Why Malaysia is a Leading Destination for International Medical Care?
Each year, 1.2+ million international patients choose Malaysia for treatments ranging from heart surgery and cancer treatment to IVF, orthopaedics, and health screenings.
Patients from the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia, Africa, and the UK find not only the care they need, but also a welcoming environment that supports their language, cultural, and religious needs.
As your dedicated medical tourism facilitator, My 1Health helps you navigate the process from start to finish.
We connect you to the right hospital for your condition, arrange pre-travel video consultations with your doctor, provide verified cost estimates, and secure medical visa invitation letters at no cost.
We also coordinate airport transfers, accommodation, and in-country support so you can focus entirely on your recovery.
This guide will help you:
- Compare top hospitals in Malaysia for your treatment
- Understand your likely costs and savings compared to Singapore or Thailand
- Learn about Malaysia’s visa process for medical travellers
- My 1Health is one call away, always checking in with you before, during, and after treatment
Planning treatment abroad should feel informed, simple, and safe — and that is exactly what we make possible.
Why Malaysia is preferred by international patients:
- Up to 60% lower costs compared to UK, US, or Australia for the same procedures
- MOH-licensed and JCI-accredited hospitals with advanced technology
- English widely spoken by doctors, nurses, and patient coordinators
- Halal-certified meals, prayer spaces, and family-friendly recovery options
- Easy entry for 100+ nationalities with visa-free or eVisa access
- Support from the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and hospital international teams
Once you’ve decided Malaysia is the right choice, the next step is finding the hospital and specialist that match your condition, expectations, and budget.
This is where My 1Health helps — from arranging video consultations before you travel to securing your medical visa and coordinating your entire trip.
Read: How to Choose the Right Country for Your Medical Treatment
Why Medical Tourists Prefer Malaysia Over Singapore or Thailand
| Country | Cost of Treatment | Quality & Standards | Access & Language | Why Patients Prefer It |
| Malaysia | 60 % lower than in UK or USA | MOH‑licensed hospitals, JCI and national accreditation | English widely used, halal‑friendly, MHTC support | Value for money, shorter wait times, smooth care coordination |
| Singapore | Among the highest in Asia | Global medical excellence, world‑class tech, success rates | Broad English use, but higher treatment costs | Offers premium technology, shorter wait times |
| Thailand | Mid‑range | JCI hospitals, increasing reputation in cosmetic, fertility | Good English support, extensive tourism infrastructure | Strong tourist appeal, but lower service consistency vs Malaysia |
Speak to a Medical Travel Advisor at no cost. Our team will guide you through the entire process!
5 Best Hospitals in Malaysia for International Patients
Malaysia’s private hospitals are recognised globally for clinical excellence, international safety accreditations, and high patient satisfaction.
1. Sunway Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur
- Largest private hospital in Malaysia, with advanced medical procedures
- Ranked #1 hospital in Malaysia by Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2025
- Specialties: IVF & fertility treatment, cancer, cardiology, spine, paediatrics, neurosurgery
- International patient services: visa support, language translation, hotel booking, telemedicine
- 500,000+ patients treated annually, including 52,000+ international patients from 135+ countries.
2. Prince Court Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur
- Specialties: IVF, urology, cosmetic surgery, internal medicine, sports medicine
- International Services: online video consultation, language translation, private rooms, international billing, embassy reporting, multilingual staff
- International patients from 140 countries, led by more than 175 consultant specialists with 277 single-bedded rooms for privacy
- Recognition: Medical Tourism Hospital of the Year 2024, Orthopaedic Service Provider of the Year 2024
3. KPJ Healthcare in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- First & only hospital in Malaysia to establish a collaboration with Mayo Clinic, USA
- 20 world-class hospitals in Malaysia with 40+ years of expertise
- Specialised Care for Rare/ Complex Conditions, zero surgical site infections recorded for orthopaedic surgeries
- Fertility treatment, cancer, paediatrics, eye centre, neuro centre, heart treatments
- International patient services – language translators, telemedicine, airport transfers
4. Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC), Selangor
- 40 years of medical excellence, a legacy of innovation, advanced care, and patient-focused outcomes.
- 88% survival rate for breast cancer patients within 5 years, with stage I achieve 100% survival rate.
- #1- Named among Newsweek’s Best Specialised Hospitals in 2023 & 2024 for oncology, neurology, cardiology.
- International Services: Virtual consults, second opinions, language translation
- Referral centre for complex procedures and has treated international patients for over 30 years.
5. Island Hospital, Penang
- 600 - Bed capacity serving complex inpatient medical and surgical cases
- 400,000 patient visits yearly, confirming its rank among Malaysia’s best private hospitals
- 88% of its doctors hold international credentials from the UK, US, or Australia.
- Named one of Asia’s top 100 hospitals and is recognised by MHTC as a Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital.
- Attracts a high number of international patients, especially from Indonesia, Singapore, and the Middle East
3 Best Fertility/ IVF Centres in Malaysia
1. Sunway Fertility Centre (Kuala Lumpur)
- 1,100+ babies born at the centre through fertility treatments.
- 70% IVF success rates with advanced genetic testing and precise embryo selection.
- Fertility treatments- IVF, ICSI, IMSI, IUI, egg, sperm, and embryo freezing, donor egg and sperm programs, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), frozen embryo transfer
- Part of Sunway Medical Centre — ranked #1 hospital in Malaysia by Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2025
- Treats endometriosis, PCOS, blocked tubes, male infertility.
2. KPJ Damansara Fertility Centre (Kuala Lumpur)
- Led by Dr. Mohan Rajoo, recognised among the best IVF specialists in Malaysia.
- Fertility services: egg, sperm, embryo preservation, IVF, IUI, ICSI, embryo transfers.
- 61.2%- success rate for patients under 30, an outstanding fertility outcome for younger couples.
- 57.7%- success rate for patients aged 31–34.
- 54%- Clinical pregnancy rate for frozen embryo transfers.
3. Monash IVF KPJ Johor Fertility Centre- (Johor Bahru)
- Part of a leading Australian fertility network, high-quality IVF care in Johor Bahru
- 30 years of providing fertility treatments, adapting to advanced tech over time.
- 280+- IVF procedures performed in 2024, demonstrating expertise and success.
- 55+- Minor fertility-related surgeries completed successfully in 2024.
- 50% of patients in 2024 were international patients attesting to the clinic’s being a preferred fertility destination for international patients.
Read: Best IVF Hospitals in Malaysia with Cost and Success Rates
Other hospitals in our network include KPJ Ampang Puteri, Ara Damansara Medical Centre, and KPJ Healthcare’s full network, which spans multiple states and treatment needs.
Most Sought After Treatments in Malaysia by International Patients
Malaysia offers a wide range of procedures for medical travellers, with services grouped by clinical need and patient goals.
- Cancer Treatment- breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, GI cancers
- Heart treatments and Vascular Procedures- Coronary bypass, angioplasty, heart valve repair, diagnostic imaging, cardiac rehab
- Neurosurgery- Brain tumour removal, epilepsy surgery,
- Transplants- liver transplants, kidney transplant, cornea transplant, bone marrow transplant
- Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery- Hip and knee replacements, spinal decompression, minimally invasive disc surgery
- IVF and Fertility Care- IVF, ICSI, sperm retrieval, pre-implantation genetic testing, and embryo freezing
- Weight Loss Surgeries- Gastric sleeve, Gastric bypass, Adjustable gastric band, Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch
- Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery- breast lifts, eyelid procedures, rhinoplasty, body contouring, facial contouring
- Dental Procedures- Digital smile design, implants, veneers, full-mouth rehabilitation, Invisalign, crowns
- Health Screening and Wellness Packages
Executive check-ups, cancer screening, women’s and men’s health packages, hormonal testing
All treatments are available with transparent pricing, pre-travel consultation options, and full recovery support.
Best Cities in Malaysia for Medical Tourism
Choosing where to receive medical care in Malaysia depends on your condition, travel goals and recovery preferences.
Below is a comparison of the top cities for international patients seeking trusted care and a comfortable environment.
| City | Best for | Nearest Airport | Tourism Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur | Cancer care, IVF, executive check-ups, robotic surgery | Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) | Capital city with shopping, urban wellness retreats, cultural sites |
| Penang | Fertility care, orthopaedics, medical screening | Penang International Airport | Relaxed pace, coastal stays, heritage cuisine, family-friendly hotels |
| Johor Bahru | Dental work, cosmetic surgery, day treatments | Senai International Airport or Singapore Changi | Quick access from Singapore, shopping malls, spa resorts |
| Melaka | Health check-ups, general surgery, rehabilitation | KLIA (2-hour drive or domestic flight) | Historical charm, quiet streets, good for post-op recovery |
Each city has hospitals with international departments, multilingual staff, and easy access to nearby hotels and recovery spaces.
My 1Health helps you match your treatment needs with the right city, hospital, and post-care environment.
Read: Thailand vs Malaysia: Where Should You Go for Heart Surgery?
Cost of Medical Treatment in Malaysia
Malaysia is a cost-effective choice for medical travel, offering high-quality care at a significantly lower price compared to many Western and regional countries.
| Procedure | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| IVF Package | 3,000 to 4,500 |
| Cancer Consultation + Diagnostics | 300 to 800 |
| Heart Bypass Surgery | 10,000 to 14,000 |
| Knee Replacement | 6,000 to 8,500 |
| Full Mouth Dental Implants | 8,000 to 10,000 |
| Executive Health Screening | 300 to 600 |
| Rhinoplasty / Nose Surgery | 2,500 to 4,000 |
Price Comparison: Malaysia vs Other Countries
| Procedure | Malaysia | Singapore | UK | USA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IVF | 3,500 | 12,000 | 6,000–9,000 | 12,000–20,000 |
| Heart Bypass | 12,000 | 25,000 | 35,000–40,000 | 70,000–150,000 |
| Knee Replacement | 7,000 | 18,000 | 20,000+ | 35,000+ |
Many patients save up to 60% or more by receiving care in Malaysia.
My 1Health provides cost estimates before travel, including package options and hospital comparisons.
We also guide you on payment methods, insurance coverage, and available financing plans where applicable.
Malaysia Medical Visa Process for International Patients
Malaysia is one of the easiest countries to travel to for healthcare. Many international patients can enter visa-free, while others can apply for an eVisa or medical visa with support from a hospital and facilitator.
Do I Need a Visa for Medical Treatment in Malaysia?
This depends on your nationality. Many travellers can enter visa-free for up to 30 to 90 days, especially from:
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
- Oman and Qatar
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Japan and South Korea
If you are travelling from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, or other countries requiring pre-approval, you may need to apply for a medical eVisa.
How Can I Get a Medical Visa Support Letter?
When you book with a hospital through My 1Health, our team will arrange a formal invitation letter from the hospital, which supports your visa application. This letter confirms your treatment plan, doctor’s name, and hospital details.
We also assist with:
- Documents for your travel companion
- Medical summary templates for embassy use
- Submission guidance if applying through a visa agent or embassy
What If My Visa Is Denied?
Our team can help you explore alternative application routes, such as MHTC-accredited fast track channels, or suggest a different timeline that improves your approval chances.
How Many Days Should I Stay?
We help you calculate the right length of stay based on your treatment plan, including:
- Number of days needed before the procedure
- Estimated hospitalisation and recovery days
- Time for post-op reviews or scans
This helps you plan flights, accommodation, and leave days more confidently.
Your Step-by-Step Medical Trip Guide to Malaysia with My 1Health
Step 1: Talk to a Medical Travel Advisor at no cost
We begin with a personal conversation. Whether you have a hospital in mind or are comparing options, we assign a patient support specialist to:
- Understand your condition, goals, and preferences
- Recommend hospitals best known for your treatment
- Compare costs and doctor profiles
- Help you decide what is right for you
Step 2: Confirm Your Medical Plan Before Travel
We arrange a video consultation with the doctor who will treat you. This allows you to:
- Ask detailed questions about the procedure
- Understand recovery time, risks, and success rates
- Receive a cost estimate with a proposed treatment plan
- Get a hospital-issued medical invitation letter for your visa
You can share this plan with your family before you travel.
Step 3: Plan Your Travel with Full Support
We help you create a travel itinerary that includes:
- Flights, airport transfers, and accommodation options
- Clear appointment dates and location details
- Medical visa guidance for you and your companion
- Tips on packing, documents, and what to expect on arrival
Talk to a My 1Health International patient support specialist
Step 4: Receive Care with Local Support
When you land in Malaysia, our team ensures:
- You are picked up from the airport
- You are settled into your hotel or hospital
- You have an international patient coordinator to guide you
- Your cultural needs (halal food, language support, prayer space) are respected
Translation services are available at most partner hospitals.
Step 5: Stay Connected After Treatment
Once your treatment is complete, we continue to support you:
- Help you prepare for your flight home
- Arrange video check-ins with your doctor
- Share medical reports or imaging with your doctor back home
- Check in to see how you are recovering
Our support does not end at discharge, we stay connected.
Connecting patients to world-class medical care through our trusted hospital network
