A Guide to Malaysia’s Healthcare System for Visitors and Expats
Patients in Malaysia benefit from an excellent healthcare system, which is ranked 49th in the world by the World Health Organization. Furthermore, the country continues to make investments in improving standards of care, with programs targeting rural and low-income patients.
As a result of their efforts, Malaysia’s healthcare system is fast becoming one of the leading healthcare providers in Asia. Infant mortality rates, for instance, have significantly improved over the past 25 years and are now comparable to those in North America and Western Europe.
If you’re planning a visit or move, this is what you can expect from Malaysia’s hospitals and clinics.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Overview of Malaysia’s Healthcare System
Malaysia provides universal healthcare for all citizens and legal residents. However, the system is not based on a national insurance program.
Instead, the government heavily subsidizes the cost of care through public facilities. The subsidized public healthcare system and a well-established private system work well in conjunction with each other.
Costs of the Healthcare System
Malaysia’s healthcare system is funded through general taxation. Patients pay small fees for their medical appointments.
A visit to a medical center for a minor malady, such as a cold or sinus infection, can cost as little as $10. A consultation with a specialist typically costs around $40, and follow-up visits usually cost about $15. Overnight stays in a hospital typically cost around $50 for a private room.
Many hospitals and medical centers offer healthcare packages as an economical option for patients. Many are focused on screening and preventative health.
For instance, a physical examination package that includes a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, a full set of blood tests, and other diagnostic procedures may cost approximately $70. Patients can add on and remove tests as needed to customize their package.
Patients appreciate these bundles because they are both affordable and comprehensive. Meanwhile, doctors understand that they encourage patients to pursue preventative care.
Slowly but surely, the Malaysian government is taking steps to improve its investment in the healthcare sector. Five percent of the government’s social sector development budget has been dedicated to public healthcare, representing a nearly 50% increase.
Other health costs, as per data from “the center” are as follows:
| | |
| | RM 25,000-80,000 ($6,500-$19,345 USD) |
| | RM 50-4000 ($12-$967 USD) |
| RM 10,000-35,000 ($2,420-$8,467 USD) | RM 25,000-80,000 ($6,500-$19,345 USD) |
| | RM 15,000-45,000 ($3,628-$10,886 USD) |
| | RM 1,000-3,000 ($242-$725 USD) |
Healthcare Options for Expats and Foreigners
Expats moving to Malaysia can expect an easy transition. Nearly all doctors and a majority of nurses in Malaysia speak English. In fact, many have studied overseas, with the United States, Great Britain, and Australia being common destinations, and as such, they’re familiar with hospital culture in other countries.
Additionally, Malaysia is famous for being a friendly destination, and this proves true for the medical profession. Expats can expect a warm, compassionate bedside manner from their medical practitioners.
Expats often opt to carry private medical insurance in Malaysia. It protects them from the long wait times at public facilities. Additionally, it means they have coverage from the moment they arrive in the country, as well as access to the most significant possible number of hospitals and clinics.
While there is no public health insurance program for expats in Malaysia to join, there are some options for international citizens living in Malaysia long-term. The Foreign Worker Hospitalisation and Surgical Insurance Scheme requires foreign employees in Malaysia to have medical insurance.
In Malaysia, the program is known as Skim Kemasukan Hospital dan Pembedahan Pekerja Asing or “SKHPPA”. Employers are expected to make contributions on behalf of their foreign employees and split the costs of the program.
Best Health Insurance in Malaysia for Expats
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Best Health Plan for US Citizens Living in Malaysia
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
The Differences Between Private and Public Care
Generally, public healthcare standards in Malaysia are very high. Government hospitals offer excellent equipment, facilities, and diagnostic capabilities. However, the system is not without its challenges.
Unfortunately, the best public and private facilities are located in large cities. Public healthcare in Malaysia is quite basic in rural areas. Often, patients who require acute specialist care must travel to urban destinations to see certain specialists.
There is a serious shortage of staff in many public hospitals, both urban and rural. High demand means that patients face long wait times. Meanwhile, frustrated doctors are leaving the public sector.
The private sector offers better income and, more importantly, better working conditions with less stress and more time to spend with each patient. As such, public hospital wait times become a frustrating cycle that never seems to end.
This is where the private healthcare system often steps in. It plays a major role in providing specialist services to patients who are unable to manage wait times in the public system with ease.
Malaysia’s private hospitals are primarily located in urban areas. They offer excellent diagnostic capabilities and provide patients with comfortable and private facilities. The private system is enhanced with investments from the medical tourism sector.
According to the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), Malaysia reportedly received 641,000 foreign patients in 2011. While the majority of medical tourism patients are from Indonesia, followed by neighboring countries, the percentage from the United States, Canada, and Western Europe is growing.
The government is actively involved in promoting Malaysia’s benefits as a medical tourism destination. As such, it seems likely that the private sector will only improve and grow as a result.
Who is Eligible for Coverage
Public healthcare is accessible to all legal residents of the country. Tourists in Malaysia can utilize public healthcare facilities if necessary, but they’ll need to pay for the services they receive.
Challenges and Changes
Significant changes are afoot in Malaysia. Given that rural areas sorely lack adequate healthcare facilities, the government has committed to improving and expanding the telehealth program that connects rural patients and doctors.
The government is also exploring options to refurbish existing hospitals, construct new ones, and increase the number of clinics in rural areas.
With rural and vulnerable patients in mind, in 2011, the government launched a program called Medicine via Post to renew prescriptions through the mail.
Designed first and foremost to help patients with chronic diseases, participating patients must be in a stable condition and have a certificate from their pharmacist stating that they are knowledgeable about administering their medication. Medicine via Post is growing and has the potential to transform care for many patients.
The government is also working on an initiative called Community Clinic (formerly known as the 1 Malaysia Clinic). This government-run clinic system has nearly 400 locations that offer free or almost free care to all citizens.
Additionally, it offers heavily discounted prescription medications. If such a clinic system could expand across Malaysia, including rural areas, it would all but eliminate financial barriers to public healthcare.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
View
Full Bio
