Medical protection · Plain facts
MediAsas & MHIT: what Malaysians need to know
Direct answer
MHIT is the broader category. MediAsas is a specific type of MHIT plan.
MHIT stands for Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful. These are products that help protect you against eligible medical and healthcare costs. MediAsas is Malaysia's standardised base MHIT plan, introduced to give more Malaysians access to essential private medical protection at a more affordable level.Last updated: August 18, 2026
How the two relate
- MHIT
- The product category
- MediAsas
- A product within that category
What is MHIT
MHIT stands for Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful
It is the general category of insurance and takaful products that provide financial protection against medical and healthcare expenses.Depending on the plan, MHIT may cover expenses such as:
There are many MHIT products in Malaysia. MediAsas is one of them.- Hospitalisation
- Surgery
- Medication and hospital services
- Day surgery
- Selected outpatient treatments
- Pre- and post-hospitalisation treatment
What is MediAsas
A standardised base plan under the MHIT category
MediAsas is a standardised standalone medical insurance or takaful plan under the MHIT category. It is not linked to an investment product.MediAsas provides essential coverage for eligible:
Coverage can continue up to age 85, subject to the policy or takaful certificate terms.- Pre-hospitalisation treatment
- Hospitalisation
- Post-hospitalisation treatment
- Selected outpatient treatment
MediAsas vs MHIT
So, what is the difference between MediAsas and MHIT?
MHIT
The overall category of Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful products available in Malaysia.MediAsas
A specific standardised base MHIT plan designed to provide essential private healthcare protection.Simple way to understand it
- MHIT
- Product category
- MediAsas
- A product within that category
Background
Why was MediAsas introduced?
MediAsas is part of Malaysia's RESET Strategy, involving the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, Bank Negara Malaysia and other healthcare and insurance stakeholders.It was introduced to:
- Expand access to basic private medical protection
- Give consumers a more affordable MHIT option
- Better manage rising healthcare costs
- Encourage more efficient private healthcare spending
- Make basic medical coverage easier to understand
ImportantMediAsas complements Malaysia's public healthcare system. It does not replace it.
Who it is for
Who is MediAsas for?
MediAsas may be considered by people who:Don't have medical insurance or takaful
It provides another option for people who want basic financial protection for major private medical expenses.Want a more affordable medical plan
It may also be an option for people whose existing medical insurance or takaful has become more expensive over time.Already have employer medical benefits
You can still have MediAsas if you are covered by an employer medical plan or another medical card. It can be used to complement existing coverage rather than replace it.Plan options
What MediAsas plans are available?
There are two main options.MediAsas Teras
The standard plan designed around core private healthcare protection.MediAsas Fleksi
An enhanced option with a higher annual limit and higher deductible, which may suit people who already have other medical coverage or are comfortable covering more initial medical costs themselves.Both are also available in equivalent takaful versions during the current pilot:
MediAsas Takaful Teras
MediAsas Takaful Fleksi
Insurance vs takaful
MediAsas Insurance vs MediAsas Takaful
Both currently provide the same coverage and benefits. The main difference is how they are structured.Conventional insurance
Based on risk transfer. The insurer assumes the insured risk.Takaful
Based on mutual assistance (Ta'awun) and Shariah principles. Participants contribute to a common Tabarru' Fund, which is used to provide mutual financial assistance between participants.Common question
Is MediAsas a government medical card?
No. MediAsas is not a government medical card or mandatory social insurance scheme.
It is a voluntary medical insurance/takaful plan developed as part of a national healthcare reform initiative and offered through participating insurers and takaful operators. Malaysia's public healthcare system continues to operate separately and provides universal access to public healthcare.Availability
Is MediAsas available now?
MediAsas entered its pilot programme at the end of July 2026.
During the pilot, enrolment is available through selected participating insurers and takaful operators. The industry-wide MediAsas launch is scheduled for January 2027. Benefits, terms and conditions offered during the pilot may be updated before the final nationwide version is launched.Pilot informationMediAsas is currently in its pilot phase. Product features may change before the industry-wide launch scheduled for January 2027.
FAQ
MediAsas and MHIT: direct answers
MHIT stands for Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful. It refers to insurance and takaful products that provide financial protection against eligible medical and healthcare expenses.
No. MHIT is the overall product category, while MediAsas is a specific standardised base MHIT plan.
Both are available. Consumers can choose between conventional MediAsas insurance and MediAsas Takaful. The current pilot provides equivalent coverage and benefits for both structures.
No. MediAsas is a standalone medical plan and is not linked to an investment product.
Yes. MediAsas can complement an existing medical card or employer medical benefit.
No. MediAsas provides an additional option for private healthcare protection. Malaysia's public healthcare system continues separately.
No. Premiums or takaful contributions are not guaranteed and may be reviewed based on factors such as medical costs and claims experience.
Before you choose
Understand your medical coverage before choosing.
Medical plans can differ in their annual limits, deductibles, hospital networks, exclusions and out-of-pocket costs.Before choosing a plan, understand what is covered, what you need to pay yourself and where you can receive treatment.Related guides
More on MediAsas
Sources