Malaysians may not be that aware about the severity of the issue, but we are actually highly vulnerable to the risks of critical illness, such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and cancer. The Ministry of Health (MOH) estimated that 73% of deaths among Malaysians are caused by such non-communicable diseases.

Based on the findings by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, heart disease continues to be the principal cause of death among Malaysians between 2005 and 2014, responsible for 13.5% of fatalities in 2014. Did you know that having one or more of the High conditions (High Body Mass Index, High Blood Pressure, and High Cholesterol) substantially increases your risk?

The National Health and Morbidity Study for 2015 revealed that one in three (30%) adults has hypertension (also known as high blood pressure). If you have high blood pressure, your chance of getting a stroke is 50% higher. There is also a significantly increased risk of getting a heart attack. Those who have high cholesterol are exposed to higher risk of getting heart diseases that could also lead to complications such as kidney diseases. On top of that, if you have a BMI higher than what’s healthy, you  have a higher risk of getting heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even cancer.

The prices below were rough estimate costs for medical treatment for these critical illnesses as of 2015.

Since then, the costs are likely to have increased significantly. It’s important to take note (especially by high-risk individuals) of the increasing costs of medical treatment in Malaysia, where the rate of medical inflation tends to be in the double digits (12.7% as of August 2017). If you find yourself unable to afford it now, then you'll find it even harder to afford it in the future.

Insurance is often advised as the solution against rapidly increasing medical treatment inflation, as the right plan can help save your life. However, what if you already have pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high Body Mass Index (BMI)?

When you already have health issues that increase your risk of non-communicable diseases, you are likely to experience certain difficulties in getting insurance, thus putting you in a doubly disadvantaged position. In short, if you suffer from any of the 3 High conditions (high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high BMI), it spells bad news for your health – and also your finances.

Allianz has a plan specially designed for those who suffer from High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, and High Body Mass Index. Not only does the basic coverage provides protection against  Death as well as Total and Permanent Disability (TPD), but there is also an optional rider which can protect against the 4 major critical illnesses associated with these 3 High conditions.

Don’t fret! Even if you have been diagnosed with one or more of the 3 High conditions, making several lifestyle changes can be very helpful in managing your condition. Speak to your doctor right away and be informed on what changes you should do. Some overall good advice for everyone is to exercise, eat healthily and be mindful of your stress levels.

Regardless of your health status, keeping yourself protected with the right life insurance plan is a powerful tool and can keep you, your family and finances safe and secure.

Sources:

1. www.nst.com.my/news/2017/04/228008/73-msians-die-hypertension-diabetes-heart-disease-moh
2. www.nst.com.my/news/2016/06/150074/one-three-adult-malaysians-have-hypertension
3. www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/statistic-dept-heart-disease-remains-top-killer-among-malaysians
4. www.world-heart-federation.org/resources/stroke-and-hypertension
5. www.heart.org
6. www.davita.com/kidney-disease/overview/assessing-your-risk/cholesterol-and-chronic-kidney-disease/e/4807
7. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/body-mass-index-bmi
8. www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2015/10/04/planning-for-healthcare-costs-in-retirement/
9. www.theedgemarkets.com/article/marsh-malaysias-medical-inflation-rate-rise-127