SEPANG: An insurance scheme that cost Seow Swee Yin only RM17.50 saved her some RM100,000 in medical expenses when she suffered a stroke in Japan.

If not for the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Medi Evac Insurance scheme, the 69-year-old would have had to fork out the amount for her medical evacuation and hospitalisation.

Last night, in an emergency operation arranged by Kurnia Insurans Bhd, Seow, accompanied by a medical team from Japan, arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 8.20pm. She was then rushed to a private hospital.

Kurnia chief executive officer Kong Shu Yin said Seow was warded at Narita General Hospital in Japan for 10 days.

"This is the first claim on medical evacuation. It was fortunate that she had bought the policy. She only paid RM17.50 for a seven-day travel insurance but we can pay up to RM200,000 for medical and repatriation expenses," said Kong, who was at KLIA to receive Seow.

Since the policy was launched, Kurnia has sold some 4,000 policies a month, he said.