Protecting Yourself and Your Finances with Health and Critical Illness Insurance Plans

Find out from Eric Wong, Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at Prudential Assurance Malaysia Berhad on how financial protection and insurance can offer complete protection not just against Covid-19 but also other infectious and critical illnesses.

The Covid-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for Malaysian households and businesses, adversely affecting the livelihood of many.

On the flip side, I believe it brought into focus what matters most and what needs protecting.

As we adjust to new lifestyle norms, the state of our health and finances has become a top priority.

Although much of the spotlight is on Covid-19 – and rightly so – we must also remember that other infectious and chronic illnesses are very much prevalent among Malaysians and continue to pose significant health risks.

The 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) revealed that half of Malaysian adults are either overweight or obese, with one in five (19.7%) being obese. This is a cause for concern as obesity puts us at greater risk for developing chronic illnesses.

More health management needed as health threats loom

It has also been found that Malaysians are generally unprepared for health emergencies.

From the Malaysian Health Survey conducted by Prudential Malaysia and iMoney last March (pre-MCO, 2020), one in four Malaysians would rely on their friends and family to help them cover medical expenses, which includes post-treatment care, alternative treatments and loss of income.

It was reported in 2019 that Malaysia ranked among the region’s highest for medical inflation rates at 13.1%.

With such health threats on the rise, it is even more crucial for us to be prepared for any unforeseen emergencies.

The old adage of “prevention is better than cure” rings true in the present health crisis.

An active and healthy lifestyle is important to prevent the onset of health issues, while contributing greatly towards positive mental and emotional health.

Many Malaysians are using digital tools or technology to help manage their health, e.g. using a calorie counter or a running app to monitor their diet and physical activity respectively.

And in the current pandemic, technology is becoming even more of an enabler for consumers to keep track of their health.

There are digital health apps – such as Pulse by Prudential - available that offer services such as health assessment, symptom-checker and online doctor consultation, among others.

While we can do our best to protect our health, medical emergencies can hit when least expected and critical illnesses can strike even if you are young, healthy and fit.

Financial protection and insurance are key protections against critical illnesses

Both the COVID-19 pandemic and critical illnesses has underscored the need for holistic protection, and at Prudential Malaysia, we understand that having financial protection with medical insurance alleviates the stress of recovering from an illness.

People often confuse medical insurance with critical illness insurance.

Medical insurance covers the cost of hospitalisation and treatment.

Meanwhile, critical illness insurance provides a lump sum payout the client can utilise to cover costs for a caregiver, alternative treatment or therapy that is not covered by the medical policy, and potential loss of income, among others.

A critical illness plan complements a medical plan, as together, they provide comprehensive medical protection.

As we navigate through the pandemic’s consequences, we can expect to face new health challenges that may impact the way we live.

While we have no control over these circumstances, we can and should take charge of the way we stay healthy and financially protected. Speak to our Prudential wealth planner today, and with Prudential’s COVID-19 relief and critical illness protection plans, you can stay protected.

The article was first published in The Star (Health).
https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/health/2021/01/12/protecting-your-health-and-money

Sources:
http://iptk.moh.gov.my/images/technical_report/2020/4_Infographic_Booklet_NHMS_2019_-_English.pdf
http://www.liam.org.my/pdf/consumer/MHI_NST_Part%202.pdf