Expats Health Insurance Malaysia | Requirements & Options (2024)

Malaysia is in the top three most popular countries with expats in the ASEAN alliance. What makes this country so attractive to expats is the rich culture, diverse nature, work opportunities, high standard of living, and, most notably, an excellent healthcare system. If you’re planning to move to Malaysia, it’s essential to remember some important things regarding the healthcare system in the country and the role of health insurance.

Note: If you travel to Malaysia for short trips for purposes such as tourism; than you need to get travel health insurance.

How Does the Healthcare System Work in Malaysia?

Healthcare in Malaysia is quite good— the World Health Organization ranked the country 49th, in 2020, in terms of healthcare quality. Malaysia provides heavily subsidized healthcare to its citizens in public facilities and healthcare centers. It does not have a public health insurance system, but health insurance schemes exist for low-income individuals and foreign workers. Otherwise, citizens can visit any public facility and simply pay extremely low fee rates for the care they receive.

In terms of private care, anyone who can afford the costs can seek care in private facilities or buy private health insurance to reimburse the expenses. Expats can also purchase private insurance, visit private clinics, or seek medical services in public facilities and pay subsidized fees like Malay citizens.

Where Can I Get the Best Health Insurance for Expats in Malaysia?

To make sure you get the best expat health insurance in Malaysia you should look for reputable companies. The best companies offering international health insurance that cover Malaysia are:

• AXA.
• Allianz Care.
• Aetna International.
• Pacific Cross.

Some local providers include the following:

• Great Eastern Malaysia.
• ETIQA Insurance Bhd.
• Berjaya Sompo Insurance Bhd.

However, you can also compare the best private health insurance plans for expats in Malaysia at Insubuy or International Citizens Insurance.

Do You Need Health Insurance in Malaysia?

If you are a foreigner working in Malaysia, signing up for the Foreign Worker Hospitalization and Surgical Scheme (Skim Kemasukan Hospital dan Pembedahan Pekerja Asing-SKHPPA) is mandatory. This specific health insurance scheme is offered only to foreign employers, and your employer will usually sign you up.

Non-employed expats are not required to sign up with the Foreigner’s Health Insurance Scheme, nor are they legally required to obtain health insurance. Still, health insurance is highly recommended for expats, if anything, to give you peace of mind knowing you can seek care in private facilities and have your expenses covered.

How Can Foreigners Get Medical Insurance in Malaysia?

Foreigners can get health insurance by following one of these two options:

• Sign up with the Foreign Worker Hospitalization and Surgical Scheme.
• Buy a private health insurance policy.

Private Health Insurance for Expats in Malaysia

Expats can pick a private health insurance plan as supplementary coverage or— if they’re not covered under the Foreigner’s Health Insurance Scheme— as a main policy.

There are several options when it comes to private health insurance; you can choose either an international health insurance provider or a local insurance provider. One easy way to find insurance for your move to Malaysia is by using Insubuy, where you can find listed some of the best providers and policies for Malaysia. You can also contact International Citizens Insurance and let them help you find the best policy for Malaysia.

How to Choose Health Insurance in Malaysia?

You can choose your health insurance provider by keeping in mind the following information:

1. Find a provider. First, you need to select a provider for your insurance in Malaysia. Most often, expats pick an international provider as they are better equipped to provide insurance to expats.
2. Pick out an insurance policy. Then, you have to choose your insurance policy, and you can usually customize your plan according to your needs. Pay attention to the coverage benefits of your policy, including everything you need, and that you can omit any benefit you don’t need and save up on your premium.
3. Pay for your insurance. Afterwards, you have to purchase your insurance which you can usually do over the phone or via email— make sure to discuss this option with your provider.
4. Carry proof of insurance. You also need to verify which hospitals in the country accept your insurance so you can seek out services in those specific healthcare centers. Finally, make sure to carry proof of your insurance while you are in Malaysia.

To make this process easier, many expats return to an insurance broker or a comparison marketplace to see and compare several insurance plans provided by different insurance companies. You can also use Insubuy or International Citizens Insurance and have the option to compare and contrast other plans and their prices to pick out the best one for you.

How Much Is Insurance in Malaysia?

A basic private health insurance plan for expats in Malaysia can range between RM100 to RM500 (approx. $22 and $113) per month. However, insurance costs vary depending on several important factors, such as age, coverage level, insurance duration, provider, policy, and health status.

Regarding public insurance, 1.25% of your monthly wages go towards the Foreign Worker Hospitalization and Surgical Scheme (Skim Kemasukan Hospital dan Pembedahan Pekerja Asing-SKHPPA).

What Does Health Insurance Cover in Malaysia?

Private health insurance in Malaysia usually covers the following benefits:

• In-patients treatments. This includes coverage for any services you require while you are admitted to a hospital and receive in-hospital treatment.
• Out-patient services. Your insurance will cover any services you require without being admitted to a hospital for treatment, e.g., tests, diagnosis, check-ups, etc.
• Emergency care. This includes benefits for any emergency care services you need while you are in Malaysia.
• Evacuation and repatriation. Your insurance should cover any expenses related to emergency evacuation or repatriation, even the repatriation of remains.

It’s important to note that not all policies cover the same benefits, which is why you must choose the specific benefit you need during your stay in Malaysia.

What Is Not Covered?

Private (expat) health insurance does not usually cover the following:

• Pre-existing conditions. Private insurance does not usually offer coverage for pre-existing conditions such as diabetes. But, your insurance may cover the acute onset of a pre-existing condition, so discuss this with your provider.
• Cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic procedures which are not required for life-threatening conditions are usually not included in expat insurance.
• Mental health services. Mental health services are rarely included in private health insurance coverage options. You may be required to pay additional costs if you need this benefit.
• Experimental procedures. Any medical procedure which is not verified by authoritative medical bodies is not covered by your insurance.

Does Malaysia Have Free Healthcare?

Malaysia does not have free healthcare, but it does provide heavily subsidized services to its citizens and residents. On average, a doctor’s visit in public hospitals costs between RM50 to RM200 (approx. $12 to $48), depending on the reason for your visit. Some citizens may even receive entirely free services, but expats usually pay for the care.

With private insurance, you can visit a private clinic and have your insurance cover the costs.

Does Malaysia Have Universal Healthcare?

Malaysia does have universal healthcare, which means that all residents and citizens, even foreigners have access to public and private hospitals. With public care, most of the costs are very low to no cost; with private care, the patients pay for the services themselves or have private insurance coverage.

See countries with universal healthcare for expats.