Nine in 10 Malaysians delay care despite insurance support

Over half also report difficulty booking or managing consultations through digital channels.

Prudential Malaysia says insurance support is helping reduce healthcare cost concerns, but many Malaysians still delay getting treatment because they are unsure where to go and how to make care decisions. 

The report found that 94% of Malaysians put off seeking medical care in the past year. 

It said 53% worried they could not afford the treatment they needed, although 71% said their first healthcare bills were lower than expected. 

The report said this was often due to subsidies and insurance coverage.

Prudential said the findings show its role in healthcare goes beyond paying claims. Arjan Toor, CEO, Health at Prudential plc, said the company is working with healthcare partners to make access to care easier and treatment costs more predictable, so patients can seek treatment with more confidence. 

The study, commissioned by Prudential plc and carried out by Economist Impact, surveyed 1,020 people in Malaysia as part of a wider regional study. It found that cost is only one part of the problem. 

More than half of respondents, 54%, said they do not know where to get treatment when they feel unwell, whilst 53% said they struggle to book or manage appointments online. 

Prudential Malaysia said that stronger primary care, upfront cost estimates and simpler digital access could help people seek treatment earlier.