Materia Medica Malaysiana

Pantai to panel for more international insurers

Pantai Holdings Bhd, which has been appointed to the panel of two UK-based health insurance companies, is seeking more such appointments by international insurance firms for the seven Pantai hospitals to boost the group's health tourism business.
The hospital group was appointed by global healthcare organisation BUPA International in June 2004, while the appointment by AXA PPP came in a month ago.
Pantai chairman Datuk Ridzwan Abu Bakar said BUPA International had four million members in nearly 190 countries and was one of the most reputable and leading third-party administrators. Its clients include multinational companies such as Shell.
He said since its appointment by BUPA International, at least 12 foreign patients covered by the insurer had been treated in Pantai hospitals.
AXA PPP is one of UK’s leading medical insurers. It has been providing international medical insurance for over 30 years.
“This is a strategic move for Pantai to attract foreign patients to seek treatment in Malaysia. Not only can valid cardholders obtain services without paying cash upfront, they will also be obtaining internationally recognised healthcare,” said Ridzwan.
Speaking to reporters after a media luncheon in Petaling Jaya on Jan 26, he said the group expected to ink another agreement with a Belgium-based insurance company in the next few weeks.