Cost of Medical Treatments in Malaysia: What You Need to Know

Seeking medical treatment abroad, particularly in Malaysia, has become a popular choice among Indonesians. This preference stems from Malaysia’s comprehensive medical facilities and relatively low hospital costs. When compared to other Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, the cost of medical treatments in Malaysia is indeed more affordable.

Even with the relatively affordable costs, you might still wonder about the actual cost estimates. If you’re curious, let’s delve into Kavacare’s overview of hospital cost estimates in Malaysia.

Cost Estimates for Medical Treatments in Malaysia

If you’re considering treatment in Malaysia, here are some estimated costs you may incur. The prices listed below are only estimates and can change depending on the policies of the hospital you choose. For updated information on the cost of medical treatments in Malaysia, you can contact Kavacare’s medical consultants.

1. Hospitalization Costs in Malaysia

The cost of hospitalization in Malaysia depends on the type of room you select. Below is a list of estimated hospitalization costs based on room facilities available at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

2. Surgery Costs

Surgery costs in Malaysia depend on the procedure and surgical techniques used by the surgeon.

3. Medical Check-up and Test Costs

Below are the estimated costs of medical check-ups at Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur:

4. Chronic Disease Treatment Costs

Estimated costs for chronic disease treatment in Malaysia:

5. Eye Care and Other Specialist Treatment Costs

Here are the estimated costs for eye care and other specialist treatments in Malaysia:

These estimates of the cost of medical treatments in Malaysia can help you plan your healthcare journey. If you wish to seek medical treatment in Malaysia, you can use the services of KavaLink. With this service, you can find hospital information and estimate costs with our team. Contact Whatsapp 0811-1446-777 to start planning your medical treatment in Malaysia.

Also read: Medical Arrangement to Malaysia 

Factors Influencing the Cost of Medical Treatments in Malaysia

Here are several factors that determine the overall cost when seeking medical treatment in Malaysia.

1. Type of Treatment Required

The cost of medical treatments in Malaysia that you will pay is influenced by the type of treatment required. Every healthcare service necessitates the use of medical equipment, medications, and healthcare professionals, which impacts the overall hospital cost. Moreover, each year, medical treatment methods and equipment evolve, enhancing accuracy, healing, and recovery rates. Consequently, hospital cost estimates can change annually. Additionally, the cost of specific medical procedures or the expertise and experience of specialist doctors can also affect the estimated cost of medical treatments in Malaysia.

2. Hospital Facilities

Private hospitals in Malaysia offer exclusive facilities for both local and foreign patients. Malaysia aspires to become a leading nation in medical tourism, aiming to attract non-Malaysians, particularly Indonesians. These facilities provide patients with private and comfortable services. For instance, advanced medical equipment and private wards are available, but the choice of facilities significantly impacts the total cost. The more luxurious and private the facilities, the higher the cost of medical treatments in Malaysia.

Furthermore, if you opt for additional services, this can also affect the cost estimate. For example, concierge services to assist you in purchasing necessities outside the hospital could increase your overall expenses.

3. Doctor and Healthcare Specialization

The cost of medical treatments in Malaysia can also vary due to the increasingly high quality of healthcare professionals. For instance, if a specialist treating your condition is highly reputable with a long waiting list or is an expert in the latest treatment methods, such as minimally invasive surgery or robotic technology, they may recommend using these advanced techniques. Choosing higher-quality procedures can increase the cost of medical treatments in Malaysia.

4. Length of Hospital Stay

Hospital costs in Malaysia are typically calculated on a daily basis. Thus, the longer you stay in the hospital, the higher the cost. This will depend on your needs, whether you stay in a regular room or an intensive care unit, and whether the room is shared or private.

5. Severity of the Illness

The cost of medical treatments in Malaysia also depends on the purpose of your appointment/visit, the examination and treatment needed, and the severity of the underlying illness. Routine primary healthcare, such as medical check-ups, usually costs around RM500 or approximately IDR 1,658,160. If you require more comprehensive examinations, the cost will naturally be higher. However, for complex or severe conditions, the cost will undoubtedly increase, as some treatments require specific medical procedures or a combination of various tests and therapies.

For example, patients with heart disease or cancer typically need a wide range of medical check-ups, from blood tests to chest CT scans or PET scans and specific genetic tests.

6. Hospital Location

The estimated cost of medical treatments in Malaysia is also influenced by the hospital’s location and the type of room you choose. Hospitals located in strategic areas may charge higher fees. However, you could save on accommodation, transportation, and other amenities for your companions. You might rent a hotel near the hospital and walk to your appointments, reducing transportation costs. Conversely, if the hospital is far from your accommodation, your transportation costs may increase, impacting the overall cost of medical treatments in Malaysia.

7. Use of Technology and Medical Equipment

The use of the latest technology and medical equipment also affects the cost of medical treatments in Malaysia. For example, surgeries using high-precision robots, proton beam therapy for radiotherapy, or diagnostics with the latest CT scan or digital PET CT technologies that offer high speed and accuracy with lower radiation exposure can significantly increase costs.

8. Health Insurance

Using health insurance can also affect the amount you need to pay, although the estimated cost of medical treatments in Malaysia is generally similar. If you have insurance that is accepted in Malaysia, it can reduce your financial burden, as some or all of the costs may be covered depending on your policy. However, if you do not have health insurance, you may have to bear the full cost of medical treatments in Malaysia.

9. Accommodation (Hotel/Transportation)

Accommodation when seeking treatment in Malaysia can also impact your overall expenses. For instance, if you choose lodging near the hospital, the nightly rate may be higher. However, this can save on transportation costs, and vice versa. The choice of a star-rated hotel with additional facilities, rental homes, apartments, or the transportation mode you use will influence the cost of medical treatments in Malaysia.

Contact 0811-1446-777 to start planning your medical treatment in Malaysia and get your more accurate estimation cost of medical treatments in Malaysia.

Sources:

1. Prudential. The Reason For Rising Medical Inflation Rate In Malaysia.  https://www.prudential.com.my/en/we-do-pulse/all-stories/medical-inflation-rate-in-malaysia/ 
2. Mardhiah, Aufa. 2023. Rising medical costs in Malaysia: A complex challenge. https://themalaysianreserve.com/2023/11/06/rising-medical-costs-in-malaysia-a-complex-challenge/ 
3. Wahab,Shafiq. 2023. Is The Malaysia Government Hospital Charges Really Free?. https://qoala.my/en/blog/financial-management/malaysia-government-hospital/ 
4. The Centre. 2019. Healthcare Costs in Malaysia. https://www.centre.my/post/healthcare-costs-in-malaysi 
5. Gleneagles Hospital. 2024. Packages & Promotions.  https://gleneagles.com.my/packages-promotions
6. Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Patient and Visitor: Room Rates.  https://www.pantai.com.my/kuala-lumpur/id/room-rates 
7. Prince Court Medical Centre. Promotion: Breast Augmentation Package.  https://princecourt.com/breast-augmentation-package/
8. Prince Court Medical Centre. Promotions: Prince Court Sleeve Gastrectomy Package. https://princecourt.com/prince-court-sleeve-gastrectomy-package/ 
9. Prince Court Medical Centre. Promotion: Cataract Surgery Package.  https://princecourt.com/cataract-surgery-package/ 
10. Prince Court Medical Centre. Promotion: Arteriovenous Fistula Package.  https://princecourt.com/arteriovenous-fistula-package/ 
11. Sunway Medical Centre. Kidney Transplant Surgery Package.  https://www.sunwaymedical.com/en/promotion/kidney-transplant-surgery-package 
12. Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Screening Packages at Our Health Screening Centre. https://gleneagles.com.my/id/kuala-lumpur/health-screening-centre
13. Sunway Medical Centre. Hernia Repair Package.  https://www.sunwaymedical.com/en/promotion/hernia-repair-package