The Health Ministry has raised concerns that rising premiums for medical and health insurance, including takaful products, may be pushing more high-income individuals (T20) to use public hospitals instead of private ones.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said efforts are needed to control premium hikes. He called for collaboration between the ministry, insurance and takaful companies, and Bank Negara Malaysia to address the issue.
“We cannot ignore the risk that if premiums keep rising, not only could middle-income groups (M40) cancel their insurance or takaful policies, but high-income groups (T20) could do the same,” Dr Dzulkefly said.
He stressed the importance of mitigation measures to manage these premium increases. “This will help reduce the pressure of medical inflation in the country, which is currently outpacing the national average for insurance premiums,” he added.
Dr Dzulkefly also reminded Malaysians that all 150 government hospitals under the ministry are open to everyone, regardless of income level.
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