Healthcare costs have become a growing concern for many Malaysian families, especially as medical insurance premiums continue to rise.
If you’ve been following the latest healthcare news, you may have come across MediAsas – Malaysia’s proposed base Medical and Health Insurance and Takaful (MHIT) plan that aims to make private medical protection more affordable. According to the Ministry of Finance Malaysia’s official announcement, the initiative forms part of the Government’s broader RESET healthcare reform framework.
One detail that has attracted plenty of attention is the estimated starting premium of around RM65 per month.
However, it is important to know that this figure is only an indicative starting point. The government has yet to finalise the plan’s pricing, benefits and coverage before its nationwide rollout.
If you’re wondering whether MediAsas could be a suitable option for your family, here’s everything we know so far.
What Is MediAsas?
MediAsas is a proposed base Medical and Health Insurance and Takaful (MHIT) plan introduced under the Government’s RESET healthcare reform framework.
It was developed through collaboration between the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, Bank Negara Malaysia and industry stakeholders to improve access to more affordable private healthcare protection.
Unlike public healthcare services, MediAsas will be offered by participating insurance and takaful providers as a voluntary plan. This means families can choose whether to purchase it based on their healthcare needs and budget.
Importantly, MediAsas is not intended to replace Malaysia’s public healthcare system. Government hospitals and clinics will continue to provide healthcare services as usual, while MediAsas is designed to complement existing options by offering an additional layer of medical protection.
What Types of MediAsas Plans Will Be Available?
The Government has announced that MediAsas will consist of two product options:
- MediAsas Teras, a standard medical protection plan.
- MediAsas Fleksi, a standard-plus option that may offer additional flexibility.
While both plans have been announced, detailed information about their specific benefits and differences has not yet been released.
Current proposals also indicate that Malaysians may be able to enrol up to the age of 70, with coverage expected to continue until the age of 85.
Will MediAsas Really Cost Around RM65 Per Month?
The short answer is possibly – but not for everyone.
The Government has indicated that MediAsas premiums are expected to begin from approximately RM65 per month, although this remains an estimated starting price rather than a confirmed premium.
Final pricing will depend on several factors, including:
- Your age
- The participating insurer or takaful operator
- The level of protection selected
Based on the current proposal, monthly premiums are expected to range between around RM60 and RM550, depending on individual circumstances.
As pricing has not been finalised, families should wait for official product details before comparing MediAsas with existing medical insurance plans.
When Will MediAsas Be Available?
Before its nationwide launch, MediAsas will undergo a pilot programme in the Klang Valley from the end of July until October 2026.
The pilot will involve six participating insurers and takaful operators:
- AIA Berhad
- Allianz Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad
- Great Eastern Life Assurance (Malaysia) Berhad
- Prudential BSN Takaful Berhad
- Etiqa Family Takaful Berhad
- Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Keluarga Berhad
Selected private hospitals will also participate in the pilot programme.
If the pilot proceeds successfully, MediAsas is expected to be introduced nationwide in January 2027.
What Details Have Yet to Be Confirmed?
Although MediAsas has generated considerable interest, many important policy details are still being finalised.
At this stage, the Government has not yet announced:
- The annual coverage limit
- Hospital room and board entitlement
- Which illnesses and treatments will be covered
- Waiting periods
- Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions
- Co-payment amounts
- The full list of participating hospitals
This means it is still too early to compare MediAsas directly with comprehensive medical cards currently available on the market.
Why Is the Government Introducing MediAsas?
Medical costs have risen steadily in recent years, making private health insurance increasingly expensive for many Malaysians.
MediAsas forms part of the Government’s broader RESET initiative, which seeks to improve the affordability, accessibility, transparency and sustainability of Malaysia’s private healthcare system.
Alongside MediAsas, several healthcare improvements are also being introduced, including:
- Better transparency in private hospital billing
- Greater adoption of digital health records through the Malaysia Digital Health Certification Network (MDHCN)
- A phased implementation of the Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG) payment system to encourage more consistent healthcare costs
- Modernisation of licensing processes for private healthcare facilities
Together, these initiatives aim to make healthcare services easier to understand while supporting better long-term cost management for both patients and healthcare providers.
Is MediAsas Right for Your Family?
For parents who have delayed purchasing medical insurance because of rising premiums, MediAsas could eventually provide a more affordable entry point into private healthcare protection.
However, it is worth remembering that affordability should not be the only consideration.
Before deciding whether MediAsas is suitable for your family, it is important to understand exactly what the policy covers and whether it provides enough protection for your household’s healthcare needs.
When the final policy details are released, consider asking these questions:
- What is the annual claim limit?
- Which private hospitals are included?
- Are children’s medical needs covered?
- Are critical illnesses included?
- How much will I need to pay if I am admitted to hospital?
- Are there waiting periods or exclusions?
- How will premiums change as I grow older?
The Bottom Line
MediAsas has the potential to make private medical protection more accessible for many Malaysian families, particularly those who have found traditional medical insurance increasingly difficult to afford.
That said, the plan is still undergoing its pilot phase, and several important details – including pricing, coverage limits and policy benefits – have yet to be confirmed.
For now, families should view MediAsas as a promising upcoming option rather than a complete replacement for existing medical insurance. As more information becomes available following the pilot programme, parents will be in a better position to decide whether it offers the right balance of affordability and protection for their family’s future healthcare needs.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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