IT is expensive to fall sick these days. With the ever-increasing cost of medical treatment these days, it is no wonder why many people opt to not react to their ailments until it is too late. So for people who are not fortunate enough to have full medical coverage by their employers or insurance policies, it is always good to know that part of your EPF savings can be withdrawn to pay for your or your loved ones’ medical treatment.
Who can apply for this withdrawal?
If you are below the age of 55 and have remaining balance in Account 2, you can apply for this withdrawal to pay for your or your family’s medical treatment of critical illnesses.
Can I make withdrawal to pay for my wife’s medical treatment for critical illnesses?
Yes, this scheme is available not only to members but also to your spouses, children, parents or siblings.
What is covered under the medical withdrawal?
This withdrawal is designed to assist you, as an EPF member, with the expenses of seeking medical treatment in severe cases that might not be covered by any medical coverage provided by your employer. It covers 55 critical illnesses such as major organ transplant, coronary bypass surgery, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and cancer. For the full list of approved critical illnesses, please refer to our website, www.kwsp.gov.my.
In addition, effective 15 July 2011, members are also permitted to purchase critical medical support equipment and peripherals.
How frequent can I apply for this withdrawal?
You may continue to apply for this withdrawal to pay for the medical expenses for the treatment of critical illnesses as long as there is a balance in your Account 2, subject to the maximum amount eligible for withdrawal.
Can I apply for this withdrawal if my medical expenses have been borne by my employer?
No, you cannot. However, if the medical coverage covered by the employer is not adequate, then you may submit an application to withdraw the balance of the medical expenses incurred.
How much can I withdraw?
You can withdraw, whichever is lower, the actual medical treatment cost or all of your balance in Account 2. If part of the medical treatment is borne by the employer, you can withdraw the balance of medical treatment not covered by the employer, subject to the available balance in your Account 2.
So how do I apply for this withdrawal?
You are required to complete the KWSP 9D (AHL) Form and provide certified true copies of your identity card, the medical report from the specialist issued by the hospital or medical institute, the original medical examination bills which must not be more than a year old from the date issued by the hospital or medical institute, and a letter of confirmation from your employer to determine if the medical expense is borne by the employer. For overseas medical treatment, you need to provide an approximate cost of treatment.
You also need to produce proof of relationship between you and the patient and your bank account book or account statements that are still active.
How will the payments be made?
For local treatment, payment is made direct to the hospital after the original medical bill is received while payment for overseas treatment is made via direct crediting to your bank account based on the estimated medical cost. For reimbursement, payments will be directly credited into your bank account.
EPF Public Relations Department contributed to the above article. For further enquiries regarding withdrawal for medical treatment, please contact the nearest EPF office or log on to www.kwsp.gov.my.