Pneumonia, heart disease, and digestive system issues were among the most frequently claimed medical conditions under insurance and takaful health policies in Malaysia last year, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying told the Dewan Rakyat today.
Citing early findings from the integrated insurance and takaful industry claims database, she listed ten common conditions in 2023, including spinal problems, joint and ligament injuries, acute appendicitis, viral infections, respiratory issues like bronchitis, ENT-related illnesses, and fever.
She also noted that some cases showed higher treatment costs for patients using guarantee letters compared to those who paid first and claimed later.
“As treatment charges are not entirely transparent, a more detailed study is needed to understand the cost differences and determine appropriate measures,” she said.
The government, through the Health Ministry, is working with stakeholders, including private hospitals and insurers, to address rising medical costs and improve price transparency, she added. A comprehensive reform plan was presented to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) yesterday.
