Mediplus Aims to Fill In Health Insurance Gaps

Jakarta Globe, Kennial Caroline Laia, Nov 20, 2014

Siloam International Hospital in Cikaran. (Photo Courtesy of Siloam)

Jakarta. Lippo Group announced on Wednesday the launch of its newest health insurance product, Mediplus, touted as serving the goal of improving access to adequate health care for Indonesians.

S. Budisuharto, the director and corporate secretary of the Siloam Hospitals Group, said the product was a “breakthrough” in a medical insurance, adding that Mediplus marked one of Siloam’s commitments to support the national universal health insurance scheme, known as JKN, which is managed by the Social Security Organizing Body (BPJS).

“We are fully aware the government has issued its universal health insurance scheme earlier this year [on Jan. 4]. JKN is the part of government’s commitment to ensure Indonesians’ health protection,” Budisuharto said.

“Lippo fully supports the scheme by introducing Mediplus to provide health support for middle-class Indonesians, especially those whose needs haven’t yet been accommodated by JKN,” he said.

Lippo Insurance president director Agus Benjamin said Mediplus could solve health problems by providing affordable costs, but with great benefits, especially for middle-class Indonesians.

“Today we’ve launched a qualified and comprehensive health service that has a total solution for people who are looking for a health care plan with unlimited privileges,” Agus said at the Mediplus launch in Jakarta on Wednesday.

“This is a synergized product that has already obtained cooperation with several hospitals to ensure its implementation once the user purchases it.”

Mediplus, he added, will cover unlimited outpatient care, ambulance and emergency care access, first-class hospitalization, medical evacuation and surgery guarantee up to Rp 300 million ($24,700) per year. The insurance premium will cost Rp 7.98 million annually, and cover a family of two parents and two children. Families must pay another Rp 1 million per year for each additional child.

Andry, the chief operations officer of the Siloam Hospitals Group, said the hospital chain was open to giving the best services to Mediplus subscribers.

“Mediplus participants are free to do medical check-ups anytime in any Siloam hospital and partner locations. In addition, we also provide exclusive access for Mediplus holders to facilitate their health services,” Andry said.

“Mediplus is easily obtained at every Siloam hospital in Indonesia. It is also available at several malls, as well as Matahari, Hypermart and Boston drugstores. Consumers can also subscribe online or by phone,” Agus said.

“Once the consumers purchase Mediplus, they will be told several pre-requirements of Mediplus,” he added.

Mediplus is targeted to provide health coverage for approximately 50 million middle-class Indonesians, for subscription periods of up to five years and protection up to the age of 65.

“This is a good deed from us. With this affordable health insurance, you can gain many privileges. This is our commitment to this nation, since we believe a great nation is built on healthy families,” Agus said.

The Jakarta Globe is affiliated with Lippo Group.