How does healthcare work in Malaysia, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Malaysia?

What is the quality of healthcare in Malaysia?

• Malaysia is a popular country for medical care for people from neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong because of its affordability and high quality healthcare. The doctors also speak English and have usually been trained abroad.
• You can choose between public and private healthcare. As an expat you pay out of your pocket, but it does not cost you much.
• The hospitals and clinics are equipped with modern equipment and technology. The best hospitals can be found in the capital and Penang, these are often even JCI accredited, which means that they meet the “gold standard” of healthcare.
• Malaysia is also known for its personal, friendly and good care. You will quickly feel at ease in the hospital.
• In the more remote areas, including Borneo, it is possible that clinics and hospitals are of less good quality.
• Pharmacists are well trained and can give good advice in case of complaints.
• The ambulance service is good, especially in urban areas. Call 999 for the medical emergency services.
• Health insurance is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended. As an expat, you will not have access to subsidized healthcare through the public system, so good international or local insurance is essential to cover unexpected costs.

How does the public healthcare system work in Malaysia?

• Public healthcare is intended for Malaysian citizens and is subsidized by the government. There is no national health insurance.
• Expats can also use public healthcare, but will have to pay out of pocket or through private health insurance.
• Good hospitals can be found in Malaysia; especially in the capital Kuala Lumpur and on the island of Penang.
• Treatment in public hospitals is affordable, but less suitable for emergency care due to longer waiting times.
• In Malaysia, doctors are required to work in the public sector for a longer period (a number of years) before they are allowed to work in the private healthcare system.
• Public healthcare is a reasonable option for routine treatments, but many expats prefer private healthcare because of the higher standard and faster service.

How does the private healthcare system work in Malaysia?

• The private healthcare system offers Western-level care. It employs more experienced doctors than the public healthcare system.
• Private hospitals are, as elsewhere in the world, more expensive than public health care, but the cost of private care is still considerably lower than in Western countries.
• Malaysian health care institutions that are recommended by MHTC have all been tested and provide high-quality care.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Malaysia?

• General practitioners are easily accessible in Malaysia, both in private clinics and in public institutions.
• The clinics, which are often located in shopping malls, are comparable to a GP post. Consultations are affordable; a visit to a GP in a private clinic usually costs between €10 and €30.
• You can usually just walk in without an appointment.
• Many GPs speak English, which makes it easy for expats to discuss their health problems.

How is the dentist arranged in Malaysia?

• There are many dental clinics in Malaysia that provide good care. Most dentists are trained in the West and they generally all speak English.
• The clinics can be found in shopping malls, among other places. Some clinics are open 24 hours a day. Check the dentist's license. Dentists are required to take regular exams to maintain their license.
• The cost of dental care is also much lower than in other Western countries.
• Cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening and orthodontics are popular and relatively cheap.

How is prenatal care and pregnancy care arranged in Malaysia?

• Prenatal care in private hospitals is excellent and reasonably priced. Consultations usually cost between €20 and €60, depending on the doctor and the hospital.
• Private hospitals are the most popular among expats. Public hospitals are actually only for Malaysians and cost extra for foreigners.
• Malaysian health insurance does not cover pregnancy costs. Despite the fact that the costs are relatively low (around 2.500 euros for a normal birth and around 4.000  euro for a caesarean section), most expats have international health insurance.
• As in many other countries, caesarean sections are becoming increasingly popular. Make sure you make good agreements with your doctor about what you want. Breastfeeding is encouraged, and there are many lactation consultants available. Breastfeeding in public is culturally acceptable, but it is recommended to use a cloth.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Malaysia?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Malaysia?

• Pickpockets and bag snatchers are a problem in busy cities like Kuala Lumpur and tourist hotspots like Penang. Keep your belongings close to you and avoid showing valuables.
• In rural areas, you may encounter wildlife such as monkeys, snakes, and even tigers. Be careful when hiking in the jungle and follow the directions of guides.
• Sea urchins, jellyfish, and other poisonous marine organisms are a risk when swimming or diving.
• Malaysia is less prone to natural disasters than many other Southeast Asian countries, but flooding is common during the rainy season (November to February).
• Malaysia has a multi-ethnic society, and it is important to respect cultural differences and follow local rules and guidelines.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Malaysia?

• There are far fewer health risks in the big cities. There is also a significant difference with Borneo.
• Dengue fever is common in Malaysia, and malaria is also a risk in some areas. Protecting yourself against mosquitoes can save you a lot of hassle!
• Check with your vaccination doctor which vaccinations you need!

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Malaysia?

• Traffic in Malaysia can be chaotic, especially in urban areas. People drive on the left side of the road and wearing a seat belt is mandatory.
• Wearing a helmet is mandatory for motorcyclists.
• Malaysia has a high number of traffic accidents. Drive defensively and be alert, especially on motorcycles that often perform unexpected maneuvers.
• Expatriates are allowed to drive around with a foreign driver's license for three months, after which they must apply for a new, international driver's license. This can be done at a Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ), or the Road Transport Department of Malaysia.
• Public transportation is well developed in major cities. MRT and LRT trains are modern and efficient.
• Outside urban areas, public transportation is limited, and renting a car can be useful.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Malaysia?

• Is the trip to Malaysia and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Malaysia if you are going to live there for a while?

• Health insurance usually isn't mandatory, but most expats chose to take out private insurance to cover (unexpected) medical costs. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.