KUALA LUMPUR: The escalating costs of medical care and health insurance premiums have become a pressing issue, prompting much concern both among the public and policymakers.
“This issue has been repeatedly raised in recent parliamentary sessions by MPs from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan) and the Democratic Action Party (DAP),” said Miri MP Chiew Choon Man.
Many Malaysians have expressed frustration over excessive increases in insurance premiums, which are rendering long-held policies unaffordable, he said.
Despite contributing to health insurance plans consistently from a young age, policyholders are now finding their coverage insufficient unless they agree to significantly higher premiums.
“The burden has forced many to abandon their policies and rely solely on public healthcare services, exacerbating congestion and operational challenges in government hospitals,” said Chiew.
Feedback has identified two primary reasons behind premium increases namely medical cost inflation and increased frequency of insurance claims.
However, investigations revealed deeper structural problems namely uncontrolled private medical costs, he said.
Charges for medical supplies and services in private hospitals constitute 59–70 per cent of total bills, driving steep cost inflation and disparity in charges between insured and uninsured patients
Insured patients often face significantly higher charges compared to self-paying patients, he said, citing the cost of dengue treatment at RM4,978 for insured patients compared to RM1,288 for self-paying patients (nearly four times higher).
As for pneumonia treatment: RM6,859 for insured patients compared to RM2,654 for self-paying patients (nearly three times higher).
“Acknowledging the gravity of the issue, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Ministry of Finance, through Bank Negara Malaysia, are closely reviewing premium hikes,” Chiew said.
During this interim period, insurance companies are restricted to implementing only reasonable increases until a comprehensive resolution is reached, he added.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health (MoH) is formulating strategic measures to curb medical cost inflation.
“As an MP, I remain steadfast in advocating for the public’s welfare, ensuring that the people’s concerns are heard and acted upon.
“Together with my Keadilan colleagues, we will continue to monitor this issue and work towards creating a more equitable, transparent, and sustainable healthcare and insurance system for all Malaysians,” he said.
