Malaysia is one of Asia's most recognized and developed countries in medical tourism with international standard medical treatment. Medical tourism has increased in Malaysia since 2011, and in 2019, around 1.22 million people traveled to Malaysia for medical purposes. 

Medical tourism in Malaysia is increasing because of several reasons such as:  

  • High-quality medical equipment

  • Expensive medical treatment costs in countries such as the United States, UK

  • Lack of health insurance in several countries

Is Malaysia an Ideal Choice for Medical Care?

Yes, Malaysia is an ideal choice for medical care because it offers a perfect balance of quality, accessibility, and affordability. 

In Malaysia, private health insurance isn't something that you should shy away from either, as it is totally affordable. The most basic coverage will cost you just $400 per year and cover things like a colonoscopy to most operations.

  • Quality: Having your medical treatment in Malaysia is getting peace of mind that you will be treated by the highly-knowledgeable and expert medical practitioners. You will find the right medical specialists for your treatment according to your medical concerns.

  • Accessibility: Malaysia is the perfect destination for its ease of access into the country. Tickets are often very affordable, and you fly with luxury airlines. The medical specialists in the country are available round-the-clock for the patients and reduce the average waiting time.

  • Affordability: Compared to the US healthcare costs, one can save 60% to 80% on healthcare in Malaysia. It is also an excellent place for more standard treatments such as teeth whitening, laser treatment of the eyes, and removal of moles and warts. 

Why is Medical Tourism in Malaysia Booming?

Malaysia is equipped with technology to perform different treatments such as Fertility, Oncology, Cardiology, Orthopaedics, Aesthetics, etc.

If you are confused about where to go, here are some reasons why Malaysia is a solution to your healthcare concerns:

  • Cost-effective Treatments: In Malaysia, the cost of medical services is lower than that of many other countries. Medical treatment in Malaysia means high quality combined with a very favorable price. The total cost of the treatment, including your flight and accommodation, will be meager compared to treatments in the US or UK.

  • Advanced Facilities: All medical centers have modern and advanced facilities, and they are capable of handling the latest techniques and procedures. The facilities available are equal to international standards, and the staff is in touch with the latest advancements in the medical world.

  • Qualified and Experienced Doctors: Many top specialists of Malaysia have studied in the world's top medical schools. They have also spent several years working in various one of the best hospitals globally. Medical tourists in Malaysia will surely get high-class treatment from the best doctors at an affordable price.

  • Great Hospitality: When you travel to Malaysia for your treatment, you will be amazed by the hospitality. The quality service and pleasant atmosphere will make your stay more comfortable. Healthcare providers speak fluent English, so there will be no language barrier during treatment. Malaysian medical staff will be with you and your accompanying family member in every step of the treatment and recovery. Rooms are well-furnished with all the essential amenities for a comfortable stay. As per data, in 2019, the country had 68 thousand registered doctors, and it ranks tenth within the average number of physicians per one thousand inhabitants in Asia.

  • Less Waiting Time: Almost every hospital in Malaysia is equipped with superior facilities that help patients avoid wasting their time by standing in a long queue. Examination and follow-ups process are done easily as compared to hospitals in other parts of the world. In Malaysia, you are treated when it suits you the best.

  • Accommodation Choices: Malaysia has every type of accommodation available that suits your budget. Medical tourists can choose from budget hostels to luxurious hotels. If the stay is longer, it doesn't mean it will be expensive. Everything is affordable, from food to accommodation.

  • Beautiful Sightseeing: Malaysia is one of the most popular holiday destinations. It is the best place to recover after medical treatment. There are many beautiful places that will surely attract everyone's eyeballs. From fantastic shopping malls to stunning tropical islands, a medical tourist will get a blend of everything. Each island has something unique to offer and is a great place to get fully recovered and energized.

  • Colorful Cultural Mix: Malaysia is a mix of ethnicities and religions, and every group has its own traditions and cultures. It has a welcoming atmosphere where people feel safe and respected. You can also stay with a local family in a homestay to enjoy their lifestyle. Every year millions of travelers visit Malaysia to spend some of the best days of their life. Kualalumpur is one of the most attractive cities where tourists can see Petronas Twin Towers, one of the tallest buildings in the world. A colony of fireflies in the vicinity of Kuala Selangor is also a great tourist attraction.

  • Food Variety: Did you know no other country in the world offers the variety of foods that can be found and eaten in Malaysia? Malaysia is popular for its delicious food. You will get Chinese, Indian, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, French, etc. Just name it, and you will find it. Malaysia is perfect for those who love to try different cuisines. 

All private institutions in Malaysia are licensed under the Healthcare Facilities and Service Act 1998 and the Private Healthcare Facilities And Services Regulation 2006. 

Treatment Cost Comparison

Treatment US Malaysia
IVF $12,000 $5,000
Cardiac Surgery $123,000 $12,100
Total Knee Replacement $19,995 $7,165

 

Who Can Travel Malaysia?

If you want to enter Malaysia, you must have approval using MyEntry or MyTravelPass. At present, only these people can travel to Malaysia who is:

  • Permanent residents of Malaysia
  • Those who have long-term MyTravellPass
  • Those who have a diplomatic passport
  • Business travelers
  • Investors

Travelers must download the MySejahtera app on their mobile phones to enter Malaysia.

Documents Required to Travel to Malaysia

If you want to travel to Malaysia, make sure you have all the following documents:

  • A valid passport
  • Malaysian VISA granting permission to enter the country
  • Proof of sufficient money to stay in Malaysia
  • Return ticket
  • Completed arrival card
  • Entry pass 

6 Factors That Help You Choose the Right Hospital in Malaysia

The medical tourism industry is increasing rapidly, and now many people travel abroad for treatment every year. More hospitals are opening in developing countries with high-quality services for patients. In Malaysia, patients will get international-standard treatments at an affordable price. 

Some factors are mentioned below to choose the right hospital in Malaysia:

  • Hospital's Credentials: It is vital to check whether the hospital has international accreditations or not. Choosing accredited hospitals helps you ensure that you will receive treatments in a hygienic environment. These hospitals have advanced medical equipment with the best medical staff who are available to serve patients round the clock. 

  • Hospital's Specialities: It is advised to choose a hospital specializing in the procedure or surgery you seek. Single specialty hospitals have more advanced technology and facilities for focused treatment. Modern technology combined with medical staff's knowledge will make the procedure done safely.

  • Price: It is the most important factor to consider before choosing any hospital. Before finalizing any hospital, make sure to check the treatment cost suits your pocket. There are numerous hospitals available in Malaysia, so if you think one hospital will be expensive for you, you can go to any other hospital that offers affordable treatments.

  • Individualized Care: People from all over the world come to Malaysia for medical treatment and look for a hospital that respects their cultures, religions, and backgrounds. It is the responsibility of the patients to do thorough research into the facility they will be staying at. Ask the medical staff prior to your arrival for medical treatment if you have any queries. 

  • Service's Quality: Quality is vital in healthcare industries, and that's why one should check about the services of a particular hospital. If anyone in your known stayed in that hospital in the past, you could ask them what kind of services they provide. You can also find out the hospital's reputation by reading online patients' reviews. It will help you a lot to understand their services. 

  • Safety During Pandemic: Before selecting any hospital in Malaysia, make sure they follow COVID-19 guidelines. It is imperative to stay safe while traveling to another country in this pandemic. Ask the hospital staff if they are following COVID-19 protocols or not. If they have separate wards for COVID patients? Are they taking care of patients who start showing symptoms during their stay in the hospital? Is the hospital area regularly sanitized or not? Ask as many queries as you have before traveling.

If you consider all the factors that are mentioned above, you will get a safe and successful medical tour of your destination. Many private hospitals are accredited by both national and international accreditation bodies recognized by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua).

Top Hospitals in Malaysia

These are the few top hospitals in Malaysia that provide high-quality treatment and the medical staff is available round the clock for the patients.

1. Gleneagles Hospital, Kuala Lumpur: It is currently the leading private hospital in Malaysia's metropolitan capital and one of the first private hospitals in Malaysia to receive a Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation.
2. Pantai Hospital Ayer Keroh, Malacca: The hospital is on a firm footing with more than 200 beds under its wings. Supported by more than 100 medical specialists. It is the first in Melaka to install the 640-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner with reduced radiation dose requirements.

3. Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Subang Jaya: It is one of Malaysia’s most trusted hospitals and the only two-time winner of the coveted Prime Minister’s Quality Award for private hospitals in Malaysia. 
4. Sunway Medical Centre, Petaling Jaya: This hospital offers a comprehensive range of medical services, which include facilities and advanced medical technologies for outpatient and inpatient specialty care, health and wellness programs, and 24-hour emergency services.

5. ParkCity Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur: It is a 300-bed, state-of-the-art multidisciplinary private hospital in Kuala Lumpur that provides 24-hour medical care supported by pathology and x-ray facilities. 

6. KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital, Ampang: KPJ Ampang is fully accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) and is the 1st private hospital to achieve full accreditation status by MSQH for the 6th consecutive 4-year term 2016-2020.

Top Doctors in Malaysia

1. Dr. Yee Kok Meng -  He is one of the best Interventional Cardiologists with 20 years of experience. He is adept in performing complex angioplasty, renal artery denervation, and intracoronary stem cell therapies.

2. Dato' Dr. Abdul Wahab Abdul Ghani - He is a well-known Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon with 34 years of experience. His special interests are Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist Surgery.

3. Dr. HJ Nik Isahak Wan Abdullah - He is a renowned Cardiac Surgeon with more than 30 years of experience who has performed several heart surgeries successfully.

4. Dr. Wong Yee Choon - A well-known Neurologist with 20 years of expertise in treating Epilepsy, Parkinson's Disease, Neuromuscular Disorder, etc. 

5. Dr. Ganesalingam Kanagasabai - With more than 18 years of experience in his field, he has gained proficient knowledge and expertise as a Medical Gastroenterologist.

6. Dr. Abdul Fahmi A. Karim - He is a leading General Surgeon having more than 33 years of experience in performing various surgeries.

Are You Planning Your Medical Trip to Malaysia?

If you are planning to travel to Malaysia for medical reasons, you must prepare in advance. Collect relevant information about the treatment and discuss the procedure in advance, so everything is already known upfront. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor to understand everything properly before flying to Malaysia. 

Once you have prepared everything, get in touch with the health authorities in Malaysia. Find out where you can get the best treatment according to your budget and also get an estimate of the total cost of the procedure. 

To Conclude

Medical tourism is now more than just traveling abroad for treatment. There are countless reasons why Malaysia is the best place for medical tourism. Every year a large number of the population fly to Malaysia for medical treatments.