A Traveler’s Guide to Travel Insurance and Safety Advice for Malaysia
Malaysia is ranked 9th in the world in terms of the number of tourists received, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. And it’s the smallest country on that top 10 list. But for its small size, it is mighty. It boasts spectacular beaches, islands, national parks, and cities that draw visitors back time and again.
It’s also increasingly popular among expats, who appreciate the affordable cost of living and easy access to travel in neighboring countries. If you’re considering a visit or a move, here’s a primer on Malaysian health, insurance, and safety.
Find the Best International Travel Insurance
- Compare top-rated travel insurance providers
- Get quotes for Travel Medical, Trip Cancellation, and more
- Choose the best plan for your trip and budget
Recommended Travel Insurance Plans for Malaysia
The Best Short-Term Travel Insurance Plans
The IMG Patriot Platinum insurance plan is an excellent option for U.S. and international travelers, offering travel medical insurance for trips abroad, including those to Malaysia.
Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance
- Maximum limits up to $8,000,000
- IMG pays 100% of medical expenses in-network
- Evacuation due to Natural Disasters & Political Unrest
The Best Travel Insurance for US Travelers in Malaysia
The BCBS Global Solutions Single Trip Platinum plan is an excellent option for U.S. citizens and residents seeking emergency medical coverage and other travel insurance benefits.
Single Trip Platinum Travel Insurance
- For U.S. citizens and residents up to age 95
- Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
- 24/7/365 service and assistance
If you need trip cancellation insurance, consider Trawick Pathway Premier. In addition to emergency medical benefits for travelers, the plan will cover your non-refundable trip costs, including flights and hotels, if you need to cancel.
Pathway Premier
- Comprehensive Travel Protection and Travel Medical Insurance
- Available to U.S. residents traveling for up to 90 days within the U.S. and internationally
- Optional CFAR, IFAR, Rental Car Damage, and Adventure Sports coverage
Best International Medical Insurance Plan for Living in Malaysia
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Travel and Safety Advice for Visiting Malaysia
The majority of travelers who visit Malaysia come home with glowing reports of the country’s beautiful countryside, amazing cities, and delicious food. However, every destination has health and safety concerns, and in Malaysia some are more pronounced than others.
In particular, most governments have issued a strong travel warning about traveling to the coastal areas of eastern Sabah for fear of kidnapping, piracy, and terrorism.
The New Zealand government, for instance, advises: “There is an ongoing risk of kidnapping in coastal areas of eastern Sabah. Terrorist and criminal groups…have in the past kidnapped people from these areas and further kidnappings are likely.”
In major cities, petty crimes like purse snatching aren’t that unusual. As with any trip, keep a close eye on personal possessions and minimize your risk with secure, cross-body bags. Speak with hotel staff or trusted friends about identifying unsafe streets, if applicable.
Traveling with illegal drugs is foolhardy and risky in any region of the world, and especially so in Malaysia. The current government has an extremely aggressive stance on drug use and distribution. The penalties for such crimes are severe and include the death penalty.
Understanding the Malaysian Healthcare System
Malaysia has a two-tier health care system. This means that government-funded, universal healthcare coexists with privately funded healthcare options. While the public system is widespread, services may be basic in rural areas. However, healthcare improvements and investments are a government priority.
Pilot projects, including the delivery of prescription medicine by mail, have received favorable reviews. Many rural hospitals and clinics also use a Tele-Care system to connect patients and specialists. Hopefully, as a result, more isolated regions will see improvements.
In the meantime, if your travels involve extended time in rural or isolated areas, consider purchasing travel insurance that includes medical evacuation or air ambulance transfers to major cities in the event of an emergency.
In Malaysia’s cities, the private healthcare system has a strong reputation for access to specialists and advanced diagnostic technology. Travelers should inquire about health insurance that covers private hospital visits, as these are generally more comfortable and have shorter wait times.
Emergency Services in Malaysia
In Malaysia, for emergency services:
- Dial 999 to request an ambulance or police services
- Dial 994 to connect with a fire department
- 112 is an alternative emergency service for mobile phone users
The Malaysian government is the primary provider of ambulances in the country, but there’s no centralized system for organizing them. For instance, a traveler in need may find themselves in an ambulance run by the Red Cross or a university.
As a result, ambulance response times are slower than in many other countries (though the care provided within is good). It can often be a tough call, but travelers in need will have to decide whether it’s possible to use an alternative mode of transportation, such as a taxi, to reach a hospital more quickly.
Vaccine Requirements and General Health Advice
As with every trip, ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date. That includes tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and your yearly influenza vaccine.
The CDC recommends hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines for most travelers. For some travelers, depending on their exact destination and travel plans, vaccinations for hepatitis B, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis may be recommended, along with malaria prevention measures.
Travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is a risk must present proof of yellow fever vaccination. There is no risk of yellow fever in Malaysia. This is a preventive strategy to ensure that travelers who have previously visited high-risk countries don’t bring the disease with them.
Tap water in Malaysia is generally not potable, and travelers should stick to bottled or boiled water.
Many countries have issued travel advisories for Malaysia due to the Zika virus. Pregnant women, in particular, should speak with their healthcare provider before they travel.
While influenza is a concern in many Asian countries, the government of Malaysia has developed a comprehensive National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (NIPPP)
Medical Tourism in Malaysia
Not all tourists to Malaysia are motivated by surf, sun, and shopping. Medical tourism is a significant component of Malaysia’s tourism economy. 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, the percentage from the United States, Canada, and Western Europe is growing. If you’re contemplating visiting Malaysia for the purposes of medical care, take the time to diligently research all of your options.
Speak with your home health care team about your plan and reach out to other Expats and patients to learn from their experiences before you finalize your decision.
Find the Best International Travel Insurance
- Compare top-rated travel insurance providers
- Get quotes for Travel Medical, Trip Cancellation, and more
- Choose the best plan for your trip and budget
Vanessa Chiasson is an award-winning Canadian travel writer with over ten years of experience. Her work has appeared in major publications, and she draws on living in France, Ireland, England, and Malawi to bring global insight to her stories.
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