As We Approach 2 Years Of This Unforeseen Pandemic
As we count down the days that Covid-19 was first discovered, 616 days to be exact, its impact both on a social and economic scale cannot be underestimated. As it stands, there are approximately 219 million cases reported worldwide with that number rising rapidly each day. From major pandemics that have wreaked havoc on our lives such as cholera, the Spanish Flu and The Black Death, we've shown to be resilient in handling them with the constant efforts of scientists and frontliners who bravely put their health at risk for the benefit of mankind.
How Covid-19 is Spread
Covid-19 is easily spread via droplets in the air and is categorised as a respiratory illness that targets the immune system, oftentimes severely weakening it for individuals with poor health and hygiene. These droplets are typically released when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Once a person becomes infected, these symptoms quickly develop with dry cough, fever and tiredness being the most common signs. Where this virus becomes extra deadly is when a person is asymptomatic, whereby they exhibit no symptoms but can still spread these harmful droplets to devastating effect.
Practicing Caution Is Of The Utmost Importance
If you are finding yourself often at home and only venture for food and household items outside, you're not alone in that regard as it's often better to be safe than sorry. With the ease in which infection is spread, through handling compromised objects, sharing meals or via inhaling airborne sources, the best chance of fighting this pandemic is through mass vaccination and in achieving herd immunity.
History Of Covid-19 Lockdowns In Malaysia
Since our first lockdown on March 18th 2020, with the inception of Movement Control Order (MCO), we've been in a total of over 10 variants of lockdown extensions. In that period, countless individuals have lost their means of making a living through retrenchment and in the foreclosure of their businesses with the prolonged periods of lockdowns whereby certain sectors weren’t allowed to open.
Covid-19 Private Hospitalisation In Malaysia
While they’re not many coverage options as outlined by the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM), with pandemics being events that are few and far between being listed as the main reason behind this. A higher premium would alienate a consumers’ accessibility and means to afford essential health insurance protection. An article published by The Edge, “Growing pressure on insurers to cover Covid-19 treatment at private hospitals”, has prompted the PIAM to hold more “active discussions” with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Bank Negara Malaysia on how it can extend its hand in helping all affected parties.
Getting Covered Medically Is of The Utmost Importance
Does the thought of not being covered for Covid-19 scare you? Are you worried about the rising costs of medical coverage and hospitalisation fees for Covid-19 in Malaysia? Perhaps it's time to seek for coverage options for you and your loved ones.
What Insurance Plans Should You Be Looking After?
With so many plans to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed at the amount of abundance of options.
AIA Malaysia
AIA Malaysia now offers Malaysians Covid-19 hospitalization treatment expenses in private hospital due to Covid-19.
AIA offering is they are giving Guaranteed Letter cashless private hospitalization, whoever AIA do not state the total claims limit. All the claims will be taken out under the medical card pool fund which means it will make the future premium of AIA’s policyholder medical card increase. Furthermore, AIA will required client to get KKM referral letter upon reimbursement which means you have to go to public hospital first and then transfer to the private hospital of your choice.
Allianz Malaysia
COVID-19 Vaccination Side Effects Coverage
Covers eligible hospitalisation treatment expenses due to the side effects arising from vaccinations.
Special COVID-19 Coverage
Covers eligible hospitalisation treatment expenses for COVID-19 patients under Category 3, 4 or 5. This is offered on a goodwill basis for a limited period, for diagnosis w.e.f. 14 August 2021.
Note: Reimbursement for hospitalisation claims at private hospitals in Malaysia, administered based on the individual policy’s benefits, terms and conditions, annual and lifetime limit.
Great Eastern
Great Eastern medical plans now provide coverage for medically necessary treatment of Covid-19 treatment at government and private hospitals on reimbursement basis (pay and claim).
Great Eastern also promises that:
1. Claims incurred will not impact future medical repricing.
2. Claims incurred will not reduce the overall annual and lifetime medical limit.
3. No additional premium or insurance charges will be imposed for this coverage.
Our Pick
We highly recommend Great Eastern as they provide the most affordable plan with robust coverage, with no hidden charges. With a total claims limit of up to RM20 million, it can help safeguard against any costs that may be incurred due to an extended hospitalisation stay.
Estimated Cost Of Covid-19 Hospitalisation In Malaysia
Still not convinced? Here’s a brief glimpse of how much an extended hospitalisation stay for Covid-19 in Malaysia would cost you. With staggering fees involved and the chance for an extension of stay, it’s easy to see how one’s savings can be depleted in no time if they’re not covered by insurance.
Don’t let your lifetime savings be depleted by something that you can help safeguard against. In these trying times where unforeseen circumstances and tragedy can strike at any moment, the last thing you would want is to have a loved one inflicted by Covid-19.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.560592/full#h4
