MediAsas is coming in January 2027. We break down how Malaysia’s new medical insurance and takaful plan works, who it’s for, what it covers and what we know so far.
Premiums are rising because healthcare in Malaysia, particularly private healthcare, has become extremely expensive. And while insurance reflects that cost, it does not create it alone.
This is a systemic problem.
With rising medical costs and inflation, one might wonder if having one medical card is enough. Medical cards are used to help cover healthcare and medical expenses such as hospitalization and surgical costs, medications, doctor consultations, care providers, and sometimes dental expenses.
Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has acknowledged concerns over health insurance repricing strategies as rising medical costs and premiums strain policyholders' finances. With tough choices between higher premiums or reduced coverage, the coming months may see increased lapsation of policies, greater reliance on government healthcare, and an overburdened medical system. A sustainable resolution remains a long way off, leaving policyholders and regulators grappling with a complex and pressing crisis.
