We were moved to write this article after witnessing the heart-wrenching consequences that families endure while financially supporting their loved ones through their cancer journey. Whether you are a senior battling cancer or a loved one seeking clarity on how best to support them, we want you to know that no one should face cancer alone.
There are several options for cancer financial support, and we aim to shed light on these paths so you can make the most informed decision as a family.
The Financial Struggles Many Seniors Face
For many seniors, cancer treatment becomes financially overwhelming due to being uninsured or underinsured:
- Uninsured seniors: Unable to afford high premiums, ineligible due to chronic conditions, or simply beyond the age cap for coverage.
- Underinsured seniors: Insurance policies that stop coverage at a certain age, have low medical claim limits, or only cover inpatient treatments.
Many of the healthcare experts we work with report a disturbing trend: issued Guarantee Letters from insurers being frequently rejected. It’s clear that medical policies issued decades ago do not align with the modern realities of cancer care. When health insurance runs out, and savings are depleted, the financial burden often shifts to family members.
When Cancer Financial Support Comes from Family: Real-Life Cases
The first instinct for many families is to step in and take on huge debts, with devastating consequences. Below are two real-life stories of how cancer financial support—when shoulder by the family—can take a heavy toll.
Case 1: Mr. Tan’s Story
Mr. Tan’s wife was diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer in 2003, and unfortunately, she was uninsured. Over the years, the couple accumulated nearly RM500,000 in debt during Madam Tan’s cancer journey. Mr. Tan, motivated by love, wanted her to get better so she could continue enjoying time with their family and see her grandchildren grow up. Sadly, when she passed away last year, Mr. Tan was left with the enormous debt, eating into his savings. Now, he faces his own health issues but has chosen to skip treatment to avoid further burdening his children. No one should have to make that kind of sacrifice, and our hearts go out to people like Mr. Tan.
Case 2: Feisul’s Story
Feisul was distraught after his mother was diagnosed last year with late-stage colon cancer, often called a “silent killer.” Colon cancer is the leading cause of cancer among seniors in Malaysia. Despite years of diligent health screenings, his mother’s screening packages hadn’t included a colonoscopy, leading to a late diagnosis. Feisul’s mother urgently needed surgery and chemotherapy, but the long waiting times in public hospitals meant her cancer would likely metastasize before she could receive treatment. Feisul was forced to take out a personal loan to fund his mother’s surgery at a private hospital because no bank would lend to his retired parents. Now, he spends a large part of his income repaying this loan, delaying his own life aspirations, including getting married and starting a family.
These cases are tragically common—where loved ones, like Feisul, sacrifice their futures to support their parents’ cancer battles.
Introducing KALSIS: Cancer Financial Support Without the Burden
It is for cases like Mr. Tan’s and Feisul’s that we created KALSIS—a groundbreaking financial support scheme that enables seniors battling cancer to access the wealth locked in their homes. By doing so, they can fund their treatments and cover out-of-pocket expenses without having to rely on family members taking on debt.
Here’s how KALSIS works:
- Seniors sell their home titles to KALSIS at market value and continue to live in their homes.
- In Year 1, seniors receive a lump sum payout (10% of their home’s value) to cover immediate healthcare needs.
- From Year 2 onwards, they receive monthly lifetime annuities (4% of the home’s value annually) to cover ongoing living expenses.
Why KALSIS Is Different
KALSIS is a capital markets-driven scheme, supported by institutional investors who want to do good while doing well—led by Kenanga Investors Berhad. Unlike traditional cancer financial support programs, KALSIS:
- Helps seniors battling any stage and any type of cancer, giving them the flexibility to use their payouts for the treatments that best suit their needs.
- Provides lifelong financial support for both healthcare and retirement expenses, so that seniors can live comfortably at home without worrying about future medical costs.
- Offers peace of mind to families. If Mr. Tan had access to KALSIS, he wouldn’t have been burdened by RM500,000 in debt. Feisul wouldn’t have had to take out a personal loan and could have focused on his future, knowing his parents were financially supported.
Discuss Your Options and Secure Your Future
We hope this overview of KALSIS has shown you how the scheme can offer a unique and robust form of cancer financial support. It’s crucial to consider all your options and have an open discussion with your family. Your future should not be overshadowed by the financial burden of cancer. With KALSIS, you can secure your treatment while preserving your family’s financial stability.
To learn more about KALSIS and how it can help your family during these challenging times, visit our website or contact us via WhatsApp at +6011 5638 8580. Let us help you face the road ahead with confidence and peace of mind .