SHAH ALAM - Many individuals with mental health issues are hesitant to take out mental health insurance policies due to concerns about increased commitments.
A factory worker who wishes to be known as Nur Alisa, 26, said she did not subscribe to any health insurance because her company already provides a policy to employees.
"I know that the company-provided insurance doesn’t cover mental health protection, but I have no plans to take out additional personal insurance.
"Even though I have depression, I can’t afford to pay for the policy every month. Taking out insurance would only add to my monthly commitments and increase my stress,” she said when contacted on Friday.
Nur Alisa added that financial concerns were a major factor keeping her stuck in her mental health issues.
Meanwhile, a private sector employee in Segamat, Johor, known as Sakinah Amnah (not her real name), 24, said she chose not to subscribe to any insurance policies due to her responsibility for caring for her ill mother.
Sakinah Amnah added that her mother has had a stroke since 2020, requiring significant expenses for her treatment.
"I started experiencing major depressive disorder when my mother had a stroke during Covid-19. Both issues happened simultaneously, which was overwhelming.
"I try to manage this on my own, even though it’s difficult. To me, my mother’s health is far more important. She is my strength,” she said.
A contract worker, Noor Amirah (not her real name), 27, said that she has insurance coverage, including for mental health, but has never used the service.
She said she subscribed to the policy before facing emotional distress from workplace harassment.
"Although I have the policy, I’ve never been to the hospital for treatment.
"I’m afraid of facing the reality that I have mental health issues,” she added.
For a part-time worker, Nurul Fatihah (not her real name), 31, she was unaware that insurance offers mental health coverage.
"The insurance agent did not explain in detail. If I had been informed that there was a policy covering mental health, I would have subscribed because I am currently dealing with depression due to work-related stress.
"The process of getting mental health treatment is not easy and involves high costs,” she said.