Malaysia provides universal access to all residents and is divided into the government-run public sector and a private healthcare system. Healthcare standards are very high in both, with well equipped modern facilities and highly trained physicians that mainly speak English. However, a shortage of doctors in the public system has led to long waiting times, causing the large majority of expats to opt for private care.

Malaysia’s thriving healthcare sector has led to an increase in medical tourism over the last few years, with patients from neighbouring countries attracted by the short travel times, the wide range of services, reasonable costs, and cultural compatibility in terms of religion, language and food.

All foreign workers in Malaysia must buy a basic health insurance plan which covers them for a fixed amount of treatment in state hospitals each year. Most of Malaysia's doctors in private hospitals expect immediate payment for services, with many requiring cash deposits or evidence of appropriate insurance.

Bear in mind

For expats looking to live and work in Malaysia, there are some things to bear in mind. Firstly, like anywhere, there are several health risks to consider. The CDC indicates that you can contract hepatitis A through the food or water in Malaysia, independent of where you stay or what you eat. In addition, it’s also recommended that you get a hepatitis B vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, if you are planning on getting a tattoo or piercing, or are undergoing medical treatment in Malaysia.

The country is also susceptible to natural disasters; primarily flooding which causes significant losses every year during the monsoon season (April-October). Landslides due to heavy rain and deforestation are also a problem, particularly in the north east of the country. During the months of June-October there are high levels of air pollution in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur has the worst air quality in Malaysia due to vehicle and industrial emissions.

Before you go

Before moving to Malaysia, proof of a yellow fever vaccination is required for foreigners over 1 year of age who are travelling from countries with a high risk of yellow fever transmission, or for travellers who have spent over 12 hours of transit in an airport of a high risk country.

You should also see your doctor six to eight weeks before your departure date, to ensure you’re up to date with routine vaccinations, including:
measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis
varicella (chickenpox)
polio

Additional vaccinations and medicines may be necessary depending on the duration of your stay, what you will be doing, and which country you are coming from.

Dental and medicine

Once you’ve made your move, you’ll be pleased to hear that accessing dental care and medicine is quite straightforward. Dental care standards are high in Malaysia and, due to the comparably cheap prices, many foreigners opt for low cost dental treatment in Malaysia. There is currently no health insurance in place with regards to dental care. However, under the public system, dental care is largely subsidised by the government and some groups are exempt from paying any costs at all, including children, civil servants and economically disadvantaged people.

In addition, pharmacies are of a high standard, readily available and accessible for all the general public – including expats – in Malaysia. With a letter from your doctor, you can buy most prescribed  medicines from a Malaysian pharmacist. Do bear in mind that restrictions do exist and you can’t purchase more than a three months supply at one time.