Malaysia will begin piloting MediAsas at the end of July as part of wider efforts to make private medical insurance and takaful more affordable.
MediAsas is the new brand name for the Base Medical and Health Insurance and Takaful Plan, which is scheduled for nationwide rollout in January 2027.
The initiative falls under the RESET framework led by the Joint Ministerial Committee on Private Healthcare Costs, co-chaired by Minister of Finance II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said,
“Through broader eligibility criteria and distinct product features, MediAsas is designed to be affordable over time and expands access to medical protection for a wider segment of Malaysians.
The pilot programme will serve to ensure that the nationwide rollout of MediAsas in 2027 proceeds smoothly and delivers a well-integrated customer journey.”
MediAsas will be offered as a standalone medical insurance and takaful protection plan.
It will have two options, MediAsas Teras as the standard plan and MediAsas Fleksi as the standard-plus plan.
The protection will be available to individuals up to 85 years old.
Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said,
“Underpinned by cost-containment measures, including the phased implementation of the Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG) system in private hospitals will support more sustainable healthcare costs over time with a stronger focus on value-based care.
Together with broader healthcare reforms, MediAsas will strengthen consumer confidence and support better health outcomes for Malaysians.”
The committee is also working to establish an independent governance board to oversee MediAsas after its full implementation and protect consumer interests.
Other RESET initiatives include digital health adoption and electronic medical record interoperability through the Malaysia Digital Health Certification Network.
They also include a review of private healthcare licensing under Act 586 and efforts to improve billing transparency among private hospitals, insurers, takaful operators and regulators.
The Ministry of Finance added that further updates will be announced after the pilot programme is completed, before the planned nationwide rollout in January 2027.
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Malaysia, based on image by LaurieCu via Magnific
