Dental and Optical Care in Malaysia: What Expats Need to Know

Moving to Malaysia offers a comfortable lifestyle and access to quality healthcare, but navigating the system can be challenging for newcomers. One of the major concerns for expatriates is dental and optical care. Where can you find reliable treatment? How much does it cost? What are the best options for children? And most importantly, how to avoid high medical expenses?

As a trusted health insurance broker for expatriates in Asia and an official CFE partner, Alea provides all the essential information you need.

1. Dental Care in Malaysia: How Does It Work?

Malaysia has a well-developed dental system with modern infrastructure and highly qualified professionals. Expats can access quality dental care, but prices vary depending on the type of facility.

Where to Get Dental Treatment in Malaysia?

• Public hospitals: Affordable but often crowded, with variable quality of care and potential language barriers.
• Local private dental clinics: A popular choice with modern equipment and reasonable prices, but quality can vary between establishments.
• International dental clinics: Located in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru, these clinics offer European-standard care, often with English- and French-speaking staff.

How Much Do Dental Treatments Cost in Malaysia?

Dental care is more affordable than in many other countries, but costs can rise significantly for advanced procedures.

• General consultation: 50 – 200 MYR (approx. 11 - 42 Euros)
• Teeth cleaning: 100 – 300 MYR (approx. 21 - 62 Euros)
• Filling: 150 – 600 MYR (approx. 31 - 125 Euros)
• Dental crown: 800 – 2,500 MYR (approx. 167 - 520 Euros)
• Dental implant: 5,000 – 15,000 MYR (approx. 1,041 - 3,122 Euros)

💡 Important: The CFE does not cover dental care, so international health insurance is strongly recommended to avoid high costs.

Dental Care for Children

Malaysia has a well-developed pediatric dental sector, with specialized clinics for children’s oral health.

Key facts:

• Pediatric dental clinics are available in major cities.
• Orthodontic treatments are common but expensive (up to 10,000 MYR or 2,080 Euros for braces).
• A pre-departure dental check-up is recommended to avoid unexpected treatments abroad.

2. Optical Care in Malaysia: What to Expect?

Whether you need glasses, contact lenses, or laser eye correction, Malaysia offers a variety of options at competitive prices.

Where to See an Eye Specialist?

• Local opticians: Easily accessible, offering free eye tests and affordable eyewear, but lens quality may vary.
• Specialized clinics and hospitals: Provide in-depth eye exams and accurate prescriptions.
• International ophthalmology centers: Located in major cities, offering high-quality eye care with English-speaking specialists.

How Much Do Optical Treatments Cost in Malaysia?

• Ophthalmologist consultation: 80 – 300 MYR (approx. 17 - 62 Euros)
• Prescription glasses: 150 – 1,500 MYR (approx. 31 - 312 Euros)
• Contact lenses (per year): 100 – 600 MYR (approx. 21 - 125 Euros)
• Laser eye surgery (LASIK): 4,000 – 10,000 MYR (approx. 833 - 2,082 Euros)

💡 Tip: Many opticians offer discounts on glasses, but it is essential to verify the quality of lenses and coatings before purchasing.

Optical Care for Children

With rising myopia rates among children in Asia, Malaysia is focusing on early vision screening and preventive measures.

• Vision tests are available from an early age.
• Myopia control treatments, such as orthokeratology lenses (overnight corrective lenses), are available.
• Children’s glasses cost between 200 and 1,000 MYR (42 – 208 Euros), depending on lens and frame quality.

3. Why Is Health Insurance Essential for Expats in Malaysia?

Dental and optical care—especially in international clinics—can quickly become a financial burden. A single consultation with a specialist can cost hundreds of euros.

• With international health insurance, you get:
• Reimbursement for dental and optical treatments
• Access to top clinics without financial concerns
• Coverage for the whole family, including orthodontics and contact lenses

As a leading insurance broker for expats and an official CFE representative, Alea assists the French expat community in finding the best health insurance solutions.

With Malaysia's complex healthcare system and the high cost of private care, we compare top-tier health insurers—including APRIL, Henner, and MSH—to secure the best coverage at the best price for you and your family!