- The best travel insurance plans for Malaysia
- Is it currently safe to travel to Malaysia?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Malaysia?
- Why take out travel insurance for Malaysia?
- What Travel Insurance for Malaysia Should Cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Malaysia
- How can you pay less for your travel insurance to Malaysia?
- Does your current insurance cover you in Malaysia?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Malaysia: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Malaysia covers medical costs, repatriation, and other unforeseen travel disruptions.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for Australians, but it is strongly recommended by the government.
4. Healthcare cost: Private hospital care is excellent but costly, averaging AUD $150-$300+ per night.
5. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Malaysia typically costs between AUD $30 and $60.
6. Good to know: You must complete the mandatory Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within 3 days before arrival.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Malaysia.
The best travel insurance plans for Malaysia
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.6M AUD | Our preferred option for trips to Malaysia. - high medical cover - includes medical evacuation - modern, broad guarantees |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.6M AUD | Reliable for both short and longer stays, offering helpful support. - 24/7 medical help - cancellation cover - no excess fees |
| Tourist Card | 790k AUD | Solid choice for general tourism in Malaysia. - good core medical cover - emergency assistance - competitive for value |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.3M AUD | Useful for those who value comprehensive protection. - repatriation included - hospital costs covered - widely accepted |
| Globe Partner | 475k AUD | Simple and effective, especially for longer trips. - essential medical coverage - repatriation - civil liability always included |
| Globe Traveller | 790k AUD | Affordable choice with core benefits for Malaysia. - significant medical reimbursement - quick support lines - ceiling suitable for most stays |
- high medical cover
- includes medical evacuation
- modern, broad guarantees
- 24/7 medical help
- cancellation cover
- no excess fees
- good core medical cover
- emergency assistance
- competitive for value
- repatriation included
- hospital costs covered
- widely accepted
- essential medical coverage
- repatriation
- civil liability always included
- significant medical reimbursement
- quick support lines
- ceiling suitable for most stays
Is it currently safe to travel to Malaysia?
As of June 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia rates Malaysia as a destination for which travellers should exercise normal safety precautions, with specific restrictions in parts of eastern Sabah due to kidnapping risks.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: the threat of terrorism, especially at public places and key tourist sites, remains present. In May 2025, an armed attack targeted a police station in Johor Bahru.
- Health risks: dengue fever is widespread, particularly in cities like Kuala Lumpur. Zika virus and malaria are risks, especially in rural or forested areas.
- Legal obligations: completing a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before entry is mandatory. Strict identification requirements mean you must carry a valid passport and digital visit pass at all times.
- Cultural norms: modest dress is expected near religious sites. Inappropriate behaviour, including public displays of affection and disrespect for local customs, can result in legal issues.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Malaysia.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Malaysia?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Australian citizens entering Malaysia for visits of up to 90 days.
It is still strongly recommended, as hospitals—both public and private—require foreign visitors to pay upfront, and costs can escalate quickly in the event of medical emergencies or repatriation needs.
According to our data, around 50% of travellers purchase travel insurance before visiting Malaysia, primarily to protect themselves from unexpected healthcare expenses and other risks during their trip.
Why take out travel insurance for Malaysia?
Travel insurance is essential financial and medical protection for anyone travelling to Malaysia.
Public hospitals such as Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) or University Malaya Medical Centre offer decent care but can be overcrowded and limited in resources. Private facilities like Prince Court Medical Centre or Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur deliver high-quality care but charge international rates and always require upfront payment.
A good travel insurance policy covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport, and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Malaysia.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | MYR 7,000 (approx. AUD 2,300) | Up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | MYR 4,000 (approx. AUD 1,300) | Up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | MYR 65,000 (approx. AUD 21,400) | Up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | MYR 18,000 (approx. AUD 5,900) | Up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Travel Insurance for Malaysia Should Cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers hospital and doctor fees, including outpatient and emergency care. We recommend at least AUD 100,000 in cover for Malaysia. |
| 🚑 Emergency medical evacuation | Covers air ambulance or evacuation to Australia if treatment is not possible locally. Choose cover of AUD 250,000 or more. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation or interruption | Covers lost costs if you must cancel or cut short your trip due to illness, accidents or family emergencies. For Malaysia, select cover above AUD 10,000 per person. |
| 🧳 Luggage and personal belongings | Protects against theft, loss, or damage of baggage and personal items. We recommend at least AUD 3,000 cover per trip. |
| 💼 Personal liability | Covers you if you are found liable for injury or property damage to others during your trip. Minimum advised: AUD 1 million. |
| 🦠 Infectious disease cover | Includes COVID-19 and other epidemics, reimbursement for quarantine costs and medical treatment. Ensure cover of AUD 50,000 or more. |
| 🏄♂️ Leisure and adventure sports | Extends coverage to popular activities such as snorkelling or hiking. Check maximum policy cover and read exclusions for activity types, minimum AUD 20,000. |
| 📞 24/7 emergency assistance | Access to help line and urgent support at any time for translation, referral or emergencies. Response must be available at all hours, this is a standard feature of good comprehensive policies. |
We recommend at least AUD 100,000 in cover for Malaysia.
Choose cover of AUD 250,000 or more.
For Malaysia, select cover above AUD 10,000 per person.
We recommend at least AUD 3,000 cover per trip.
Minimum advised: AUD 1 million.
Ensure cover of AUD 50,000 or more.
Check maximum policy cover and read exclusions for activity types, minimum AUD 20,000.
Response must be available at all hours, this is a standard feature of good comprehensive policies.
Travel insurance provided by local banks or credit cards often has low limits and many exclusions. It is safer to select a trusted provider with full guarantees. Use the HelloSafe comparison tool to find the best cover and subscribe online for instant proof of insurance.
The cost of travel insurance for Malaysia
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 38 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 55 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 79 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 250 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
When sorting your mandatory travel insurance for Malaysia, the final cost will vary. The price depends on factors like your age, trip duration, specific destinations, and your chosen level of cover. Keeping these in mind is crucial for finding a policy that fits your budget and needs, ensuring you're properly covered for your travels, mate.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow can you pay less for your travel insurance to Malaysia?
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Malaysia while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Malaysia requires insurance with medical, cancellation, and liability cover. Too little cover may be rejected at entry. | Choose the minimum coverage you can to avoid extra costs. Higher limits increase the premium. |
| ✈️ Trip duration | Premium increases with the length of stay. Longer trips require more coverage and cost more. | Take exact dates for the trip. Avoid adding extra days not needed to save on your policy price. |
| 🎒 Extras and add-ons | Sports, adventure, or gadgets coverage may not be necessary for every traveller or every trip. | Select only the necessary options. Exclude activities and valuables you do not plan to use or bring. |
| 👤 Traveller’s age | Insurers often raise premiums for older travellers, except a few such as Heymondo who keep it stable after age 62. | Compare several offers. Check if your insurer increases the price at age 60 or 65, and consider Heymondo. |
| 👪 Individual or family policy | Family packages may offer savings if travelling with children or relatives instead of buying separate policies. | Opt for a family policy if travelling together. This is usually cheaper than individual plans. |
| 💳 Payment options | Some plans allow payment in full or in instalments, which may impact the total you pay in the end. | Pay in full if discounts apply. Read fine print to avoid hidden fees for monthly payments. |
| 📱 Purchase timing | Buying just before the departure date may be more expensive than booking in advance. | Book your travel insurance early. Early purchase can avoid premium increases close to your travel date. |
Does your current insurance cover you in Malaysia?
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your credit card insurance or Australian public health cover will protect you during a trip to Malaysia. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Malaysia? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance | Never | Only covers emergency care inside Australia. No medical expenses, repatriation or evacuation abroad. | Travel insurance covers up to AUD 10,000,000, including overseas emergencies, search and rescue, and hotline support. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | Some policies reimburse for limited overseas emergencies, few include repatriation or evacuation. | Travel insurance often includes unlimited repatriation and high medical coverage, plus cancellations and luggage loss. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ, Commonwealth, NAB) | Limited coverage | May include basic emergency cover, trip interruption up to AUD 2,500, strict exclusions and higher excess. | Travel insurance provides higher limits, covers adventure sports and pre-existing conditions, up to AUD 10,000,000. |
| Premium credit card (Platinum, Black, Signature) | Limited coverage | Sometimes covers medical emergencies abroad (up to AUD 500,000), no evacuation or ongoing care. | Travel insurance includes full emergency evacuation, 24/7 support overseas, and generous theft and baggage protection. |
Example
While in Kuala Lumpur, Chloe contracted severe dengue fever, requiring intensive care. Her private hospital bill hit AU$15,000. Her CommBank card's complimentary insurance only paid AU$2,000, and her Aussie health cover offered nothing overseas, leaving her with a shocking AU$13,000 debt from her holiday.
Expert advice
Critical cover, such as trip interruption due to a relative’s illness, is often excluded from bank card and health insurance policies. Always check the fine print to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to take out dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Malaysia?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourism visits to Malaysia of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date. Before arrival, you must submit a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within three days of entry, as required by Malaysian immigration authorities.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Malaysia?
Start by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to compare plans available for Malaysia. Carefully check the cover offered, including important exclusions relating to Malaysia, such as coverage for dengue fever or adventure activities. Complete your purchase securely online. You will receive your insurance certificate by email, usually within minutes.
What medical expenses are covered by travel insurance for Malaysia?
Travel insurance typically covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and evacuation to Australia if local care isn’t sufficient. Policies also pay for prescribed medicines and sometimes dental emergencies. The recommended minimum cover for Malaysia is AUD 250,000 due to high costs at private hospitals and the need for upfront payment.
Is coverage for theft or lost belongings included with travel insurance in Malaysia?
Most travel insurance policies cover the loss or theft of luggage, electronics, passports, and personal items in Malaysia. Limits vary, but typical reimbursement is in the range of AUD 3,000–5,000. Always check if valuables like cameras or laptops are included and review conditions for making a claim, especially regarding police reports.
Are adventure or sports activities covered by travel insurance in Malaysia?
Many policies do cover injuries from adventure or sports activities like diving, trekking, or zip-lining, which are popular in Malaysia. However, some high-risk activities may be excluded or require an extra premium. Always review your insurer’s list of covered and excluded activities before taking part.
What happens if I need to cancel my trip to Malaysia unexpectedly?
Most travel insurance policies offer trip cancellation cover, reimbursing non-refundable costs if you need to cancel for reasons such as illness, family emergencies, or natural disasters. The maximum reimbursement is often AUD 10,000 or more. Be certain the cancellation reasons covered by your policy match your personal risk factors.
Do I need a visa to travel to Malaysia?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourism visits to Malaysia of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date. Before arrival, you must submit a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within three days of entry, as required by Malaysian immigration authorities.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Malaysia?
Start by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to compare plans available for Malaysia. Carefully check the cover offered, including important exclusions relating to Malaysia, such as coverage for dengue fever or adventure activities. Complete your purchase securely online. You will receive your insurance certificate by email, usually within minutes.
What medical expenses are covered by travel insurance for Malaysia?
Travel insurance typically covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and evacuation to Australia if local care isn’t sufficient. Policies also pay for prescribed medicines and sometimes dental emergencies. The recommended minimum cover for Malaysia is AUD 250,000 due to high costs at private hospitals and the need for upfront payment.
Is coverage for theft or lost belongings included with travel insurance in Malaysia?
Most travel insurance policies cover the loss or theft of luggage, electronics, passports, and personal items in Malaysia. Limits vary, but typical reimbursement is in the range of AUD 3,000–5,000. Always check if valuables like cameras or laptops are included and review conditions for making a claim, especially regarding police reports.
Are adventure or sports activities covered by travel insurance in Malaysia?
Many policies do cover injuries from adventure or sports activities like diving, trekking, or zip-lining, which are popular in Malaysia. However, some high-risk activities may be excluded or require an extra premium. Always review your insurer’s list of covered and excluded activities before taking part.
What happens if I need to cancel my trip to Malaysia unexpectedly?
Most travel insurance policies offer trip cancellation cover, reimbursing non-refundable costs if you need to cancel for reasons such as illness, family emergencies, or natural disasters. The maximum reimbursement is often AUD 10,000 or more. Be certain the cancellation reasons covered by your policy match your personal risk factors.
