Introduction
Health insurance premiums are rising every year. For many Malaysians, these increases are putting pressure on their monthly budget. As a result, many Malaysians are seriously considering whether they should cancel their old medical card to switch to the significantly cheaper MediAsas protection plan.
MediAsas starts from RM65 a month, which may seem affordable. However, cancelling your old policy too soon could leave you without enough medical coverage. This guide explains the key risks and how to switch safely.
The Risk of Pre-Existing Conditions
The main concern when changing medical policies is pre-existing conditions. If you have already been diagnosed with any chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, while using your old card, those exact diseases will not be covered under a new MediAsas policy.
A new policy may not cover medical conditions that existed before you applied. Therefore, if your current health profile is no longer as perfect as it once was, retaining your old medical card is undeniably a much safer financial decision.
The Burden of a Repeating Waiting Period
When you buy a new MediAsas plan, its waiting period starts again. For some illnesses, you may need to wait up to 120 days before making a claim.
Do not cancel your old card on the same day you buy the new plan. You may face a four-month gap in coverage. If you need treatment during this period, you may need to pay some or all hospital costs yourself.
A Safe Policy Transition Strategy
If you are healthy and plan to switch for lower premiums, consider keeping both policies for a short time. Keep your old medical card for at least 120 days after your MediAsas policy begins.
You will pay two premiums for a few months. However, this helps you avoid a gap in coverage. After the waiting period ends, review your MediAsas coverage before cancelling the old policy.
Cost Structure During Ward Admission
MediAsas uses a co-payment system to keep premiums lower. Some older medical cards may have different payment arrangements. You need to pay an RM500 deductible.
Furthermore, you will also pay 20% co-insurance on the treatment bill. However, this co-insurance amount is heavily regulated and safely capped at a maximum of RM1,000 if you receive treatment within the recognized panel hospital network.
Quick Comparison: Old Card vs MediAsas
| Protection Aspect | Old Private Medical Card | MediAsas Scheme Plan |
| Premium Rate | Quite expensive and rises annually | Highly affordable (Starts ~RM65/month) |
| Annual Protection Limit | Usually exceeds RM1 Million | Between RM100,000 to RM300,000 |
| Waiting Period | Has already successfully passed | Starts all over again (Up to 120 days) |
| Pre-Existing Illnesses | Likely fully covered by now | Absolutely excluded from coverage |
| Ward Admission Cost | Depends on policy (Zero deductible exists) | RM500 Deductible + 20% Co-insurance (RM1k Cap) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use MediAsas as a supplementary backup plan?
- Yes, this is highly encouraged. If the annual limit on your old card is running dangerously low, you can subscribe to MediAsas as an additional safety net without canceling your existing policy.
- Is the MediAsas ward admission approval fast?
- Yes, the Guarantee Letter (GL) cashless approval process at panel hospitals usually takes between 1 to 4 hours, which is exactly the same as other commercial medical cards.
- Will MediAsas premiums eventually increase drastically?
- MediAsas premiums are strictly regulated to actively remain affordable for the masses. If any price revisions occur due to medical inflation, they are usually far more stable compared to conventional medical cards.
Related Bjak Guides
To successfully prevent any devastating financial claim mistakes, transparently review the 35 major exclusions under the MediAsas plan. You are also highly advised to mathematically understand how the hospital co-payment system works. Additionally, effectively evaluate the coverage limit differences between the MediAsas Teras vs Fleksi plans.
How Bjak Helps You
Switching health protection policies heavily involves making critical financial decisions for your future. The Bjak digital platform is fiercely committed to helping Malaysians compare and manage their health needs in the most transparent, safe, and rapid manner possible.
Through the Bjak.my facility, you are completely free to check quotes and intricate medical package details from the nation’s leading insurance companies. We vividly display all protection terms, exact deductible rates, and strict co-insurance limits so you never make a terrible misstep in canceling vital coverage.
Conclusion
Canceling a highly reliable old medical card strictly for a cheaper plan is not a decision to be taken lightly. Carefully plan your policy transition so your family’s financial security is never threatened by a devastating protection gap. Take a proactive step by safely comparing the absolute best health protection plans at Bjak.my today!
Also Read:
Batal Kad Perubatan Lama Untuk MediAsas: Berbaloi Atau Tidak?
Add-On Waiver of Betterment: Berbaloikah Anda Bayar Lebih?
MediAsas Cancer and Dialysis: Coverage Explained
