KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 – A hospital group has urged the insurance industry in Malaysia to reimburse people for Covid-19 testing that ranges between RM300 and RM600 in private hospitals.
Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM) noted that insurance companies currently refuse to reimburse coronavirus testing if admission is not related to Covid-19.
“Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) would like to appeal and seek due consideration from the insurance industry to reimburse patients for Covid-19 testing, particularly for those admitted for treatment and procedures,” APHM president Dr Kuljit Singh said in a statement.
“Hospitals and doctors are worried that if this test is not covered by the insurance, there will be potential risk to the patient and health care workers.”
Dr Kuljit further opined that patients with non-Covid-19 admission could see further health complications if they are not screened for Covid-19; and these patients’ exposure to health care workers in the hospital could cause the workers to be infected and further worsen the manpower situation in the health care system.
“We hope like every other industry; the insurance companies will relax some of its norms in terms of Covid-19 testing,” he added.
“Hospitals and doctors have made a lot of sacrifice in battling this pandemic and we appeal that insurance industry will take this seriously to protect their clients and the healthcare workers.
“Currently the Covid-19 testing ranges between RM300 to RM600 in most private hospitals. It’s a small price to pay but the potential outcomes can be significant.”
