5 reasons why women need a female protection plan

Every woman is a superwoman in her own right. At every stage of her life from being a daughter, an independent woman, to being a wife, mother and role model, her health is as vital to her as it is to the people around her. As women access health care systems more frequently than men, both for their own and their children’s health¹, it is important to understand what a lady plan has to offer. Ideally, it is a life protection plan with Critical Illness benefits that help women be better prepared for women related illnesses and pregnancy complications.

While there may be plenty of plans that cater to the general population of men and women alike, there are as many reasons as to why women need a specific plan that’s tailored to their unique needs. 

Women experience unique health care challenges and are more likely to be diagnosed with certain illnesses than men. Despite having an average life expectancy of 72.7 years, (capable of outliving men by 4.5 years¹), chronic diseases and conditions such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes are among the leading causes of death amongst women. We take a closer look on why it is necessary for a comprehensive coverage from such illnesses:

Protection from Heart Disease: 1 out of 4 women die of heart failure in Malaysia.² According to the National Heart Institute (IJN) women are more prone to cardiovascular diseases and strokes after menopause. A protection plan tailored for women promises a lump sum payment to cater to the needs of their treatment.

Coverage for Cancer: Women are more susceptible to cancer than men.³ This brings out the urgency for women in particular to ensure that they are covered by a medical plan. The leading form of cancer that largely affects women is breast cancer, followed by cervical, ovarian and uterine cancer. Around 5,000 Malaysian women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, most of them aged between 30 and 60 years, where nearly half of those affected are under 50-years of age.⁴ Even after obtaining the right medical coverage, a lady plan further ensures safety by minimizing the risks against women related illnesses. It provides a shelter that not only caters to help during the illness but also the care, such as reconstructive surgery.

The best Defense against Diabetes: As a chronic disease, diabetes is often called the “silent killer”, being the 9^th leading cause of death in women globally.⁵ Diabetes affects women differently as compared to men. Without proper diagnosis and healthcare, women are at twice the risk of premature death and kidney failure. Diabetes not only affects a woman’s health, but could also affect the health of an unborn child if the woman is diagnosed with gestational diabetes while pregnant. The lady plan ensures the best defense for women who go through health complications caused directly or indirectly by diabetes, such as severe kidney failure.

The fear of being diagnosed, undergoing treatment and the cost behind it may make some women hesitant to seek medical help at an early stage. Undoubtedly, being diagnosed with a medical condition is a harrowing experience, but early detection often leads to improved chances of recovery. Most surgery or treatment for illnesses weigh down on the physical, mental and financial wellbeing of a person, and especially so if the surgery calls for a change in the physical appearance of a person. A woman-specific plan such as the A-Life Lady360 not only provides coverage for cancer diagnosis, but also covers the cost of reconstructive surgery on female organs. In addition it covers for any complications that arise due to elective cosmetic surgery. The plan provides for help in the event of facial reconstructive surgery and skin grafting due to accident or cancer. 

For some women, at some stage in their lives they go through the beauty of bearing and giving birth to children. With mixed emotions of excitement, anticipation and fear all rolled up into one, it’s no surprise that this life phase also brings major changes to her body and health.

During this crucial time, a woman becomes vigilant to the health needs of herself and her baby. However, with all the proper health care provided one cannot dismiss the possibility of complications that women can undergo during pregnancy, such as molar or ectopic pregnancy or eclampsia. A woman-specific health plan would account for incidences like the above by providing additional coverage in the event.  

In Malaysia, as with the rest of the world, more women are stepping out to take on leadership roles. Superwomen are not just mothers at home but also women in workplaces too. According to a study by font, which specialises in the creative, digital and marketing sectors, women continue to take on more leadership positions with almost half of the firms interviewed claiming they have more than 30% of senior positions occupied by women.⁶

As the dynamics in the workforce changes to involve more women, it also means that women have a greater need to invest in a comprehensive health plan to fall back on in the event of a rainy day. Their income not only supports them, but also their aging parents, children or spouse. Her health not only impacts her own quality of living, it also affects the lives of the people around her.

According to HSBC’s Future of Retirement: A balancing act, almost half (45%) of Asian women say they are not preparing adequately for a comfortable retirement because they are paying off their mortgage and other debts. Among Malaysian women the number stands at 69%.⁷

Retirement plans are often left for men to deal with, but as more women enter the workforce it is definitely one not to be ignored. Age impacts women in a more unique manner as compared to men, as they become more prone to health issues and have a longer lifespan than men. Almost 89% of Malaysian women display concern for the cost of health care in retirement age. This only amplifies the need for women to have a plan specially tailored for their life stages. Under the A-Life Lady360 plan, women can receive help for menopause and psychotherapy treatment for trauma from major life events.

Every woman should celebrate every stage of her life. Her strength, vitality and health are a testament to her abilities to nurture her family or her workplace. The A-Life Lady360 plan celebrates a woman’s major life events such as marriage, childbirth and golden age by providing cash reward benefits at those times.

The world cannot do without superwomen. She requires care, support and inclusion to live a healthy life. As she continues to take on the world, she also needs a solid protection plan to fall back on when times get tough.