Medical Card in Malaysia "Unraveled"

For those whom are in the look out for a medical protection plan, the answer to your problem is to get a medical card. In this post we will try to provide with your all the information possible for your to understand and decide which plans will suit your best. In this series we will compare the top cards which are currently in the market. So he we go...

Why? do i need a medical card
The answer is simple actually. With the ever rising cost of medical care in the world especially in developing countries like Malaysia. Who would have stash 100K or more in their bank just to pay one day for their medical bills. If you did, then you can move on from reading this post. But seriously,  the ever rising cost of living is taking its toll in average peoples pockets. By putting aside as low as RM100 per month you can cover all your medical expenses up to RM100,000 per year or more. Sounds like a good deal to me.
If you are a Malaysian , you can argue that we have government hospitals to take care of us. I am not saying otherwise, but if you would like to expedite your medical condition care time many people will choose private institution. The insurance penetration in Malaysia is only 40% according to statistics. So where do you think the rest of 60% will go. You are more then welcome to queue up.

When? can i take up a card
Different companies have different entry points, but mostly you can participate for a medical card facility as young as 14 days after birth and up to 69 years of age.But the coverage can be extended to 80 year to 100 years of the insured age. We do get many skeptic who question them self of likelihood of their survival beyond age 80. But what if by luck you just did, with every growing medical technology do you want to take a bet against your own life. Let's live that to the almighty and cover our risk for now shall we.

Where? can i use this card
Medical card are mostly recognized in major Hospital and Specialist center nationwide. But there are few exception. Best to check with your agent for the approved list. Some card do extend their coverage up to physiotherapy and acupuncture, but this must be under a MMA (Malaysia Medical Association) approved centers. Traditional healers are not included.

Who? can participate
Everyone can sign up for this facility regardless of your nationality. Malaysia and Expat ( with valid passport or working permit) non illegal immigrates. You can either sign up for yourself of include your family as an package. For Muslim member, there is Takaful plans being offered as well.

What? is covered

The picture above is an example of a top medical card provider in Malaysia. Let us examine in detail the benefits of this facility.

The above is a stand alone card, so the room rates are limited up to 250 per day. If you require more then you need to participate with a investment link card which bring all to way to 500 and even 1000 per day.

The variation of this plans are the room rate, Plan 150 ( 4 bed room), Plan 200 ( 2 bed room), Plan 250 ( 1 bed room). This room rates many vary based on the hospital you are admitted. If they changed you 260 per room then you just need to top up the RM10 per day.

Coverage details
1. The insured can be admitted in hospital for 120 days per disability for that year.
2. An additional room and board coverage will be given if you are admitted on overseas. For Plan 150, and additional 150 will be given for room rates per day in overseas. That's RM300 per day.
3.  The insured can be admitted in ICU for 120 days per disability for that year.
4. Items 4,5,6,7 & 8 covers all aspect of service charges and fees for operation or medication during the admission.
5. Items 9 ( Pre-Hospitalization) - this coverage is extended for the insured to be covered 60 days prior to admission. All the diagnostic, test, consultation prior to the admission of the particular health problem can be reimbursed by the company. Important note: you can only claim for disability which leads to a admission.
6. Items 10 (Post-Hospitalization) - this coverage happen after you are discharged from the medical center. For 120 days after you leave the hospital, all the post & follow up checkup can be reimbursed.
7. Day Procedure - An admission usually requires the patient to be admitted at least 1 night in the hospital. But some card do also cover day admission, which means more the 6 hrs in the hospital for treatments.
8. Item 12 - The insured can extend their treatment for recovery by going to either physiotherapy or acupuncture as per advised by the doctor.
9. For longer duration of admission, the insured can continue their treatment in house. Certified nurses and doctor can make visit for treatment and consultation with a lifetime limit of 180 days.
10. Organ/Bone marrow transplant are fully covered as per changed for the procedure.but restricted to the yearly card limit.
11. For Malaysia whom are admitted in government hospitals, you can still claim daily allowance.
12. Daily Guardian - Is the allowance given to care takers in the event of stay in hospital for their children or elderly. This will cover additional bed changed for the occupant.
13. The main criteria of the card which you need to consider is the yearly or lifetime limit imposed. This will determine the amount you can claim made. We don't wan our coverage to run out half way wouldn't we.
14. Items 18 & 19 covers outpatient treatment only during accident. While all the items above only covers in patient, this coverage will cover outpatient in clinics or hospital before admission is required.
15. Another great benefit you can enjoy is outpatient kidney dialysis & cancer treatment. The amount of RM 250,000 and so depending on the plan is actually detached from your annual or lifetime limit.
A patient who is undergoing dialysis treatment require to undergo the procedure 3 time a week. It will cost an average of RM300 per treatment. So you can do the math for a lifetime.
(t&c apply by insurance companies. The above benefits might vary based on the company which is providing this facility) 

How? can i sign up
This cards are normally distributed via intermediaries by insurance companies. So the easiest way is to get in touch with an insurance agent. The will be able to assist you to provide the best plans based on your need for you and your family.

How? much it is going to cost
Medical card premium are subjected to the insured age group. So, best to check with your agent to get the proposal.

Info
Please find link to major medical card providers in Malaysia

http://www.aia.com.my/en/
http://www2.prudential.com.my/corp/prudential_en_my/
http://www.greateasternlife.com/my/en/insurance/home.jsp
http://www.zurich.com.my/