Health Insurance in Malaysia, Asia

Information expatriation

Capital City: Kuala Lumpur
Total area: 329,847 km2
Population: 32,772,100 (2019)
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time Zones by Country
Calling Code: +60 XXX

Practical Information: 

Wikipedia Malaysia

Health insurance plans: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information

Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:

·      Malaysia has a universal healthcare system comprising both public and private sectors.

·      Public healthcare is funded through general taxation and provides subsidized primary care through clinics and hospitals.

·      However, facilities are unevenly distributed and often overburdened, leading to wait times.

·      Private healthcare funded by insurance or direct payments plays a major role in tertiary and specialty care.

·      The mix of public and private delivery aims to provide reasonably priced quality care to all residents.

·      Healthcare expenditures are around 4% of GDP, with continued government investment.

·      Major health issues include non-communicable diseases, injuries, and a dual burden of infectious and chronic diseases.

·      World-class private hospitals cluster in major cities and attract medical tourism from the region.

·      Rural/interior access remains challenging due to geography despite infrastructure efforts.

·      In summary, Malaysia has developed a mixed model balancing universal primary access through public facilities with robust private sector capacity and insurance schemes.

Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:

·      Purchase private medical insurance. Public facilities can be overburdened with long wait times.

·      Register with a clinic or doctor for non-emergency care. Many in cities have English-speaking staff.

·      Ensure vaccinations are up to date, especially for diseases like rabies, Japanese encephalitis.

·      Only drink bottled, boiled or treated water and thoroughly cook foods to avoid traveler'sdiarrhea.

·      Monitor health closely in the humid tropical climate - stay hydrated and watch for heat illnesses.

·      Mosquito-borne threats like dengue fever are present year-round. Use insect repellent/screens regularly.

·      Medical evacuation insurance is recommended if working/living in remote rural areas.

·      Bring needed prescription medications as availability may vary, especially for specialized drugs.

·      Consider international options like telehealth for long-term specialized or mental healthcare needs.

·      Costs of treatment for serious issues or overseas referrals will be out-of-pocket without insurance coverage.

·      Proper preparation and medical insurance are important for healthcare access and emergencies living abroad in Malaysia.