Insurers urged to ease healthcare costs in Asia, study shows

In Indonesia, 93% of patients reported postponing treatment.

Insurers need to make healthcare in Asia easier and more affordable, as most patients delay treatment due to high costs, confusion over access, and lack of clear information, according to new research by Economist Impact commissioned by Prudential plc. 

The study, Patient voices: experiences of healthcare access in Asia, surveyed more than 4,200 patients in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore between April and May 2025.

The report found that more than 80% of respondents admitted to delaying care, with financial worries a major factor. 

One-third said medical treatment was often more expensive than expected, whilst nearly half relied on family, charities, loans, or crowdfunding to cover expenses.

In Indonesia, 93% of patients reported postponing treatment.

Patients also pointed to difficulties in navigating healthcare systems. 

More than half said they did not know where to seek care, whilst nearly 60% found visiting a general practitioner inconvenient due to long wait times, appointment difficulties, and confusing billing and insurance.

Information gaps were another concern. Fifty-five percent of respondents said they lacked the right guidance to make treatment decisions, with almost 40% turning to digital tools, including artificial intelligence, after diagnosis.

Prudential Health CEO Arjan Toor said insurers can make a difference by improving cost transparency, simplifying processes, and ensuring patients feel supported through their treatment journey.