UNHCR highlights the story of *Cing Deih Nem, a refugee whose life was transformed by access to affordable medical protection through the Refugee Medical Insurance (REMEDI).
When Cing Deih Nem left her home Myanmar in 2014, she sought safety and a chance to rebuild her life in Malaysia. Now living in Selangor, she had little idea that a sudden health crisis in December 2024 would test her resilience — and show her the true value of protection through REMEDI, the only medical insurance plan in Malaysia endorsed by UNHCR for registered refugees and asylum-seekers.
One morning, she started coughing and feeling an unusual tightness in her chest. She never experienced such problem earlier. A nearby clinic prescribed her some medicine, but her condition worsened over the next few days.
“The tightness in my chest was getting worse, and it started to scare me,” she recalled.
When she returned to the clinic, the doctor suspected asthma and advised her to head to the hospital urgently. Knowing she couldn’t afford treatment at a private hospital, Cing opted for a government facility — but she had never been to a hospital before and didn’t know what to expect.
“They initially told me I needed to pay a hefty deposit. I panicked and called my community leader,” she said. “When he arrived, he asked if I had REMEDI. That’s when I remembered — I had just signed up a few months earlier.”
That memory brought immense relief. With her REMEDI card, Cing could be admitted without worrying about the hospital deposit. Doctors confirmed that her asthma symptoms were worsening and she needed urgent care — including intravenous medication and oxygen support.
“I started to feel better after a few days, but I became anxious about the cost. I wanted to be discharged early because I thought I couldn’t afford the bill.”
Fortunately, with her UNHCR documentation, she was eligible for a 50% discount on the bill at the government hospital. However, without medical insurance, she would not be able to afford the remaining 50%. And thanks to REMEDI, the remaining cost was fully covered.
“When they told me the hospital bill was covered by REMEDI, I cried at the counter. I was shocked. I thought REMEDI only covered the deposit!”
After six days in the hospital, Cing returned home, healthy and deeply grateful — not just for her recovery, but for the financial security REMEDI had offered her in her time of need.
“REMEDI literally saved my life. If it didn’t exist, I may not be alive today.”
That experience motivated her to become an advocate. She shared her story on Facebook and spoke to her church community about the importance of being medically insured.
“Some people said it’s too expensive, but I don’t agree. It’s only RM183.60 per year. That’s so little compared to what I would have had to pay. I borrowed money from my brother to pay for it — and I convinced him to get it too for himself.”
REMEDI was developed through a partnership between UNHCR and Allianz to provide refugees and asylum-seekers with affordable coverage for unexpected hospitalisation or accidents at government hospitals. Open to UNHCR-registered individuals aged 18 to 60, REMEDI offers protection and peace of mind, so that refugee do not have to worry about unexpected medical emergencies and expenses.
“Having REMEDI makes me feel safe. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow — maybe I’ll get sick again or have an accident. But I know REMEDI will be there if it does.”
In a life filled with uncertainty, Cing Deih Nem found more than medical help — she found reassurance, dignity, and the strength to keep going.
“All refugees need REMEDI. Today.”
To learn more about REMEDI, visit Refugee Malaysia | REMEDI.
To buy REMEDI, WhatsApp the insurance agent (Jason: 017-381 8310)
*Name has been changed to protect privacy