(2025) Health Insurance for Expats in Malaysia: All You Need to Know

Malaysia is a top destination for expatriates thanks to its high quality of life, affordable cost of living, and excellent healthcare system. However, navigating the local medical system as a foreigner can be challenging, especially when it comes to accessing private hospitals and international clinics, depending on where you go. Having the right health insurance ensures expats receive quality medical care and financial protection in case of emergencies or unexpected health issues.

At Alea, your specialised expat health insurance advisor & broker, our experts have gathered everything you need to know about health insurance in Malaysia as an expat!

Why You Need Health Insurance in Malaysia

1. Differences in Healthcare Standards and Costs

Malaysia has a dual healthcare system, consisting of public hospitals, private hospitals, and international clinics.

• Public hospitals offer affordable healthcare but are primarily designed for Malaysian citizens. Expats may experience long wait times, overcrowding, and limited access to English-speaking medical staff.
• Private hospitals, such as Prince Court Medical Centre or Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur, provide high-quality medical services with modern facilities and shorter waiting times, but costs can be significantly higher.
• International clinics cater to expats and tourists, offering premium medical care, English-speaking doctors, and specialist treatments, but at the highest cost.

Here’s an overview of typical medical costs in Malaysia:

• General consultation at a public hospital: 30 – 80 MYR (approx. 6 - 17 Euros)
• Specialist consultation at a private hospital: 150 – 500 MYR (approx. 31 - 105 Euros)
• Hospitalization at a private hospital: 250 – 800 MYR per night (approx. 52 - 167 Euros)
• Surgery (e.g., appendectomy): 12,000 – 30,000 MYR (approx. 251 - 628 Euros)

💡Did you know? Without proper health insurance, expats may face high medical bills, especially for major procedures, hospitalizations, or chronic conditions.

2. Limited Coverage from Employer-Provided Insurance

Many expats working in Malaysia receive medical insurance from their employer, but these corporate plans often come with limited coverage. Employer-provided insurance may:

• Only cover basic outpatient care and emergency hospitalizations
• Exclude specialized treatments, dental care, maternity benefits, and chronic illness management
• Have low annual limits that may not fully cover serious medical expenses
• It’s crucial to review your policy and consider additional private health insurance for complete coverage.

3. Visa and Residency Requirements

Health insurance is not legally required for expats on a work visa in Malaysia. However, if you apply for Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), a long-term residence program for retirees and investors, proof of medical insurance is required.

Additionally, some private companies and universities require expats to have comprehensive health coverage before issuing a work contract.

4. Access to Private and International Healthcare

Many expats in Malaysia prefer to seek treatment at private hospitals and international clinics to ensure high-quality care, English-speaking doctors, and shorter waiting times. Choosing an international health insurance plan that covers private medical facilities ensures access to the best treatment without financial strain.

Why You Shouldn’t Rely Solely on Employer Health Coverage

1. Insufficient Coverage

Even if your employer offers medical insurance, the coverage may not be enough in the event of a severe illness or injury.

Most group insurance policies have:

• Annual coverage limits
• Exclusions for certain medical treatments
• Restrictions on accessing private hospitals

A top-up private insurance plan can provide full protection, ensuring you receive the necessary medical care without financial stress.

2. Lack of Portability

Many expats do not realize that leaving or losing their job while living abroad can have serious consequences on their health coverage.

Most employer-sponsored plans are not portable. If you change jobs or return to your home country, you might lose your health insurance immediately.

An individual international health insurance plan offers continuous protection regardless of employment status.

Health Insurance vs. Travel Insurance: Which One Do You Need?

Although both insurance types are designed for people spending time abroad, they serve different purposes.

Travel Insurance

• Covers emergency treatments during short trips abroad
• Designed to help you return home after receiving basic medical care
• Does not cover long-term treatments
• Coverage ends when you return to your country of residence

International Health Insurance

• Designed for expats living abroad for an extended period
• Covers both emergency care and routine medical treatments
• Allows expats to choose their preferred doctor and healthcare facility
• Offers flexibility to receive treatment anywhere within the insured region

💡 Did you know? With an international health insurance policy, you can access private hospitals when needed, avoiding long waiting times at public hospitals.

Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE): A Solution for French Expats in Malaysia

French expatriates in Malaysia have the option to enroll in the Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE), a social security organization designed for French citizens abroad. The CFE provides coverage similar to the French public health system while allowing policyholders to choose their preferred healthcare providers in Malaysia.

Why Choose the CFE?

• Continued Social Security Benefits: Maintain your rights to French social security, avoiding coverage gaps if you return to France.
• No Medical Questionnaire: Pre-existing conditions are automatically covered.
• Compatible with Private Insurance: For optimal coverage, expats can combine the CFE with private international insurance to cover high medical costs at private and international hospitals in Malaysia.

As official partner of the CFE, Alea helps French expats choose and subscribe to the best insurance plan tailored to their needs.

By enrolling with the CFE + a top-up private plan, you can enjoy comprehensive health coverage in Malaysia and during visits to France.

5 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Health Insurance in Malaysia

1. Coverage Benefits

There are typically three levels of international health insurance plans in Malaysia, depending on your needs and budget:

• Basic plans: Cover hospitalization and major illnesses, with limited additional benefits.
• Mid-tier plans: Include outpatient care, maternity benefits, and private hospital stays.
• Premium plans: Provide comprehensive coverage, including annual check-ups, maternity care, and elective C-sections.

2. Customer Support

When choosing an insurer, check their customer service options: 24/7 assistance? Live chat or phone support? Services available in English, French or your native language? Good customer service is essential in emergencies or when managing claims.

3. Direct Billing (Cashless Payment)

Does your insurance provider offer direct billing? With this feature, the insurer pays the hospital or clinic directly, eliminating out-of-pocket expenses and reimbursement claims.

4. Fast Claims Processing

Some insurers process claims quickly, while others take months. A reliable claims process ensures timely reimbursement and less hassle.

5. Expertise of Your Insurance Broker

A good health insurance broker helps you:

• Compare all relevant health insurance plans
• Understand how the insurance market works
• Choose the best plan for your needs and budget
• Navigate complex insurance claims if issues arise

At Alea, we are experts in international health insurance and represent 25 well-known insurance companies. Our advisors will help you find the best plan tailored to your needs.