Comprehensive List of Critical Illnesses in Malaysia Covered by Insurance

Many people say there are no guarantees in life. But, unfortunately, and despite our best efforts, critical illnesses do unsuspectedly strike. A critical illness is a medical condition affecting one's life, family, and finances. It is, therefore, essential to be financially prepared for such situations.

In recent years, medical insurance policies that cover critical maladies have gained popularity in Malaysia as they often cover a variety of diseases, including cancer, stroke, and heart attack, to mention but a few. This article will provide a comprehensive list of critical illnesses covered by insurance providers in Malaysia.

What qualifies as a critical illness?

Before we delve into the list, defining what constitutes a critical illness is necessary. A critical illness is fundamentally any medical condition in which the patient, due to major surgery or severe illness, necessitates immediate intensive medical support of vital organ functions to survive.

For the most part, critical illnesses are typically defined as severe, life-threatening conditions that substantially impact the patient's quality of life. With regard to insurance, the specific diseases that qualify as critical illnesses may differ from policy to policy. However, most policies cover various diseases, such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, renal failure, and organ transplants.

Why do you need insurance coverage for critical illnesses?

Critical illnesses may significantly impact one's finances, as the cost of treatment can be quite high. An insurance policy covering critical illnesses can provide financial support in such medical emergencies. This can help you focus on your recovery rather than worrying about the cost of treatment.

Prudential critical illness coverage

One option for critical illness insurance in Malaysia is the coverage offered by Prudential’s PRUMy Critical Care, which is a solution offered by PRUWith You as its basic plan and Total Multi Crisis Care as the main critical illness rider. This coverage presents comprehensive protection for numerous critical ailments up to 160 conditions, including cancers, heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and more.

In addition to the lump sum payment, PRUMy Critical Care provides early-to-late stage critical illness coverage, covers customers for two of the same claims (rediagnosis coverage is only for cancer, heart attack and stroke before age next birthday of 85 years old) if they have different causes, and pays additional special benefits for diabetic and joint related conditions. This can offer peace of mind and monetary protection, permitting you to focus on your recovery and ultimate well-being.

Comprehensive List of Common Critical Illness in Malaysia

1. Stroke

A stroke may occur when the blood supply to the brain is reduced or interrupted. This causes damage to the brain and results in symptoms such as paralysis, numbness, and speech difficulties.

2. Heart attack

A heart attack may occur when the blood supply to the heart is severely blocked or reduced, which may cause damage to one’s heart muscle.

3. Cancer

Cancer generally refers to various diseases characterised by the development of abnormal cells that can infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue. Cancer often spreads throughout the body, and can be fatal if left untreated.

4. Kidney failure

Kidney failure occurs when one's kidneys no longer function properly. This leads to a buildup of waste products in the body, causing symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, and high blood pressure.

5. Coronary artery surgery

Coronary artery surgery involves the surgical repair or replacement of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart.

6. Angioplasty and other invasive treatments for coronary artery disease

Angioplasty is a procedure that involves the insertion of a small balloon to open up blocked arteries in the heart. Other invasive treatments for coronary artery disease include stenting and atherectomy.

7. Liver failure

Liver failure may occur when one's liver can no longer function properly. This may cause various symptoms, including jaundice, fatigue and abdominal pain.

8. Fulminant viral hepatitis

Fulminant hepatitis is a severe liver function impairment that may cause one's liver to fail rapidly within days or weeks. This condition is often due to a viral hepatitis infection. Sudden (acute) liver failure can happen in people who previously had stable liver disease or never had liver problems.

9. Coma

A coma is essentially an unresponsive state that can result from a number of things, including a stroke, drug overdose, and traumatic brain injury.

10. Benign tumour

Benign tumours are non-cancerous growths that can occur in various parts of the body but do not spread.

11. Paralysis of limbs

This refers to the loss of muscle function in one or more limbs, frequently brought on by spinal cord or nerve damage. Most paralysis occurs due to strokes, spinal cord injuries, or a broken neck.

12. Blindness

Vision loss can be either partial or complete due to injury or disease. Prescription glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery can fully correct partial or low vision. However, total blindness is typically irreversible.

13. Deafness

A loss of hearing characterises deafness. It is often caused by injury or disease.

14. Burns

Burns are characterised by tissue damage caused by exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation.

15. Lung disease

Lung disease is a collective term for various disorders affecting the lungs, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis.

16. Encephalitis

Encephalitis is a rare inflammation of the brain, often caused by a viral infection.

17. Organ or bone marrow transplant

This is a surgical procedure in which a diseased or damaged organ or bone marrow is replaced with a healthy one from a donor.

18. Loss of speech

Speech impairment is the inability to speak or communicate clearly, which is frequently a result of disease or neurological damage.

19. Brain surgery

These are surgical procedures performed to treat various conditions affecting the brain, such as tumours, seizures, or haemorrhages.

20. Heart valve surgery

Heart valve surgery is a surgical procedure performed to repair or replace damaged heart valves.

21. Bacterial meningitis

An infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, bacterial meningitis may cause severe symptoms and can be life-threatening.

22. Head trauma

Often brought about by a forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head, head trauma may cause a range of physical and cognitive impairments.

23. Aplastic anaemia

This is a rare condition in which one's bone marrow may fail to produce enough new blood cells, leading to fatigue, infections, and bleeding.

24. Motor neuron disease

This group of conditions affects the nerves in one's brain and spinal cord that control muscle movement, leading to weakness, wasting, and eventually paralysis.

25. Parkinson’s disease

Although well known, Parkinson’s disease is a relatively rare progressive neurological disorder. It affects movement, often causing tremors, rigidity, and difficulty with coordination.

26. Alzheimer’s disease or severe dementia

This is a progressive decline in cognitive function, memory, and behaviour, often associated with ageing.

27. Surgery to aorta

This is a unique surgical procedure performed to repair or replace the aorta, which is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the body.

28. Multiple sclerosis

Often called MS, this is a chronic autoimmune disease that adversely affects the central nervous system, causing a range of physical and cognitive impairments.

29. Pulmonary arterial hypertension

This rare but serious condition affects the arteries in the lungs, leading to high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries and making it challenging for the heart to pump blood to the lungs.

30. Medullary cystic disease

Medullary cystic disease is a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive kidney damage, leading to kidney failure.

31. Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a rare condition where the heart muscle becomes enlarged, thick, or rigid, making it challenging for the heart to pump blood effectively.

32. Systemic lupus erythematosus

Often referred to as lupus, this condition is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and tissues, leading to inflammation and damage throughout the body.

33. Muscular dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic diseases that cause progressive muscle weakness and wasting.

34. Poliomyelitis

This highly infectious viral disease can cause paralysis, muscle weakness, and other serious complications.

35. Pancreatitis

When pancreas inflammation occurs, the patient often presents with severe abdominal pain, nausea, and other symptoms.

36. Progressive scleroderma

This rare autoimmune disease causes hardening and thickening of the skin and other connective tissues.

37. HIV/AIDS/Hepatitis B or C infection

These are viral infections that can cause serious damage to the immune system, leading to a range of complications.

38. Apallic syndrome

Apallic syndrome is a condition where a person is in a state of wakefulness but has no detectable awareness or ability to interact with their environment.

39. Loss of independent existence

This is a condition where a person requires constant care and assistance to carry out even the most basic activities of daily living.

40. Terminal illness

This is an illness or condition that cannot be cured and is likely to result in death within a short period.

41. Eisenmenger’s syndrome

This rare heart condition affects blood flow in the lungs, leading to high blood pressure and other complications.

42. Infective Endocarditis

Infective endocarditis is a serious bacterial infection of the heart valves, or inner lining of the heart.

43. Myasthenia Gravis

This autoimmune disorder may affect the muscles and nerves, causing weakness and fatigue. It can affect any muscle group but most commonly affects the eyes, face, throat, and limbs.

44. Progressive supranuclear palsy

This rare neurodegenerative disorder causes progressive damage to the brainstem and basal ganglia, leading to a wide range of symptoms, like difficulty with eye movements, balance, and coordination, as well as cognitive and behavioural changes.

45. Chronic autoimmune hepatitis

This is a long-term liver disease in which the body's immune system attacks the liver.

46. Adrenal gland disorder

This rare condition affects the adrenal glands, causing a broad range of symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and mood changes.

47. Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Also known as "brittle bone disease," osteogenesis is a rare genetic disorder that causes bones to break easily.

48. Meningeal Tuberculosis

Meningeal tuberculosis is a rare form of tuberculosis that affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when tuberculosis bacteria spread from the lungs to the brain through the bloodstream.

49. Inflammatory bowel diseases

Examples of inflammatory bowel diseases include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. These are chronic conditions that may cause inflammation in the digestive tract.

How do I buy critical illness insurance?

There are many options when it comes to critical illness insurance. As such, you’ll need to do your research and find one that provides you with proper coverage while still suitable for your budget.

Most, if not all, insurance providers have local Wealth Planners who can help provide you with details on the different types of coverage available. You can also check out our website or find the nearest customer engagement centre that is in your area.

Conclusion

Critical illnesses are a major concern in Malaysia, and it's important to protect yourself and your loved ones by having insurance coverage that covers a wide range of illnesses.

Prudential is one of the leading insurance providers in Malaysia. Our Total Multi Crisis Care plan covers up to 160 conditions giving one peace of mind knowing that they and their family are comprehensively protected in the event of a critical illness.