^{AXA Affin General Insurance Berhad (AXA) has launched AXA SmartMedi Outpatient ― the 1st standalone outpatient medical insurance in Malaysia. Specially catered to the increasing protection needs of the self-employed segment, AXA SmartMedi Outpatient provides comprehensive coverage for outpatient consultation, treatment and medication at any general practitioner or specialist clinic.}


KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- Gig economy is rising and expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, with more Malaysians turning to digital platforms and pursuing freelance or independent work. However, it is reported that 25% of self-employed workforce (approximately 3.7 million Malaysians) has no outpatient medical protection and the staggering figure is increasing by day in the post-pandemic economy.¹

Recognising the protection gap in the mass market, AXA Affin General Insurance Berhad (AXA) has launched AXA SmartMedi Outpatient ― the 1^st standalone outpatient medical insurance in Malaysia.

Specially catered to the increasing protection needs of the self-employed segment, AXA SmartMedi Outpatient provides comprehensive coverage for outpatient consultation, treatment and medication at any general practitioner or specialist clinic. It covers the necessary medical treatments ranging from everyday illnesses like cough, flu and fever, to diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests as well as more severe illnesses requiring visits to the specialist.

Although outpatient insurance coverage is not new in Malaysia, Emmanuel Nivet, Chief Executive Officer of AXA stated that it is usually covered under group health policy by corporate employers. Most medical policies only cover inpatient medical treatments, and there is currently no standalone outpatient insurance coverage in Malaysia that can cover visits to the clinic or specialist.

“We realise that many self-employed workers, such as the part timers, freelancers and small business owners, are not protected under any corporate or group health policy. They will usually need to pay for their own outpatient expenses at clinics or specialists if they were to fall sick. With the rising medical costs these days, it is important for us, as a trusted insurer, to protect what matters so that our customers can always enjoy the care and protection they need,” Emmanuel added.

In line with AXA’s commitment to constantly innovate simple, effortless and customisable product solutions, AXA SmartMedi Outpatient is designed with the flexibility to complement customers’ existing hospitalisation or surgical medical plans, for a more comprehensive protection covering both inpatient and outpatient treatments. Unlike any other medical plans, customers can sign up for AXA SmartMedi Outpatient simply by filling up a health declaration form, with no medical examination needed.

To provide added value and convenience to customers, AXA SmartMedi Outpatient comes with an affordable premium starting from RM1.80 per day for basic plan, and provides a medical card for cashless visit to AXA’s extensive network of panel clinics. In addition to face-to-face consultations with doctors, the plan also provides the option of online teleconsultation and telemedicine services through Doctor-On-Call digital healthcare platform, with no additional fees required.

To learn more, visit www.axa.com.my/smo  

¹ Source: World Bank Statistics 2020


Source: AXA Affin General Insurance Berhad (AXA) 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Sheena Ho
Tel: +603 2170 8548/012 309 1193
Email : sheena.ho@axa.com.my

Name: Allison Lee
Tel : +603 2170 8259/016 228 2916
Email : allison.lee@axa.com.my

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