SharifStudy A way to Study Malaysia
As an international student in a foreign country, you would better to know about healthcare and insurance.
Malaysia has two types of healthcare services and different types of insurances you can choose them based on your special needs and necessities.
In this article, you will read more about health and insurance for international students in Malaysia.
Insurance
International students must have medical insurance that meets the following criteria in order to be granted a student visa.
The medical insurance policy must meet two requirements:
- The medical insurance must be obtained locally, and
- The medical insurance must be in effect for the duration of the study time.
Medical health insurance for international students coverage gives you peace of mind and helps pay medical expenses, allowing you to focus on other essential things, like your education.
Insurance Types
| Insurance Type | Product Type / Coverage | Definition |
| International Student Insurance |
– | These rules comply with the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) minimal coverage standards for difficulties that students might face. |
| Medical / Health Insurance | Medical Cards | A medical card that pays up to 100% of your medical expenditures might provide you the peace of mind that major medical expenses are covered. |
| Medical / Health Insurance | Critical Illness | Make financial preparations in case you are suddenly diagnosed with a serious illness that requires expensive medical care. |
| Protection Insurance | Travel Insurance | Prevent accidents, flight delays, and other unforeseen problems while traveling. |
| Protection Insurance | Personal Accident | coverage that frees your mind from concerns about costs and length of recovery so you can concentrate on getting well. |
Every student entering to the universities of Malaysia should obtain medical insurance. Medical insurance plan obtained locally protects all international students.
If you notify your institution of the date as soon as you arrive, you will be covered starting on the day you enter Malaysia.
An international student may choose from one of the following medical insurance plans through their educational institution:
1) Etiqa Family Takaful Berhad, Inc. (EFTB)
2) Great Eastern Takaful Berhad (GETB)
3) Berhad The Pacific Insurance (TPIB)
In order to provide medical health insurance for international students, Malaysian higher education institutions can communicate directly with insurance companies. The packages offered under this arrangement completely satisfies the criteria established by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). Ask your institution for details on the packages they offer and the related premiums.
Healthcare providers
Malaysia ongoing investments in healthcare have made medical technology and services one of the nation major exports and have advanced the development of medical tourism in the country.
It has an effective and economical healthcare system that caters to everyone, even students, allowing them to concentrate on other higher-order activities. Malaysia offers some of the greatest healthcare services in Southeast Asia at many access points.
Malaysia has the expertise, resources, and manpower to manage the majority of medical conditions, if not all of them. Every major hospital in Malaysia has the best equipments and offers round-the-clock medical services, including an excellent emergency response team.
If only for your own piece of mind, you might wish to keep information on the closest 24-hour clinics, emergency hotlines, and ambulance services handy for minor illnesses.
| Service | Number |
| Police, Ambulance, Fire Brigade, Civil Defense | 999 |
| St. John’s Ambulance (Refer here for numbers in different states) |
03-3371 5005 (Selangor) |
| Red Crescent Society (Refer here for numbers in different states) |
03-41419755 (Selangor) |
Public Healthcare
The majority of universities also offer on-campus healthcare, with doctors and nurses available to treat any issues. Students can receive medical care on campus at other institutions that have long-standing medical schools, such the University of Malaya.
Many people have access to government hospitals and clinics, which are readily available.
You may conduct a quick web search to locate one in your neighborhood, and walk-ins are ready for you.
If you require hospital care, you can quickly acquire a referral, however it will cost more for non-citizens. Don’t worry; your insurance would take care of this.
You can see cost estimates for public healthcare in the table below.
| Treatment For Non-Citizens In Government Hospitals/Clinics | Price Range in USD |
| Consultation Fee | $10 – $50 |
| Specialist Outpatient | $30 – $60 |
| Accident and Emergency Walk-in | $20 – $30 |
| Ward Charges | $40 – $80 |
| Dental Filling | $10 – $50 |
| Dental Extraction | $10 – $50 |
| Minor Oral Surgery | $10 – $80 |
| Blood Test | $20 – $80 |
| X-ray | $5 – $30 |
| CT Scan | $20 – $100 |
| MRI Scan | $90 – $200 |
| Ambulance Fee | $10 – $50 |
* Tables are based 2018 prices.
Private Healthcare
Private healthcare is generally accessible, although at a little greater cost due to the additional services provided. A typical private doctor’s visit starts at USD 30. A bed in a private hospital starts at USD $50 per day.
The accident and emergency (A&E) department’s walk-in rates in the event of an emergency start at USD 25, while ambulance expenses start at USD 50.
In fact, applying for a health insurance for international students that would offer enough coverage for your lifestyle demands would be one more strategy to assist you control healthcare costs.
Getting a health insurance card for private hospitals and healthcare can free up your time so you can concentrate on getting well and returning to your regular routine.
You can see cost estimates for private healthcare in the table below.
| Type of Treatment | Price Range in USD |
| Consultation Fee | $10 – $60 |
| Hospital Admission Fee | $100 – $500 |
| Ward Charges | $20 – $100 |
| Blood Test | $10 – $50 |
| X-ray | $20 – $80 |
| CT Scan | $20 – $100 |
| MRI Scan | $250 -$400 |
| Ambulance Fee | $50 – $100 |
* Tables are based 2023 prices.
FAQs
1. What are the health insurance requirements for international students in Malaysia?
- International students in Malaysia are required to have health insurance coverage throughout their study period, as mandated by Malaysian educational institutions and immigration policies.
2. Can international students extend their health insurance coverage after graduation if they remain in Malaysia?
- International students can extend their health insurance coverage after graduation if they remain in Malaysia, typically by transitioning to a work visa and choosing a new health insurance plan suitable for their new status.
3. How can international students access healthcare services in Malaysia?
- International students in Malaysia can access healthcare services by registering with a local doctor or clinic, using university health centers, or visiting hospitals for more comprehensive care. Insurance typically facilitates access to these services, making it important to understand coverage details.
