A study commissioned by insurance firm Prudential plc Malaysia and conducted by research organisation Economist Impact has found that 94% of Malaysians have delayed seeking medical care in the past year. This highlights significant barriers to timely treatment despite the availability of insurance support.
The report, titled 'Patient voices Malaysia: making healthcare clearer and more connected', surveyed 1,020 respondents in Malaysia as part of a broader regional study of 4,203 patients across Asia.
The study showed that delays are often driven not only by financial concerns but also by everyday pressures and uncertainty in navigating the healthcare system. Prudential CEO for Health Arjan Toor said, “Many people delay seeking care not because help is unavailable, but because everyday responsibilities and lack of information make it hard to access care.”
Three major challenges were identified in seeking healthcare: 54% of respondents said they do not know where to go for treatment, 53% worry they cannot afford care despite insurance and subsidies, and another 53% struggle to book or manage appointments on digital platforms. These gaps, according to the report, point to a fragmented system where patients often lack a clear first point of contact.
Commenting on the trend, Prudential Chief Health Officer Manisha Keyal said, “Many people delay seeking help not because they don’t care about their health, but because daily responsibilities take priority and they lack the clarity and confidence to make decisions.” The findings suggest that improving guidance, simplifying access, and strengthening coordination across healthcare services could help reduce delays and encourage earlier treatment.