Healthcare in Malaysia and private health insurance for expats

When living abroad, access to healthcare and preparing for its costs are important topics. Healthcare in Malaysia is divided into public and private, and foreigners often find themselves using private hospitals. This article sets out how the basics work and how to think about insurance. Each system and its costs are subject to change, so please check the latest information and the policy wording of each insurer.

Public and private

Malaysia has government-run public hospitals and privately run private hospitals. Public hospitals keep costs down but tend to be crowded, and foreigners generally choose private hospitals. Private hospitals are smoother for appointments and general handling, and many are well equipped.

What private hospitals are like

Urban areas, centred on Kuala Lumpur, have well-equipped private hospitals. English is widely understood, and some hospitals offer multilingual support. As a rule, medical costs are paid out of pocket or covered by insurance.

Considering private health insurance

To prepare for the cost of care at private hospitals, expatriate staff and people relocating often take out private health insurance. In some cases it is covered by a company's employee benefits, and in others it is taken out individually.

• The scope of cover for inpatient, surgical and outpatient care
• The annual limit and the amount you bear yourself (deductible)
• How pre-existing conditions are treated, and age conditions on joining
• Whether Japanese-language support and cashless treatment are available

How to think about preparing

Medical costs are an item with a large impact on household finances. You can check a monthly estimate that includes insurance premiums with the cost of living simulator. The cover you need also changes with the make-up of your family, so looking into it early is reassuring.

If you would like to discuss life after relocating (housing, education and healthcare) all in one go, use our free consultation; for how liveable each area is, see the area guide.