HEALTHCARE INFORMATION FOR EXPATS IN MALAYSIA
Malaysia boasts of a perfect blend of interesting culture, exciting beaches and vibrant cities. That attracts travelers and expats from all parts of the globe. The uniqueness of its culture is that it is highly influenced by various Asian and European cultures. Are you planning to relocate to Malaysia, you would be more than happy with everything that this Asian destination has to offer. Some key facts on Malaysian healthcare system.
Before you move, it is also important to know about the country’s healthcare services that make it a popular choice for expatriates. You can also check out important health updates at the CDC Malaysia page before you move to your chosen Malaysian destination.
Overview of Malaysian healthcare system
Malaysia is well known for its healthcare facilities and that is quite evident in densely populated cities like Kuala Lumpur. However, the rural areas are not so well-equipped in terms of medical care. Medical tourism in the country is growing at a rapid pace because of the affordability and accessibility of quality healthcare in the major cities.
The healthcare system in this country is divided into two sectors – public and private. Quality medical services are offered by both the sectors through well-trained staff and the latest technology. In many Malaysian hospitals, you can also find professionals who are trained overseas in fields like cardiology, ophthalmology, dentistry, gastroenterology, plastic, and general surgery, and much more.
In general, the Fees for consulting doctors are reasonable and the standards are quite high. The best part is that most of the doctors can communicate in English. As an expat, you can visit the specialists easily and without paying a lot from your pocket. Expatriates also have easy access to public hospitals; however, most of them prefer to go to private facilities. Some may wish to go to Singapore for more complete care.
How the Malaysian Healthcare System Works for Expats?
Significant improvement in healthcare is witnessed in Malaysia over the years. The emergence of high-end hospitals and medical schools has helped locals, tourists, and expats enjoy quality services without worrying much about the expenses.
Public Healthcare
Funded by taxes, Malaysia’s public healthcare services can be accessed by citizens and permanent residents who are living legally. Providing quality healthcare through a robust network of hospitals and medical centers has always been the goal of the Malaysian government; however, remote areas still face a shortage of adequate and quality healthcare. Doctors working in remote areas now have access to the telemedicine tools, which is designed to assist them in consulting with specialists and other doctors working in bigger hospitals.
Apart from being experienced and skilled, most doctors in Malaysia are fluent in English. The general population has access to good healthcare also because doctors have to work in public hospitals across the nation for three years before they start practicing. You will also find many highly qualified foreign doctors offering their services in public hospitals because job openings in private facilities are limited.
Private Healthcare System in Malaysia
The network of top-quality private hospitals is huge in this country. However, these high-quality services are often used by expats and wealthy local folks. For expats, private medical insurance is a must to enjoy private healthcare services. This also means that you will have to spend more money on healthcare than permanent expats or residents. Most global nomads and expats living in Malaysia will buy global healthcare
Medicines and Pharmacies in Malaysia
Malaysia has an abundance of well-stocked pharmacies. As an expat, you will be surprised to see that some medicines that require a prescription in your home country can be bought in Malaysian pharmacies without such prescriptions.
Even though prescription medication is inexpensive in Malaysia, you should stock up and carry the necessary medicines with you along with their prescriptions during your trip. Ideally, you should know the generic names of various medicines because brand names would differ from country to country.
Emergency Services
As an expat, availing ambulance services in a Malaysian city is not a problem as emergency medical care is quite efficient. If you have health insurance, you won’t have to pay a lot for ambulance services. You will find reliable emergency services in almost all urban areas; however, you may have to look for other options to reach a hospital if you are residing in a rural or remote place. 999 is Malaysia’s emergency number, and most of the people working on this emergency line can speak basic English. You can always get in touch with the nearest embassy or consulate during emergencies if you have their contact details.
Best Private International Medical Insurance for Expats in Malaysia
If you are planning to move to Malaysia on a job assignment, you can always ask your employer to provide health insurance for you and your family. Having additional international health insurance will assist you through better coverage. A policy that is flexible enough to take into account the rising healthcare costs as you grow older would be ideal for you. You can choose Allianz International Health Insurance Plan to enjoy comprehensive health coverage as you start a new life in an expatriate destination of Malaysia. The Cigna Global Health Options plan is also quite excellent for expats in Malaysia.
Learn about top 5 countries in Asia to retire.
