Price Range For Private Healthcare Services

Malaysia’s insurance and takaful sector has introduced reference price ranges for common private healthcare services and expanded a multistakeholder committee on medical claims. The Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM), Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA), and General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) have jointly released a “Reference Guide on Price Ranges for Common Private Healthcare Services in Malaysia,” available on their respective websites from Jan. 22.

Industry publishes reference ranges for private healthcare costs
Drawing on insurance and takaful claims data for 2024, the guide sets out indicative price ranges commonly charged by private healthcare providers for frequently used services. According to the associations, it is intended as an informational resource to help consumers better understand typical treatment costs, discuss fees with providers, and plan for possible out-of-pocket expenses. 

The industry has emphasized that the ranges are not fixed, regulated, or recommended prices. Actual charges will continue to vary depending on the patient’s medical condition, treatment complexity, and individual provider practices. 

Committee extends role in medical claims governance
Alongside the publication of the pricing guide, industry participants have broadened the role of the Healthcare Partners Protocol & Solutions Committee (HPPSC), a multistakeholder forum previously known as the Grievance Mechanism Committee, to focus on medical claims protocols and operational issues in Malaysia’s private healthcare financing ecosystem. 

The HPPSC serves as a platform for insurers, takaful operators, third-party administrators, private hospitals, and medical professional bodies, with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) participating as observers. It is co-chaired by representatives from the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and LIAM, with support from PIAM and MTA. 

The committee’s mandate covers the co-development of claims protocols, review of systemic issues related to guarantee letter processes, and consideration of guidance intended to support fair treatment of policyholders and ethical patient management. Issues are channelled through medical organisations and industry associations and discussed with the aim of reaching commonly understood operating approaches.