A stroke happens when blood can’t reach part of the brain, and it’s a lot more serious than it sounds. It can lead to lifelong disability, memory problems, or even death. In 2023, stroke was the third leading cause of death in Malaysia and by 2040, it’s expected to rise to second place, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
Most people assume strokes only happen to the elderly, but that’s far from true. Stroke patients are getting younger — one in four strokes now occurs in people under 50, according to reporting by the New Straits Times (NST, 2023).
They can hit anyone, whether you’re young, fit, or seemingly healthy. Things like stress, poor habits, hidden medical issues, or family history can all play a role.
A health emergency, like a stroke, can quietly put your financial safety net at risk. What shocks many people is what comes afterward, when they realise their insurance coverage doesn’t go as far as they thought, or worse, that they no longer qualify for certain plans.
Insurance is based on risk assessment. When you apply for insurance, the company checks how likely you are to need a payout in the future. Stroke is considered a high-risk medical condition, so getting covered after a stroke becomes difficult, or sometimes, impossible.
Get insured while you’re healthy. Once a serious health condition is diagnosed, getting covered becomes nearly impossible.
◼ Apply for insurance now, while you still qualify.
◼ Review your current insurance policy – Understand what’s already covered — such as hospitalisation, critical illness, or income protection. This helps you identify any gaps in your safety net.
◼ Explore additional coverage options – If you only have life insurance, consider adding medical or critical illness to strengthen your overall protection.
◼ Calculate your coverage needs – Use a financial budget calculator to determine how much coverage you realistically need – so your plan aligns with your expenses, dependents, and future needs.
If you already had a policy before the stroke, that’s good. Keep it active. Don’t cancel or let it lapse.
There’s no single insurance plan for strokes, but several common types can offer protection if purchased before the stroke happens.
Many people put off insurance, thinking they’ll get it later. But “later” isn’t always an option, especially after a health event like stroke.
If someone in your family has had a stroke, it’s a reminder to plan. Stroke risk can run in families. That makes early coverage even more important for those who are still healthy.
Life is unpredictable; a stroke or serious illness can change everything in an instant. And once it happens, getting life, medical or critical illness insurance may no longer be possible.
That’s why it’s so important to plan while you’re still healthy. Even if you feel fine today, or if a stroke runs in your family, now is the time to take action, not later.
At Let’s Go for Life, we’re here to make that first step easier. Our online insurance is simple, affordable, and designed to protect you before unexpected happens.
Give yourself the freedom to live with confidence — knowing you’ve got a plan in place, just in case.
