Moving to Malaysia for the purpose of changing your life? Is knowing about health insurance in this different country something that worries you? Then read on to learn all the information you need to stay safe in case you need medical care!
Many concerns go through our minds when it comes to precautions before moving to a new country – getting a house, looking for jobs, understanding how the country works, buying airline tickets, learning a different language…
Something that people sometimes forget is that worrying about health insurance is just as important as all of the above.
Malaysia is known for its luxurious lifestyle and low cost of living, which attracts many expats. Other advantages include a highly developed infrastructure and an excellent health service. In addition, the country has excellent commercial establishments and delicious cuisine.
In addition to talking about some alternatives for international health insurance for expatriates in Malaysia, we will first comment on what Malaysias’s health care system is like, the differences between travel and expatriate insurance, which of the various coverages you will need, and other information.
(Be sure to read to the end to be aware of the types of Malaysian visas and how you can start living or working in Malaysia!)
How does the health system work in Malaysia?
Malaysia provides universal healthcare for all citizens and legal residents. In the country, the government heavily subsidizes the cost of health care through public facilities. In general, a subsidized public health system and a well-established private system work well together.
Malaysia’s healthcare system is financed through general taxation. Patients pay small fees for their medical appointments. A visit to the medical center for a minor ailment, such as a cold or sinus infection, can cost as little as $10. cost about $50 for a private room.
Many hospitals and medical centers offer health packages as an economical option for patients and a good portion of these medical centers are focused on preventive health.
For example, a physical exam package that includes a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, a complete set of blood tests, and other diagnostic procedures can cost as little as $70.
Those who wish can add or remove certain exams as needed to customize their package. Expats love these packages because they are affordable and comprehensive.
There are specialists in every hospital, but unlike in many countries, you don’t have to wait months to get an appointment or tests. Just go to the hospital, register, get a number and wait your turn. If you are referred to another doctor or if you need to have an X-ray, for example, this will also be done on the same day in the same place.
Do expats need health insurance in Malaysia?
Yes, if you wish to spend more than 90 days in Malaysia, regardless of your reasons, you will need to provide proof of health insurance when you apply for your visa.
So if you are planning to move to the country. We recommend you to insure yourself with one of the insurances I will recommend below 🙂
Bureaucracies and obligations can be annoying sometimes, but having an international health insurance plan gives you much more peace of mind. Even more if you consider that you’ll be in a completely different country, with a completely different culture, laws and language.
That is why, having international health coverage will make you much safer for any situation that you are not expecting or emergencies. Besides security, international plans have other benefits, which I will mention below.
As an immigrant in Malaysia, should I get an international health insurance plan like the ones recommended in the list below? Or should I get a national plan?
This is a choice that varies from person to person, as it can change depending on your medical needs and the coverages you need to have in your plan during your days in Malaysia.
International health plans should meet your coverage requirements in Malaysia. If you choose one, be sure to check with the Malaysian government embassy what the minimum insurance requirements are for staying in the country.
As I have never lived in Malaysia, I am unable to recommend or talk about the national plans that are available.
With that in mind, here are some of the reasons why you might prefer to opt for international health insurance instead of public coverage:
- Most likely international health insurance will have cheaper monthly fees;
- You can choose how long your plan will last;
- With international health insurance, you can cancel or extend whenever you want;
- International insurance offers coverage in other countries, not just in one country (that is why it is considered “international”).
Who do these international health insurance policies cover?
All international health insurance companies listed just below are for citizens living in Malaysia as workers, immigrants, expatriates or students from the following home countries:
- USA
- Canada
- Australia
- Brazil
- European Union (Portugal, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Belgium, Sweden)
- Argentina
- United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- New Zealand
- In addition to citizens of other countries
In addition to operating for expatriates/immigrants living in Malaysia, these companies also offer services for residents living in:
- USA;
- Canada;
- Europe (European Union and United Kingdom);
- Japan;
- Australia;
- And any other country in the world!
Because they are international plans, they can be used by people of any nationality and anywhere in the world, because they have worldwide coverage!
Why can’t I get travel insurance when I move to Malaysia? What is the difference between travel insurance and expatriate insurance?
Travel insurance is a must for any trip, as it not only covers medical emergencies, but general problems on your trip, such as flight cancellations.
It should be noted that travel insurance is not ideal for expatriates and immigrants, because although you can apply for longer-term travel insurance, it is only for those who want a temporary stay in the country and not for those who intend to stay long term.
In addition, travel insurance does not usually meet the needs required by law for living in Malaysia.
Ultimately, you will need to choose a health insurance plan that specifically covers expats. This is where the list below will help you.
What are the 7 best health insurances for expatriates and immigrants in Malaysia?
Finding the right health insurance plan can be a real headache. That’s why we’ve prepared a comparison table of the best companies. That way you’ll be able to see the pros and cons of each one more quickly, and decide which one is best for you!
After the table, there are longer descriptions of each company, with their benefits, plans and more!
Besides all of the above, the best advice I can give you is: get a quote from each company before you make your final decision. It may take a little longer, but in the end you will save a lot of money!
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| BENEFIT | LIMIT | LIMIT | LIMIT | LIMIT | LIMIT | LIMIT | LIMIT |
| Benefit Information | |||||||
| Medical Maximum | Unlimited (for the Platinum plan) | $8,000,000 | The site doesn’t specify | Unlimited | US$1,000,000 per year | The site doesn’t specify | $1,000,000 |
| U.S. In-Network Coinsurance | You choose. From 70%(100% thereafter) to 100% | 100% | No | 60% for maximum coinsurance and then 100% | Yes, for higher fees | Only in emergencies | Yes |
| U.S. Out-of-Network Coinsurance | You choose. From 70%(100% thereafter) to 100% | 90% to $5,000 (100% thereafter) | Yes, for higher fees | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Mental Health Availability | No waiting period | 12-month waiting period | Co-payment of $25 per visit, waived deductible | 75% up to 40 visits / 60% after that | No | Waiting period of 10 months | Depends on the plan |
| Mental Health Benefit | Inpatient and Outpatient: $5,000 lifetime maximum to paid in full depending on the plan | Inpatient and Outpatient: $50,000 lifetime maximum | Co-payment of $250 after deductible | 100% up to 60 days | International and ambulance: limit not specified | ||
| Inpatient Prescription Drugs | $500 to paid in full depending on the plan | Up to $8,000,000 | Yes | Complete reimbursement | Yes | Yes | |
| Outpatient Prescription Drugs | None, unless you buy the International Outpatient Option | Up to $8,000,000 | Complete reimbursement | Yes | Yes | ||
| Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains | Paid in full | Up to $8,000,000 | Yes | Up to $25,000 | No | Up to 10,000 euros | Yes |
| Accidental Death & Dismemberment | Depends on the plan | Rider available, limit depends on age. | $50,000 | Depends on the plan | |||
| Emergency Dental | Paid in full | Up to $8,000,000 | Optional | 1,000 per year, $ 200 per tooth | Yes, however you need to pay an extra fee on top of your plan | Depending on the plan, it’s unlimited | It has coverage in the Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International plans |
| Treatment Necessary as Result of Terrorism | Up to the amount of the coverage | Rider available up to $50,000-lifetime maximum | Clause available up to maximum of $50,000 in lifetime payments | ||||
| Amateur Sports | Unlimited | Rider available up to $10,000 | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Newborn Care | |||||||
| Routine Nursery Care of a Newborn Child of a Covered Pregnancy | $25,000 to $156,000 depending on the plan | $1,000 additional deductible, $50,000 lifetime maximum, $200 wellness benefit for first 12 months | Yes | Depends on the plan | Can be unlimited depending on the plan | Can be unlimited depending on the plan | |
| Children born as a result of fertility treatment (such as IVF or surrogacy) | Only after the baby is 90 days old | Excluded | Depends on the plan | Excluded | No | ||
| Neonatal Intensive Care Unit | Check website for updated information | $250,000 maximum for first 31 days | No | Up to $250,000 for the first 31 days | No | ||
| Pre-existing Conditions | |||||||
| Pre-existing condition exclusion period | Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness | Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness | Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness | Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness | Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness | Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness | Conditions that are fully disclosed on the application and have not been excluded or restricted by a rider will be covered as any illness |
| Pre-existing condition look back period | Any time prior to effective date | Any time prior to effective date | Any time prior to effective date | Any time prior to effective date | Any time prior to the effective date | Any time prior to the effective date | Any time prior to the effective date |
| Pre-existing annual maximum once covered | Unlimited depending on the plan | Up to $8,000,000 | Unlimited depending on the plan | Unlimited depending on the plan | Full reimbursement | Unlimited depending on the plan | Unlimited depending on the plan |
| Pre-existing lifetime maximum once covered | Unlimited depending on the plan | Up to $8,000,000 | Unlimited depending on the plan | Unlimited depending on the plan | Full reimbursement | Unlimited depending on the plan | Unlimited depending on the plan |
Attention: This article and table are made for informational purposes as the information contained here is subject to changes and updates.
In my opinion, the best international health insurance companies for expats are:
- Cigna
- IMG
- Now Health
- Aetna
- Global Underwriters
- SafetyWing
- Foyer Global Health
1. Cigna
Cigna is a company founded in the United States that has a big role in Europe. It is a great choice when it comes to international health insurance.
Having been in business for more than 60 years, the company has great recognition for its insurance and worldwide they have more than 170 million customers. My partner, Nikki, has already purchased a health insurance plan from Cigna to meet the requirements for validating her residence card in Sweden.
Cigna is a company with a wide range of plans to choose from, including expatriate-specific plans (which work if you are moving to Malaysia!), as well as individual and family plans).
As stated, there are individual and family plans for those moving to Malaysia. One advantage of Cigna’s plans is that you have the ability to add benefits to your plan according to your specific needs and the type of medical care you need covered.
You can choose between the Silver, Platinum or Gold plan, which has coverage in over 200 countries and territories around the world.
If you are looking for a cheaper insurance plan for Malaysia, the best alternative is Cigna’s Close Care plan. This plan particularly is the most affordable that Cigna has, because the coverage is only for your home country and the country where you intend to reside (Malaysia in this case).
Advantages of an international health insurance plan with Cigna:
- 24-hour service, every day of the week
- Flexibility should you need to make changes to your plan
- Coverage for COVID-19 and PCR testing
- No registration is required to get a quote
- It has its own digital system to find hospitals and clinics near you
- Cigna, for the most part, pays health care providers directly, without the need for a reimbursement system
Disadvantages of an international health insurance plan with Cigna:
- Some plans don’t cover maternity
2. IMG 
Another company recognized for its international insurance is IMG. It has over 25 years of experience and 3 subsidiaries around the world.
IMG also has several types of plans to choose from, either individual or for entire families, expatriates or travelers. You will find that they have the possibility of plans with long stays of 1 year or more, but also short-term travel plans.
Their website is intuitive and easy to navigate, with filters for dates, plan length, destination and more that make it easy to search. In addition to these filters, you can add your personal details such as age and specific needs for the best coverage.
IMG will then provide you with a detailed quote that allows you to compare plan options and coverage so you are free to choose what is best.
But when hiring your service, be aware of the details of each plan, as some do not have coverage for all age groups and not all of their plans cover Covid-19 needs.
Advantages of an international health insurance plan with IMG:
- Customer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Flexibility plans for different client profiles
- More than 17,000 physicians for support
Disadvantages of signing up for an international health insurance plan with IMG:
- Some plans do not cover COVID-19
- No coverage for people 75+ years old
Now Health International is committed to providing an efficient, affordable, and easily accessible service, as reflected in its name. The company places great importance on building strong customer relationships. They prioritize offering clear and concise plan information and promptly addressing any inquiries or concerns through their dedicated customer support team.
Now Health plans are specifically tailored to meet the diverse challenges faced by individuals living abroad. The company aims to provide guidance and facilitate access to high-quality healthcare services worldwide.
Advantages of an international health insurance plan with Now Health:
- Customized plans according to your needs
- Clear information and excellent customer service team
- Provides coverage in 194 countries and territories
- Plans with high coverage routine maternity coverage
Disadvantages of an international health insurance plan with Now Health:
- You must wait a 12-month grace period to use maternity coverage.
- In some procedures, it is necessary to use the company’s reimbursement system, which means that you would have to pay for your care initially
4. Aetna (acquired by Allianz) 
Aetna is a multiple award winner and a reference in the field of international insurance. If you are looking for security and credibility for your choice of insurance before your move to Malaysia, Aetna is a company to consider.
They do not have a diversity of plans, but they do have flexibilities that let you add complementary coverage (such as dental care). Plans include coverage up to $5 million, depending on the case.
You can choose between family or individual plans, and may include coverage for repatriation and medical evacuation.
As an expatriate, I recommend the Aetna Pioneer. This plan has basic coverage up to $1.75 million. Just fill out a short form on the website to see an accurate quote and get detailed information about the policies available.
Advantages of an international health insurance plan with Aetna:
- They cover maternity
- Has an app that summarizes information and easy location of services and providers
- Short, medium and long term travel plans
- 24/7 care
- Pre-travel assistance to help with questions, such as vaccinations and regular use medications
Disadvantages of an international health insurance plan with Aetna
- Low plan diversity
- Higher prices than other companies on the list
5. SafetyWing 
SafetyWing is a popular company that has recognition in insurance for digital nomads, as it offers health insurance plans specifically for remote workers and businesses, expatriates, and digital nomads.
One of SafetyWing’s biggest advantages is that their policies are a little more accessible and easier to understand than those of other companies. They cover, for free, children from 2 to 10 years old if their guardians lock in a plan.
Each plan has a specific cost that depends on the age of the person who signs up. The cheapest plan does not cover pre-existing health conditions, however they have coverage up to $250,000. But you are free to add pre-existing condition coverage separately if needed.
What I like most about SafetyWing is that the company offers 30 days of free coverage in your home country for every 90 days that you use their plans abroad, such as in Malaysia.
Advantages of an international health insurance plan with SafetyWing:
- Modern website, easy access to information and intuitive
- Customer service every day of the week, 24 hours a day
- 30 days of free coverage in your home country for every 90 days of coverage used abroad
- Coverage for COVID-19 and treatment recommended by medical specialists
Disadvantages of an international health insurance plan with Safety Wing:
- The plans are not as comprehensive and tend to have less overall coverage than some of the other options on this list;
- Website prices do not include fees and taxes that you may have to pay
Global Underwriters is another company with a high popularity when it comes to international health insurance. They have programs that cater to immigrants, students, digital nomads, and expatriates.
For someone who is moving to Malaysia, I recommend the Diplomat Long Term or the Diplomat International Plan. Both have comprehensive coverage and generally include everything an expatriate will need in their new country.
Advantages of an international health insurance plan with Global Underwriters:
- Up to $1 million of medical coverage in the two plans mentioned above, and $1 million in coverage in case of accidental death or dismemberment
- All day, every day of the week client assistance
- The above plans have emergency dental coverage, medical evacuations, and repatriation of remains
Disadvantages of an international health insurance plan with Global Underwritres:
- Diplomat Long Term does not insure travelers in Iran, Afghanistan and Cuba
- Diplomat International does not cover COVID-19
- Global Underwriters does not cover residents of Australia, Iran, South Dakota, Maryland and New York
Foyer Global Health is a major provider of international health insurance plans for travelers, expatriates, digital nomads and immigrants.
It is a company with a large diversity of plans, probably the largest you will find on the market, and it is also a reliable company (part of the larger European Foyer Group).
Advantages of an international health insurance plan with Foyer Global Health:
- The plans provide coverage for consultations, dental treatments and even surgeries
- 24/7 online or by phone
- Pre-travel service for vaccinations and first aid kit preparation
- Coverage is available for evacuation and repatriation
Disadvantages of an international health insurance plan with Foyer Global Health:
- The coverage limits are not clear
Bonus
– GeoBlue 
For over 20 years in business, GeoBlue has offered insurance plans with international health coverage.
But GeoBlue only insures citizens and residents of the United States. So if you are not a U.S. citizen or resident moving to Malaysia, you can ignore this option.
GeoBlue has health plans for different traveler profiles, including immigrants. Xplorer Essential is the plan I recommend the most, since it is made for stays that took a long time, with unlimited coverage.
If you are looking for a plan for a shorter stay, try the Voyager program. It is very simple, you just need to fill out a form or contact a broker to get a quote and receive more detailed information about the plans.
Advantages of a health insurance plan with GeoBlue:
- Feature application such as telemedicine
- 24-hour customer service, seven days a week
- Some plans have coverage for existing medical conditions
- All plans have unlimited coverage
Disadvantages of an international health insurance plan with GeoBlue:
- Low plan flexibility
- You need to submit a form or contact a broker for information or a quote for plans
Types of Malaysian Visa
The most used types of visas for those going to live in Malaysia are:
Work visa
1. Work permission
This visa is issued to highly qualified foreigners who are hired by a Malaysian company for technical or managerial positions.
Before you can receive this visa, the Malaysian employer needs to obtain approval from the Foreign Contracts Regulatory Authority.
The duration of this work permit is from 1 to 5 years and can be renewed depending on the case.
2. Temporary Work Visa
This visa is issued for jobs lasting two years and has two categories.
- Foreign Worker Temporary Work Visa – This category allows you to work in: Manufacturing, Construction, Plantation, Agriculture or Services.
- Foreign Domestic Helper (FDH) Temporary Work Visa – This category is issued to women between the ages of 21 and 45 who want to work in their employer’s home, who may have young children or elderly parents who need care.
3. Professional Work Visa
This visa is issued to foreigners who need to work in the country temporarily (up to 12 months).
REGISTRATION PROCESS
Your employer is responsible for obtaining a Malaysian work permit on your behalf. They must file an application with the Malaysian Immigration Department.
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS
- Completed application form.
- Valid passport.
- Copies of certificates proving your educational qualifications.
- Proof of previous employment.
- 2 color photos.
- Details of the work to be carried out by the candidate in Malaysia.
- Employment letter from a company in Malaysia.
Residence Visa
The Residence Pass is a visa issued to any foreign national who falls into any category specified in Regulation 16A, present in the Immigration Regulations of 1963.
RESIDENCE PASS CATEGORIES
A person with family ties to a Malaysian national (Category 3)
- Husband/wife of a citizen;
- Biological child/stepdaughter/adopted child for a citizen aged 18 or under;
- Divorced/Widowed/Widowed for citizens with a biological child who is a Malaysian citizen
- Biological mother/father for a Malaysian citizen;
- Mother/mother-in-law of a Malaysian national who is holding a pass valid in Malaysia.
A person with family ties to a Permanent Resident of Malaysia (Category 4)
- Biological child for a permanent resident age 18 or younger;
- Husband/wife for a permanent resident;
Ex-Malaysians (Category 5)
- A Malaysian national who has voluntarily renounced his citizenship;
- A Malaysian citizen who has been deprived of citizenship;
In a nutshell…
These are the 7 best health insurance companies for expats and immigrants moving to Malaysia:
- Cigna
- IMG
- Now Health
- Aetna (Allianz)
- SafetyWing
- Global Underwriters
- Foyer Global Health
Finally…
Moving to a new country, even if it is a dream, is hard… I hope this article has taken all your doubts away and made the process at least a little bit easier! If you still have questions about insurance for your move to Malaysia (or any other foreign country), leave a comment and I will answer as soon as possible!
Planning your next trip?
Then don’t forget travel insurance! You don’t want to get stuck paying a ton of money and ruining your trip if you get sick or have an accident without travel insurance. WorldNomads is ideal for adventurous travelers, backpackers, or anyone looking to be protected during their trip. They cover almost every single activity you can image! Plus, you can have a 5% discount with the coupon code comfort5. 
Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, we recommend Booking.com. They have a huge selection of hotels and hostels all over the world. Plus, in most cases, you can cancel your reservation without any costs up to a few days before the check-in date!
Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at Momondo. It’s a flight aggregator that combines several other ticket search websites to make it easier for you to compare prices and make sure you are getting the best deal.
And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then check out Rentalcar.com to search and compare car rental companies from all over the world in a single website. Then, you can find the cheapest price for the best car!
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