KUALA LUMPUR: About 94 per cent of Malaysians delayed seeking medical care over the past year, mainly due to a lack of support, uncertainty and everyday responsibilities, Prudential plc said.
The findings are based on a survey of 1,020 respondents in Malaysia, part of a broader regional study covering 4,203 individuals across Asia.
The report found that more than half of respondents faced difficulties navigating the healthcare system, with 54 per cent saying they did not know where to seek treatment when unwell.
Cost concerns also remained a key issue, with 53 per cent worried about affordability, although 71 per cent said their initial healthcare bills were lower than expected, partly due to subsidies and insurance coverage.
Digital access presented another barrier, as 53 per cent of respondents reported difficulties booking or managing medical appointments online, citing fragmented platforms and complex systems.
Prudential plc chief executive officer of health Arjan Toor said delays in seeking treatment were often not due to a lack of access, but challenges in navigating the system and managing daily commitments.
"Many people delay seeking care not because help is unavailable, but because everyday responsibilities and lack of information make it hard to access care," he said.
Prudential Malaysia chief health officer Manisha Keyal said clearer information and better guidance are needed to help patients make decisions.
The report also highlighted the gap between life expectancy and healthy lifespan in Malaysia, with the former at 75.3 years in 2025 and average healthspan at 64 years.
It said improving access to primary care, increasing cost transparency and enhancing digital literacy are key to addressing delays in seeking treatment. - NST
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