More than 8 in 10 people across Asia have delayed their medical care, report finds

Research commissioned by Prudential points to uncertainty around treatment, costs and where to seek help

Many people across Asia are generally positive about their healthcare experiences, according to research by Economist Impact, commissioned by Prudential. However, the report also found that satisfaction levels vary widely across markets, with more than 80 per cent admitting they have delayed seeking care.

The report, “Patient voices: experiences of healthcare access in Asia , ” is based on a survey of 4,200 people conducted from April to May 2025, and examines the patient experience in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

Despite significant improvements in healthcare access and outcomes across all four markets in recent decades, many people still face barriers that affect their confidence when it comes to seeking care.

The survey respondents point to three recurring obstacles driving this trend. They cited “confusing bureaucracy” and complex payment processes among the biggest challenges in accessing medical care. More than half – 55 per cent – said they did not know where to go when they needed care.

Arjan Toor, CEO, health, Prudential, says healthcare can feel overwhelming, especially at times when people are already worried about their health.

“When people are unwell, they need clear guidance on where to go, who to speak to and what treatment may cost,” he says. “But many patients struggle to find the information they need about their condition, the treatment options available to them and how to access care. That uncertainty can make it harder to make confident decisions, causing people to delay seeking treatment even when help is available.”

High and unexpected costs are another barrier, especially for emergency care: one in three respondents said their healthcare costs had been higher than expected. Concern about having to rely on family members for financial support was also frequently mentioned as a reason for delayed care. This points to a broader issue: when patients cannot anticipate the financial impact of treatment, cost becomes a cause of hesitation as well as stress.

“For patients, the worry is often not only about whether they can afford treatment, but also the uncertainty around not knowing how much treatment will cost beforehand,” Toor explains. “For someone facing a serious illness, not knowing how much they may ultimately need to pay can add another layer of worry at a time when important decisions need to be made quickly.”

The third obstacle relates to information gaps. More than 55 per cent of patients felt they did not have the right information to make decisions about their medical treatment, while almost 40 per cent turned to digital tools for guidance about treatment after initial diagnosis.

“Many choose to turn to the internet or AI [artificial intelligence] to get answers about their health, but that can sometimes leave patients feeling even less certain about what to do next,” adds Toor.