely following the government’s proposed Base Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful (MHIT) plan, with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad saying those with pre-existing illnesses will be included.
For May Lye, 45, a slipped disc suffered in 2019 is still causing her concern.
“I remember when I purchased my second medical card in 2022, I had to be excluded from certain spinal coverage because of the slip disc,” said the Subang-based administrative officer.
As such, she said the promise of a base plan that includes pre-existing conditions offers a ray of hope.
“It is almost too good to be true. Surely many with pre-existing medical conditions will clamour for it.
“But will it create too big a risk pool and make financial sense?” she asked.
Retiree Leman Abdullah, 66, is running out of cover when he needs it most.
“I claimed RM60,000 from my medical card after I had a stent procedure a few years ago. I was told there is not much left if I need to be re-admitted again,” said the ex-civil servant from Melaka.
He said the pension he draws was just enough for daily expenses.
“If MHIT can accept those with pre-existing illnesses, it will definitely help. But how much will it actually cover?
“If the coverage is attractive, I will seriously consider buying it,” he added.
Copywriter and part-time insurance agent Jeyaraj Paul said Malaysians with pre-existing illnesses generally do not expect premium healthcare.
“For example, we siblings know that our mum, who has hypertension and heart ailment, is not as healthy anymore.
“Insurers often see patients like her as high-risk when it comes to coverage. Hence, the higher premiums,” he said.
Jeyaraj said if the government’s Base MHIT plan can be designed comprehensively, medical insurance coverage will take on a whole new direction.
