Healthcare Malaysia

Insurance

With your accommodation settled, it is important to familiarise yourself with Malaysia’s healthcare system. There are generally two healthcare providers, public and private, and each comes at different price points.

In order to be granted a student visa, it is compulsory for international students in Malaysia to be medically insured based on the following requirements:
i) The medical insurance plan must be purchased locally
ii) The medical insurance plan must be valid throughout the period of study

Medical insurance coverage helps to defray medical costs and give you peace of mind so that you can concentrate on other important matters, especially your education.

For more information on the types of coverage provided, you can compare main features offered by mainstream service providers in their product offerings here.

It is compulsory for every student entering Malaysia to have a medical insurance. All international students must be covered by a locally purchased medical health insurance scheme. You will be insured from the date you enter Malaysia if you inform your institution of the date as soon as you arrive.

An international student, through his/her educational institution, can opt to either one of the following Medical Insurances offered by:

1) Etiqa Family Takaful Berhad (EFTB)

2) Great Eastern Takaful Berhad (GETB)

3) The Pacific Insurance Berhad (TPIB)

For more details, you can click here.

Higher education institutions in Malaysia are permitted to liaise directly with insurance providers to offer medical insurance to international students. Packages provided under this arrangement fully meet requirements set out by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). Do seek information from your institution regarding packages offered and the premium applicable for each.

A Respected Healthcare Provider

Malaysia’s continuous investment in healthcare had resulted in medical technology and services being one of the country’s key exports, as well as putting the country at the forefront of medical tourism. Offering some of the best healthcare services in Southeast Asia at multiple entry points, Malaysia boasts an efficient and affordable healthcare system that caters for everyone including students, enabling them to focus on other higher pursuits.

Malaysia has the knowledge, staff and facilities to manage most if not all medical conditions. All Malaysian cities have round-the-clock medical services including a very capable emergency response team at every well-equipped major hospital. For minor illnesses, you may want to keep details of the nearest 24-hour clinics, emergency hotlines and ambulance services, but only for your peace of mind.

Public Healthcare

On-campus healthcare is also provided by most universities, with doctors and nurses on standby to attend to any need. Others with established medical schools, for example the University of Malaya provides on-campus medical care for students.

Government hospitals and clinics are available and easily accessible by many. Finding one within your area can be done with a simple online search, and walk-ins are mostly allowed. Should you need hospital care, you can easily get a referral, albeit at a higher price for non-citizens. Worry not, your insurance would cover this.

*Figures are based on 2018 prices

Private Healthcare

Private healthcare is widely available, although at a slightly higher price-point due to the extra services rendered. A normal consultation at a private GP is from USD 30 and a bed at a private hospital is from USD $50 per day. Should there be an emergency, walk-ins at the accident and emergency (A&E) department start at USD 25 and ambulance fees start at USD 50.

In fact, another way to help you manage with healthcare costs would be to apply for a health insurance policy that can provide sufficient coverage for your lifestyle needs. Purchasing a health insurance card for private healthcare/hospitals can help you to focus on recovering and getting back to your routine.

The following table is an estimate of private healthcare costs.

*Figures are based on 2018 prices