Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Malaysia
- MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home) visa requires health insurance for applicants 35 and older—local Malaysian insurance from approved providers.
- Malaysia is a medical tourism destination—private hospitals like Prince Court and Gleneagles offer excellent care at 50-70% less than US prices.
- Private insurance costs RM200-600/month ($45-130) for comprehensive coverage at top KL hospitals.
- Public healthcare is extremely cheap (RM1-5 per visit) but crowded and primarily for citizens—foreigners can use it but with longer waits.
- The DE Rantau digital nomad visa does not require insurance, but coverage is strongly recommended.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Malaysia?
Malaysia does not require health insurance for most visa types, but MM2H applicants aged 35 and above must obtain medical insurance from a Malaysian insurance company. The DE Rantau (digital nomad) visa does not mandate insurance, but given Malaysia's affordable private healthcare, getting coverage makes sense. Most expats skip the public system entirely and go private—it's affordable and excellent quality.
You likely need private insurance if:
- MM2H visa applicants aged 35+—insurance is mandatory from a Malaysian provider
- Anyone wanting guaranteed access to top private hospitals (Prince Court, Gleneagles, Pantai)
- Expats with chronic conditions requiring regular specialist care
- Those planning to live outside Kuala Lumpur where private options are limited
- Retirees wanting comprehensive coverage including medical evacuation to Singapore if needed
Public vs Private Healthcare in Malaysia
Public Healthcare
MOH (Ministry of Health) Public Healthcare
- Access: Malaysian citizens pay RM1-5 per visit. Foreigners can access public hospitals but pay significantly more (still cheap by Western standards).
- Cost: Citizens: RM1-5 per visit. Foreigners: RM40-100+ per consultation at public hospitals.
Malaysian public hospitals are functional but crowded—wait times can be hours. Most expats go private. Public hospitals are adequate for emergencies but private is preferred for everything else. English proficiency varies but is generally good in urban areas.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: Local private: RM200-600/month ($45-130). International plans: $150-300/month.
Malaysia is a medical tourism hub—private hospitals rival Western standards at a fraction of the cost. Prince Court Medical Centre, Gleneagles, Pantai Hospital, and Sunway Medical Centre in KL offer excellent care. A private specialist consultation costs RM150-300 ($35-70). Most doctors speak English.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Malaysia. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Singapore coverage included—useful for complex cases requiring cross-border care
Not ideal for: MM2H visa holders 35+—does not satisfy Malaysian insurance requirement
Allianz Care
Best for: Frequent travelers between Malaysia and other Asian countries
Not ideal for: Long-term Malaysia-only residents—local plans are 50% cheaper with same hospital access
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and access to premium hospitals like Prince Court and Gleneagles
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious expats—Malaysian private healthcare is already affordable out of pocket
IMG Global
Best for: DE Rantau digital nomads wanting affordable coverage with medical evacuation
Not ideal for: MM2H applicants 35+—must use Malaysian insurance company
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Malaysia
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Singapore coverage included—useful for | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | Frequent travelers between Malaysia | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and access | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | DE Rantau digital nomads | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Malaysia
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- MM2H visa applicants 35+ MUST get insurance from a Malaysian insurance company—international plans do not satisfy this requirement.
- Medical costs are rising faster than inflation in Malaysia. Get insurance early to lock in premiums.
- Outside Kuala Lumpur and Penang, private hospital options are limited. Medical evacuation to KL may be needed for serious conditions.
- Some local Malaysian insurers have age limits (65-70) for new applicants. Apply before you hit the cutoff.
- Pre-existing conditions have 12-24 month waiting periods with most Malaysian insurers.
- Singapore is just across the border for the most complex cases—ensure your plan covers cross-border care if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insurance for the MM2H visa?
If you are 35 or older, yes. MM2H applicants aged 35+ must obtain medical insurance from a Malaysian insurance company. Younger applicants are exempt. The insurance must be purchased from an approved Malaysian provider—international plans do not count.
How good is private healthcare in Malaysia?
Excellent. Malaysia is a top medical tourism destination. Private hospitals like Prince Court Medical Centre (KL) are JCI-accredited and rival Western hospitals in quality—at 50-70% less cost. Most specialists trained in the UK, Australia, or US. English is widely spoken.
How much does private health insurance cost in Malaysia?
Local Malaysian insurance costs RM200-600/month ($45-130) for comprehensive coverage including hospitalization at top private hospitals. International plans with worldwide coverage cost $150-300/month. Malaysia is one of the most affordable places in Asia for quality private healthcare.
Should I get Malaysian or international insurance?
For MM2H visa holders 35+: You MUST get Malaysian insurance. For others: Local Malaysian plans offer excellent value for in-country care. International plans make sense if you travel frequently, want Singapore coverage, or may relocate. Many expats have both—a local plan for Malaysia and a travel policy for trips.
Can foreigners use Malaysian public hospitals?
Yes, but you pay more than citizens (still cheap by Western standards—RM40-100 per consultation). Public hospitals are crowded with long waits. Most expats go directly to private hospitals where consultations cost RM150-300 ($35-70) with minimal wait times.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.