The illusion of coverage

Photo: dpa

MANY Malaysians see private health insurance (PHI) as a safety net, promising faster access to treatment, more comfortable facilities, and protection against rising medical costs. Yet when patients actually need care, that sense of security does not always hold. Increasingly, evidence suggests that while PHI improves access to healthcare, it does not necessarily shield individuals from financial strain.

Over time, policy measures such as tax relief for insurance purchases and the option to use EPF (Employees Provident Fund) savings have expanded PHI coverage, transforming it from a niche product into a significant component of healthcare financing.