A cancer survivor who faithfully paid insurance premiums for over a decade found himself nearly abandoned by the system he trusted when his coverage costs suddenly tripled following his early retirement.
A personal battle turns financial
Eson, a 55-year-old single father and former sales professional, was diagnosed with stage one bladder cancer in 2018.
His workplace insurance at the time covered approximately RM300,000 in immunotherapy costs over three years, allowing him to fully recover and eventually be declared cancer-free.
Despite the successful treatment, doctors advised Encik Eson to remain vigilant due to the risk of cancer recurrence.
To secure his health further, he continued paying into a personal insurance policy he had taken out 15 years earlier, with a monthly premium of RM652.
Retired and overwhelmed
In 2021, due to health complications worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Eson retired early from his job.
Without a steady income, he relied on his retirement savings, which depleted within two years.
Things took a turn for the worse when his insurance provider suddenly increased his monthly premium to RM1,800.
Already in financial distress, the threefold hike left him unable to maintain his policy.
He was then hit with devastating news: his cancer had returned.
With no remaining savings and an insurance policy on the brink of collapse, Encik Eson saw no way forward.
Intervention at the highest level
His plea reached Bayan Baru Member of Parliament (MP) Sim Tze Tzin, who had previously received numerous similar complaints from citizens facing steep insurance hikes.
Sim raised the issue in Parliament in November 2024 and met with the Governor of Bank Negara.
In response, Bank Negara issued a temporary policy that limits insurance premium increases to 10% over three years.
With the MP’s help, Eson lodged a formal complaint with the central bank. His premium was eventually reduced back to the original RM652.
A broader concern for Malaysians
According to the Sim, nearly half of Malaysians depend on insurance for healthcare protection. However, sudden and drastic premium hikes can render coverage unaffordable, especially for retirees and the elderly. Some seniors aged 70 have even lost all protection after being forced to cancel their policies due to cost increases.
“This isn’t just about money—it’s a matter of survival,” he wrote in a Facebook post, adding that ongoing efforts will continue to ensure fair treatment and consumer protection in the insurance industry.
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