20/04/2017
Frequently Asked Questions on Expats/MM2H Insurance
1. What are the documents needed to apply for Health Insurance in Malaysia?
a.) A photocopy of the passport (for the person who is applying), for ALL pages with stamps
b.) Photocopy of the marriage certificate (as proof of relationship, if any)
c.) A valid visa at the time of application
d.) The Letter of Application for MM2H (if you are in the process of applying for MM2H) OR the copy of the valid MM2H visa if your application has been approved.
e.) Health declaration for pre-existing illness (if any)
f.) A copy of the hospitalization/medical or lab report/history (if any)
2. Payment Mode
You may pay by using:-
a.) Credit Card
b.) Debit Card (limited to Malaysian Banks only)
c.) Local Cheques
d.) Online Bank Transfer
Payment by Cash is NOT encourage
3. Payment Frequency
a.) Monthly
b.) Quarterly
c.) Half Yearly
d.) Yearly
4. What is pre-existing illness?
Insurance company (worldwide) may not cover any pre-existing illness. Hence a full health declaration is required prior to acceptance of the policy by the insurer.
The pre-existing illness is defined as any personal illness or health condition that was known and had existed prior to signing of an insurance contract. The insurance company require the client to fully declare any pre-existing condition before issuing an insurance contract.
Failure to declare any material fact which may impact how the policy is being underwritten may render the insurance policy to be null & void.
5. What is the LAST entry age for me to apply for the Health Insurance?
The last entry age for anyone to be eligible to apply for Health Insurance is age 70. Beyond that age, no Malaysian insurer is able to provide Health Insurance coverage.
6. What are the differences between medical card and health insurance?
They are the same. The medical card is used for admission to the panel private hospitals in Malaysia.
If the admission was to a non-panel hospital, the bill is to be paid first and claim later based on Reasonable & Customary Charges (RCC) as charged by most of the hospitals in Malaysia (both private or government owned hospitals).
7. How long do I need to wait for the approval of the health insurance?
Generally it would take approximately 3-5 working days to get confirmation on whether the coverage can be given depending on pre-existing health, past medical condition, etc.
8. When does my coverage starts?
Accidental coverage starts immediately while illnesses that falls under the Specific Illness has a Waiting Period of 120 days
9. How soon may I use the Hospital & Surgical (H&S) Facilities?
A 3 months Waiting Period (from the policy inception date) is required before a Guarantee Letter is able to be issued to the Panel Hospital.
Should there be any admission required before the 3 months H&S facility is granted, you will be required to pay first and claim later.
10. Why do I need an Insurance Agent to buy health insurance policy in Malaysia?
The Health Insurance policies in Malaysia are purchased through an insurance agent whom will in return provide services, especially during a claim.
11. Does Malaysian class health cover covers until age 100?
Yes, it is possible be covered up to age 100, with higher premium, of course.
For health coverage that expires at the age of 100, the annual insurance charges for the best plan available right now may cost ~ RM 14K/annual at entry age of 66-70.
Do note that insurance charges is not guaranteed and may increase as we get older.
12. Can I use the Malaysian class medical card for overseas treatment outside of Malaysia?
No, since the premium is paid in Ringgit Malaysia, it is only fair that the reimbursement value & currency is based on the associated risk in a Malaysian hospital.
If you were to travel outside of Malaysia, please buy a travel insurance with medical to cover for the period of travel.
13. Which Hospital may I use the Hospital & Surgical Facility?
A list of panel hospitals will be provided and it may change from time to time.
14. Does it cover dental surgery?
No, Dental conditions including dental treatment or oral surgery EXCEPT as necessitated by ACCIDENTAL injuries to sound natural teeth occurring wholly during the Period of Insurance.
15. Is it sufficient to cover me if I need a major heart bypass?
Heart by pass in Malaysia costs in the range of RM 100K, Cancer ~ RM 250K-RM 300K, Stroke ~ RM 100K (If ICU).
You may look into newer plans that offer RM1m, RM1.5m or RM2m limit
16. Is it Guaranteed Renewal?
Yes, the health insurance policy is guaranteed renewal and non-cancellable (except for in the event of fraud).
This means that no matter how much you've claimed, the insurer is guaranteed to renew the policy contract.
However, once a had exhausted your maximum claimable amount AND should you need to upgrade the Health Insurance, it is subjected to a new medical underwriting. This practice is industry wide to all the insurance companies in Malaysia.
17. What happens if I need to be away from Malaysia for a duration of time, say six months or more?
The policy will continue to provide coverage when you return to Malaysia, as long as the premiums are duly paid and that the cash values (if any) in the policy account is able to sustain the insurance charges.
Once the insurance charge is more than cash value there is a 30 days grace period for premium payment before the policy lapse and the coverage will automatically ends.
18. I just took up a policy, can I cancel it?
There is a free-look period of 15 days after the delivery of your policy to allow you to review if it meets your needs.
If the policy is cancelled within this period, the value of units (at next pricing day) plus the un-allocated premiums, the insurance charges & any other charges that has been deducted less any medical fees incurred will be refunded.
19. What happens if after several years I decided to leave Malaysia for good?
You may surrender the policy and if there are cash values in the policy, it will be paid to your account.
Once the policy has been surrendered, the coverage ends.
20. Can I reinstate a lapse policy?
Yes you may if the policy is lapsed within 2 years, the policy is still able to be reinstated. The Reinstatement Terms & Conditions shall apply.
21. Who regulates the Insurance Companies in Malaysia?
All insurer in Malaysia is regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).
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