A medical insurance and takaful plan expected to start from around RM65 a month could soon offer Malaysians a more affordable route into private healthcare.
Known as MediAsas, the government-designed plan is aimed at people who may find conventional medical insurance increasingly difficult to afford.
However, the RM65 figure is only an estimated starting price. MediAsas is still being tested, and important details such as coverage limits, exclusions and co-payments have not been finalised.
What Is MediAsas?
MediAsas is the official name for Malaysia’s proposed base Medical and Health Insurance and Takaful plan.
It was developed under the government’s RESET strategy by the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, Bank Negara Malaysia and private healthcare stakeholders.
It will be a voluntary private insurance or takaful product offered by participating companies. It does not replace treatment at government hospitals and clinics.
The government has said basic premiums could start from approximately RM65 a month.
However, the final price will depend on factors such as age, the insurer and the selected level of coverage.
An earlier indicative range placed premiums between approximately RM60 and RM550 per month. Younger applicants choosing basic protection may pay near the lower end, while older policyholders or those seeking wider coverage may pay more.
Two types of plans are expected:
- MediAsas Teras, the standard option
- MediAsas Fleksi, a standard-plus option
Entry may be allowed up to age 70, with coverage continuing until age 85.
When Will It Be Available?
The MediAsas pilot is scheduled to run in the Klang Valley from the end of July until October 2026.
Six insurers and takaful operators are involved:
- AIA
- Allianz Life
- Great Eastern Life
- Prudential BSN Takaful
- Etiqa Family Takaful
- Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Keluarga
Selected private hospitals will also participate, although the full list has not been released.
A nationwide launch is targeted for January 2027, depending on the outcome of the pilot.
This remains the biggest unanswered question.
The government has not confirmed MediAsas’ final, annual coverage limit, hospital room entitlement, covered treatments, exclusions, waiting periods, co-payment amounts, rules for pre-existing conditions, panel hospital network
This means the RM65 plan should not yet be compared directly with a comprehensive medical card.
MediAsas is also expected to include co-payments. Policyholders may still need to pay part of their hospital bill, with the amount potentially differing according to the hospital and treatment received.
Why Is MediAsas Being Introduced?
Many Malaysians have faced higher medical insurance premiums as private hospital charges, treatment costs and insurance claims continue to rise.
MediAsas is part of a wider effort to make private healthcare costs more predictable. Other proposed measures include clearer hospital bills, improved sharing of medical records and more standardised hospital payment systems.
Participating hospitals are expected to gradually adopt a Diagnosis-Related Groups system, where payments are based more closely on the patient’s condition and treatment category instead of charging separately for every service.
Should Malaysians Sign Up?
The estimated premium may appeal to people who do not currently have medical insurance. However, the full product disclosure should be reviewed before making a decision.
Consumers should ask:
- How much is the annual coverage?
- How much must I pay when admitted?
- Which hospitals can I use?
- Are major illnesses covered?
- Are there waiting periods?
- Will existing conditions be excluded?
- How will premiums increase with age?
An affordable premium is useful only if the plan provides enough protection when a serious medical bill arises.
For now, MediAsas could become a valuable lower-cost option. But the RM65 headline should be treated as an estimated entry price and not a promise of comprehensive private hospital coverage.
Malaysians should also avoid cancelling existing medical insurance until MediAsas’ final benefits, exclusions and costs are confirmed.
Direct source of information can be found here: https://www.mof.gov.my/portal/en/news/press-release/press-release-jbmkks-mediasas-060726
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general reading and awareness only. It does not replace advice from qualified medical, legal, financial, religious or other relevant professionals. If you are facing a specific concern, please speak to the appropriate expert or authority for guidance.
