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MALAYSIA RELAXES COVID-19 TESTING RULES & TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR INBOUND TRAVELLERS

PUTRAJAYA, 28 APRIL 2022 – Starting 1 May 2022, fully-vaccinated inbound travellers are no longer required to undergo pre-departure and on-arrival COVID-19 tests, including children aged 12 and below as well as for those who have been infected with COVID-19 within six to 60 days before departure to Malaysia. Travel insurance will also not be a prerequisite for foreigners entering the country.

However, inbound travellers who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 still need to undergo an RT-PCR test two days before departure as well as a professionally-administered RTK-Ag test within 24 hours upon arrival in Malaysia and observe a five-day quarantine (quarantine exemption is only for those aged 17 and below).

The wearing of masks outdoors is optional but still mandatory indoors, including in shopping malls, offices, public transportation and e-hailing rides. Nevertheless, face coverings are still encouraged in crowded places, and people at higher risk from COVID-19. No more physical distancing is required, and people are now free to shake hands, but they are advised to practise good hand hygiene.

Meanwhile, check-ins via the contact tracing app MySejahtera will no longer be required, but the MySJ Trace function should be activated for contact tracing. Regardless of the vaccination status, people will be allowed to enter the premises except for those who test positive for COVID-19 and have been issued a home surveillance order.

“The seven-day mandatory quarantine for positive cases remains, and the MySejahtera app is used for the COVID-19 test results submission and health assessment. However, those who test positive for COVID-19 may be released earlier from quarantine if their professionally-administered RTK-Ag test on Day 4 is negative.

For more information on the latest standard operating procedures (SOP) for travelling to Malaysia, please visit our website at https://www.malaysia.travel/travel-alert or Mysafe Travel portal at https://mysafetravel.gov.my/

About Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. Since its inception, it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene. Prior to the pandemic, Malaysia registered 26.1 million tourist arrivals and RM86.14 billion tourist receipts, placing it among the major tourism destinations of the world. For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s social media accounts on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , YouTube , and TikTok .

For enquiries, please contact:

Tourism Malaysia Contact Centre [email protected] Tel: +603 8891 8000

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Home » Southeast Asia » Malaysia » Travel Insurance

INSIDER Guide To Malaysia Travel Insurance – Must Read!

Malaysia is now one of the hottest destinations in Southeast Asia. And by hot, we mean quite literally as the nation’s tropical climate means that both peninsular and insular Malaysia, are pleasantly warm all year-round.

But wait, there’s more besides the divine weather. Malaysia is a rich combination of cultures with both a large Chinese and Indian population. The scenery spans from paradise islands to one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests as well as emerald tea plantations. The cities offer cultural immersion and we’d defo recommend getting over to Borneo for your chance to hang out with Malaysia’s superstar residents – Bornean orangutans!

We could wax lyrical about Malaysia all day but we’ll restrain ourselves and get onto today’s subject. The topic of today is travel insurance for Malaysia!

Month to month payments, no lock-in contracts, and no itineraries required: that’s the exact kind of insurance digital nomads and long-term traveller types need. Cover yo’ pretty little self while you live the DREAM!

Do I Need Travel Insurance For Malaysia?

What should travel insurance in malaysia cover, what is the best malaysia travel insurance, how to choose the right malaysia travel insurance for you.

Like the majority of Southeast Asian countries, insurance is not mandatory for traveling to Malaysia . You’ll still get your extremely generous free visa without Malaysian insurance. So if you don’t need to fork out on insurance,  then some of you may wonder why even bother?

In fact, Malaysia is considered one of the safest countries in the region and violent crime is rare. Natural disasters seldom strike in Malaysia either although earthquakes can happen. The leading natural danger is actually flooding. More than 6,000 Malaysians were affected by flash floods and landslides in 2017 alone but those statistics are actually quite similar in the UK.

So there’s not really anything to insure against right? Wrong.

Like anywhere in the world, tourists are a target for petty theft, and every year visitors to Malaysia are relived of phones, passports and cash wads. As a tropical destination with lots of outdoor activities to choose from, you may also be exposed to accidents such as a stumble in the jumble, or a bite from a mosquito infected with dengue fever. All in all, we urge our intrepid backpackers to chew over their options even if that means just out the cheapest Malaysia travel insurance. You know, just in case.

Need more convincing? Check out these other reasons why you should have travel insurance!

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Healthcare in Malaysia

Should you need them, the medical facilities in Malaysia are very reliable, in fact Malaysia was recently rated as having the best healthcare in the world. Malaysian healthcare is governed by the Ministry of Health. The country has an efficient and widespread system of healthcare, operating a two-tier system; a government-funded universal healthcare system plus a private service. Private hospitals are more expensive and offer Western standards.

Private clinics in Malaysia could set their own fees. Practitioners at private hospitals typically charge between RM30 and RM125 ($7 USD – $29 USD) for consultations and clinics now charge within that same range. The more distinguished the hospital, the more you will pay. If tests and treatment are required, that will be added to the bill as well as any prescription medicine. It’s also worth mentioning the pharmacies in Malaysia, these can be found in abundance, and for something minor, the pharmacists may be able to give you some pointers.

If you require medical attention in Malaysia, simply locate your nearest hospital or clinic and turn up. You will complete all the necessary information and wait to be seen. Waiting times at private hospitals are shorter than public ones, but don’t worry, in an emergency, you will be seen promptly, wherever you are. You will need to provide details of your Malaysia travel insurance if the anticipated fees are more than you have access to.

Crime in Malaysia

As a traveler, the crime you are exposed to in Malaysia is nothing out of the ordinary. Petty crime does occur and is more likely to happen in busy cities and around crowded touristic attractions.

The bustling Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, ranked 35th out of 60 cities in the Safe Cities Index 2019. The report spanned digital, health, infrastructure, and personal security. Petty, violent crime and organized crime, corruption levels, and terrorist attacks were the reason for the score.

There are a few areas and places in Malaysia which you may be better avoiding. These include Bornean Sabah, the Eastern Islands Sipadan, and around. If you head there to dive, your Malaysia travel insurance may not cover you so do check.

Additionally, Malaysia is considered to have a moderate risk of terrorism across its cities.

Issues Facing Travelers in Malaysia

Much of your time in Malaysia will be spent stuffing your face with Nasi Kandar and wandering around grand buildings. Some of the key issues facing travelers can all be insured against on your Malaysia travel insurance. Typical issues affecting safety in Malaysia include:

• Bankruptcy of tour operators – While Malaysia lends itself to exploring independently, there are heaps of tours available it in case you don’t fancy getting lost in the Taman Negara or want that (almost) guarantee of seeing rare wildlife. But tour operators can go into liquidation overnight meaning you lose your money and your tour. Figure out the best insurance for Malaysia to protect you should this arise!
• Emergency medical attention – Perhaps you run into trouble in the jungle, like suffer a reaction to a bug bite or break an ankle. Or get struck down with an illness out of the blue and need antibiotics. That’s where the emergency medical clause in your Malaysia travel insurance springs to action.
• Theft of personal goods – As we said, such petty crimes can take place anywhere – even in your home town. In Malaysia, perpetrators may roam dark city streets, lurk on night buses, or prowl at packed events. Always use the locker at your hostel and keep your valuables secure on your person. If you get the cheapest Malaysia travel insurance, consider adding personal possessions coverage.

Common Activities in Malaysia

There’s a reason why Malaysia’s annual tourist numbers are on the increase, plus why holidays are staying for longer! There are tonnes of cool activities to do in Malaysia. Top contenders include:

•   Trekking – Malaysia has heaps of awesome trekking opportunities. Visit Cameron Highlands and skip through tea plantations, get muddy in Taman Negara, or scout for wildlife in Borneo. But if you take a tumble, check your Malaysia holiday insurance covers you in the event of an emergency evacuation. Or, at the very least, medical assistance to get you back on your feet.
•   Scuba diving – Malaysia has erupted as a top dive spot over recent years. And no wonder, with the pristine Perhentian Islands and Tioman Islands! If you do dive, be sure to respect the surface interval before flying. Additionally, ensure your travel insurance in Malaysia covers you to the depth you are qualified for.
•   Rent a vehicle – When in Southeast Asia, do as the locals do and rent a scooter! This is the best way to explore islands like Langkawi if you’re a quick touring itinerary AND have travel insurance. If you’re not keen on two wheels, go for the full four. Car rental is common in Malaysia, and the roads are less frenzied. But ensure you get the best insurance for Malaysia to cover yourself, the vehicle, and your valuables in case of an incident. And with a motorcycle, ensure you have the correct license to validate your insurance.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

As a rule, most Malaysia travel insurance will include the following;

Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses

Baggage and personal property, emergency evacuation and repatriation, non-medical emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, trip interruption.

These are key terms to look out for when comparing travel insurance providers . Let’s take a closer look at what each one of these actually means.

The headline for most travel insurance policies is emergency medical costs. If you are in a car crash or come down with meningitis, you want to rest easy knowing that any ensuing medical costs will be taken care of.

In case you have never seen a medical bill, let us assure you that they can be expensive. A friend of mine once racked up costs of $10,000 in Costa Rica and then a nasty infection in Thailand cost him $2,000.00 for just 2 days in hospital. Ouch.

Pre-existing medical and health conditions may not be covered or may come at an additional premium.

Ideally, Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical insurance should offer at least $100,000.00 of coverage. Whilst British the NHS is free at the point of service, remember they do have the right to recover the monies from non-residents.

Baggage and Personal Stuff coverage covers the value of your personal property. It’s most common application is for lost luggage and. Many policies also extend this to cover “on the ground” theft.

The limits on this vary between policies but rarely exceed $1000 with a maximum item value between usually up to $500.

This is fine for many people but if you work while travelling with important gear (eg. a laptop and camera), you may also wish to think about taking out a separate gadget cover.

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Emergency evacuation covers the cost of sending you back to your home country in a sickbed. Let’s say that the above mentioned car crash is a nasty one and the decision is taken to send you home for further treatment; this will take care of the high, associated costs.

Repatriation is the cost of sending your earthly remains home in the tragic event you die overseas. The costs of this are generally huge, and it is not a burden I would want to leave to my family. Whilst this is rare, every now and then I do come across a Facebook or “Go Fund Me” page for somebody’s body to be flown home.

Non-medical Emergency Evacuation is when you have to be evacuated from your destination because of some unexpected crisis. Classic examples are outbreaks of war/civil unrest and earthquakes that decimate infrastructure. 

Emergency evac insurance covers the costs of having to book a last minute flight (which can be expensive) and will also cover accommodation costs if you end up being flown to a random, “safe” country rather than going straight home.

Being forced to cancel a trip you were looking forward to sucks. But being left out of pocket just rubs salt into that festering wound. Trip Cancellation cover can help you recover non-refundable costs such as booked flights and hotel costs.

Note that you can’t claim under this simply because you changed your mind or broke up with your boyfriend. Acceptable cancellation reasons are things like sickness, family emergencies, bereavement, natural disaster and war – you get the gist.

Trip Interruption is when something goes wrong with a part of your trip leaving you out of pocket. For example, when your hotel burns down and you are forced to book another one. Or when your flight home is cancelled and you need a few extra nights at your hotel. These are just a few examples of when you may need to reply on trip interruption.

Anything Else?

The above is what we consider to be the basic, bare-bones of travel insurance policies. However, some policies do offer a few more aspects and the best Malaysia travel insurance policies may also offer the following;

Adventure Sports and Activities

Note that some travel insurance policies do not cover adventure sports and activities. The definition of adventure sports and activities does vary between providers but for example, can include;

• Paragliding
• Soccer practice….

If you’re someone that loves to chase adventure travel thrills , it is wise to check that your insurance provider is covering it. Broken ankles hurt enough without having a $5k Doctors bill attached to them.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment

This one doesn’t cover any travel-related expenses but instead it basically provides you, or your family with some compensation in the event that something awful happens to you. If you die, your loved ones get a payout. Or, if you lose a finger or something, YOU get a payout.

It’s like having a bit of life cover attached to your travel insurance. I know that not everybody is altogether comfortable with the concept of pay-outs for life & limb – I guess it kind of goes something like this;

“Well dear, I’m afraid there is good news and bad news. The bad news is that our beloved son little Jimmy died on his trip to Malaysia. The good news is that we get $10k! Malaysia here WE come!”

Gear and Electronics Cover

Some insurance policies cover electronic gadgets and some don’t. Those that do, may charge an additional fee, and they generally limit the maximum item value. If you only travel with a phone or tablet, your travel insurer may well cover it entirely. On the other hand, if you are traveling with a good laptop then you may wish to consider obtaining gadget cover.

I have personally had gadget cover on my MacBook Pro for years.

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Whilst they may all seem the same, not all insurers are. Some travel insurers are cheaper than others while others offer higher coverage amounts. Some are infamous for not paying claims whilst others are celebrated for being fair and helpful.

Travel insurers – always the same yet always different. It isn’t possible (or legal) for us to say that anyone of them is the best, or is “better” than the others. No. Insurance is a very complex product and any policy takes into account a whole lot of data and a wide set of variables.

Remember that the “best” travel insurance always depends on where you are going, when you are going there and ultimately upon you and your needs. The best travel insurer for one trip, may not be the best for a different trip.

Below, we will introduce a few of the many travel insurance providers on offer. These are all firms we have used ourselves over the years.

SafetyWing is a relatively new player in the travel insurance space but are already making big waves. They specialise in cover for digital nomads and they offer open-ended cover on a monthly subscription basis. Because they primarily cover digital nomads, they don’t offer much in the way of trip cancellation or delay so do take that into consideration.

However, SafetyWing really excels on the health side of travel insurance, covering dental and some complementary treatments. In fact they even allow young children to be covered for free.

If cancellation and delay is not a concern for you or if you will be spending some considerable time on your trip, then consider SafetyWing travel insurance .

• Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses – $250,000
• Baggage and Personal Property – $3000
• Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation – $100,000
• Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation – $10,000
• Trip Cancellation -$0
• Trip Interruption – $5000

If you need more information or want to get a quote, then you can visit the website for yourself.

Talk about efficient and effective, Heymondo are up-to-date when it comes to combining travel insurance with technology in the digital world of 2024. What truly sets them apart is their assistance app offering a 24-hour medical chat, free emergency assistance calls and incident management. How reassuring is that?! They also have a convenient and complication-free way to make a claim straight from your phone.

Medical expenses are covered up to $10,000,000 USD so try not to damage yourself anything over that amount… If you’d like travel insurance that operates with that little extra swiftness and ease, give these guys a go. They offer multiple options – single trip, annual multi-trip and long stay. We’ve focused on single trip, but do check out the others and find what fits your next adventure.

• Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical/Dental Expenses –$10,000,000 USD
• Baggage and Personal Property – $2,500 USD
• Repatriation and Early Return – $500,000 USD
• Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation – $10,000 USD
• Trip Cancellation – $7,000 USD
• Trip Disruption – $1,500 USD
• Covid 19 coverage included in all plans

If you need more convincing, click our link below to get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance plan!

Columbus Direct

Named after one of history’s greatest (and most divisive explorers), Columbus Direct also specialise in insuring adventure-hungry explorers like us. They have been providing award-winning insurance for 30 years. What we like about this plan is that it does cover small amounts of personal cash. However, Gadget Cover is not available.

Columbus Direct actually offers a number of different travel insurance plans. Below we have focused on 1 of these and have set out the coverage amounts for the Globetrotter plan.

• Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses – $1,000,000
• Baggage and Personal Property – $750
• Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation – $1,000,000
• Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation – $0
• Trip Cancellation -$1,000
• Trip Interruption (“Catastophe”) – $750

World Nomads

World Nomads have been insuring backpackers for years now. World Nomads specialise in backpacker travel insurance and their policies cover long way travel on one-way tickets, trips to multiple countries, and a whole lot of adventure activities. World Nomads are well used to dealing with backpackers like us, and they are regularly recommended by travel bloggers and industry insiders. We love them.

They offer 2 different policies depending on your needs. The Standard Plan is standard & the Explorer Plan covers a whole host of high risk, high fun activities. World Nomads are also one of the few travel insurers who will write you a policy after starting your trip. The one downside for us is that they don’t cover Pakistan.

Let’s look at the maximum coverage amounts with both the Standard & Explorer plan.

• Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses -$100,000/$100,000
• Baggage and Personal Property – $1000/$3000
• Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation – $300,000/$500,000
• Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation – $25,000/$25,000
• Trip Cancellation -$2500/$10,000
• Trip Interruption – $2500/$10,000

If you want more info or to get a quote then visit the World Nomads site for yourself and take a look.

Iati Seguros

Iati Seguros is a Spanish based travel insurance company that we have personally used and loved. You will notice that they provide competitive cover amounts for the key travel insurance areas, and are competitively priced. So far we have heard nothing but good things about them.

They also offer multiple ones, but we have focused on the Standard Plan although we wholly encourage checking out all plans for yourself to identify the best one for your needs.

Standard Plan

• Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses – $200,000
• Baggage and Personal Property – $1000
• Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation – 100% of cost
• Trip Cancellation -$1,500
• Trip Interruption – 100% of cost

Insure My Equipment

Insuremyequipment.com does precisely what the name suggests. They are an online insurer for expensive equipment (like camera gear & golf clubs). You can use them to get specific pieces of gear insured but please bear in mind this policy is only for your specified gear.

An Insure My Equipment policy works well in combination with other travel insurance. Insure My Equipment policies are an excellent choice for professionals and backpackers with more $0000’s worth of camera equipment, expensive laptops or fishing rods.

I also know a few traveling musicians and DJs who use these guys so you are in cool company.

Choosing the right travel insurance for your Malaysia holiday is like choosing a pair of shoes. Only you can really say how well they fit, and how many miles you can manage in them.

To decide who the right insurer for you is, you need to add up how much your trip is worth, how much equipment you plan to take with you and what activities you intend to engage in.

You also need to ask yourself how much you can afford. This means how much you can afford to pay for cover but also how much you can afford to be out of pocket in the unlikely event of an incident. Sometimes, the cheapest Malaysia travel insurance will be enough and sometimes it will be worth spending a bit more.

Hopefully the information provided in this post will help you to decide. If not, then I  guess I just wasted 7 hours of my life in writing it.

Final Thoughts on Malaysia Travel Insurance

And there you have it; that’s Malaysia travel insurance in a nutshell! Hopefully, that’s cleared up any questions you had, and now you know what to expect. We guarantee that you will have a remarkable time in Malaysia. It’s one of those countries that has something for everyone, and all types of travelers will find reasons to love visiting Malaysia . Solo backpackers, families, groups, couples – everyone, really!

Before you dash off, we have heaps more Malaysia travel content for you to check out. Let us inspire you with our tips on where to go in Malaysia, what to do, what to see, where to stay – the whole works. Happy travels!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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Malaysia Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for malaysia.

In the beautiful country of Malaysia, Batu Caves is a sight to behold with its many temples and shrines, not to mention the gigantic statue of the Hindu God. Along with the Petronas Twin Towers and other tourist attractions, travelers are sure to enjoy a trip to breathtaking Malaysia. As you plan your incredible itinerary, it is important to remember travel insurance as it can help aid and support you on your travels. Let’s dive in!

• What should your Travel insurance cover for a trip to Malaysia? 

How Does Travel Insurance for Malaysia Work?

• Do I need Travel Insurance for Malaysia? 
• How much does Travel Insurance cost for Malaysia? 

Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan

• What types of medical coverage does AXA Travel Protection plans offer?

Are There Any COVID-19 Restrictions for Travelers to Malaysia?

Traveling with pre-existing medical conditions , what should your travel insurance cover for a trip to malaysia.

At a minimum, your travel insurance should cover trip cancellation, trip interruption and emergency medical expenses. When it comes to international travel, the US Department of State outlines key components that should be included in your travel insurance coverage. AXA Travel Protection plans are designed with these minimum recommended coverages in mind.

• Medical Coverage   – The top priority is making sure your health is in order. With AXA Travel Protection, you can have access to quality healthcare during your trip overseas in the event of unexpected medical emergencies.    
• Trip Cancellation & Interruptions  – Assistance against unexpected trip disruptions can dampen the mood, AXA Travel Protection offers coverage against unforeseen events.   
• Emergency Evacuations and Repatriation   – In situations where transportation is dire, AXA Travel Protection offers provisions for emergency evacuation and repatriation.   
• Coverage for Personal Belongings  – AXA offers coverage for your belongings with assistance against lost or delayed baggage.   
• Optional Cancel for Any Reason  – For added flexibility, AXA offers optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage, allowing you to cancel your trip for non-traditional reasons.  Exclusive to Platinum Plan holders. 

In just a few seconds, you can get a free quote and purchase the best travel insurance for Malaysia.

Malaysia has a reputation for being a fairly safe place to visit. However, it is important to learn which areas to avoid and practice safe traveling habits to prevent issues like pickpocketing and theft even in the safest areas. If a thief steals luggage from the baggage area, a travel insurance plan can help replace your bags and the contents inside them. Here is how travelers can benefit from an AXA Travel Protection Plan:

Baggage Benefits: 

• Luggage Delay: If the airline delays your checked baggage, your policy might offer reimbursement for essential items like clothing and toiletries. 
• Lost or Stolen Luggage: In the unfortunate event of permanent loss or theft of your luggage, your policy may offer reimbursement for its value, assisting you in replacing your belongings. 

Medical Benefits: 

• Emergency Medical Expenses: Should you fall ill or have an accident during your trip, your policy may offer coverage for medical expenses, including hospital stays and doctor's fees. 
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In case of a serious medical emergency, your policy may include provisions for evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation. 
• Non-Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation : In non-medical crises (e.g., political unrest), your policy may cover evacuation or repatriation, subject to policy terms. 

Pre-Departure Travel Benefits: 

• Trip Cancellation: You may be eligible for reimbursement if you cancel your trip due to a sudden illness or injury. 
• COVID-19 Travel Insurance: Coverage is available for trip cancellation and medical expenses related to COVID-19, subject to policy terms and conditions. 
• Trip Delay: If your flight faces delays due to unforeseen circumstances, you may have coverage for additional expenses such as meals and accommodations. 

Post-Departure Travel Benefits

• Trip Interruption: In case of an unexpected event, you could be eligible for reimbursement for the unused portion of your trip.
• Missed Connection: If you miss a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations, this coverage may help with expenses like rebooking fees and accommodations.

Additional Optional Travel Benefits 

• Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver): Exclusive to Gold & Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit gives travelers extra coverage on their rental car against damage and theft. 
• Cancel for Any Reason: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders; this optional benefit gives travelers more flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason outside of their standard policy. 
• Loss Skier Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate some costs associated with pre-paid ski tickets that you or your traveling companion cannot use due to specified slope closures. 
• Loss Golf Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate the expenses linked to prepaid golf arrangements that you or your travel companion are unable to utilize due to specified golf closures. 

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Malaysia?

While the Malaysian government does not require travelers to purchase travel insurance , it offers valuable protection in an unfamiliar area where you may not speak the language or be able to find helpful resources.

You can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that your travel insurance plan backs you up if your travel plans go awry. Why? There are several reasons:

Trip Cancellation: You may not be able to control circumstances such as bad weather, a personal emergency, or an illness that prevents you from traveling. Travel insurance may reimburse you for 100% of the cost of your trip for eligible expenses.

Lost Baggage: Airlines sometimes mishandle baggage, and the last thing you want is to be without your essentials in an unfamiliar place. Travel insurance offers to cover the cost of replacing necessary items, allowing you to continue on.

Trip Interruption: Travel insurance may reimburse you for unexpected expenses due to an unexpected change of plans.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for Malaysia?

In general, travel insurance costs about 3 – 10% of your total prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses. The cost of travel insurance depends on two factors for AXA Travel Protection plans: 

• Total Trip cost:  The total non-prepaid and non-refundable costs you have already paid for your upcoming trip. This includes prepaid excursions, plane tickets, cruise costs, etc. 
• Age:  Like any other insurance type, the correlation is rooted in increased health risks associated with older individuals. It's important to note that this doesn't make travel insurance unattainable for older individuals. 

With AXA Travel Protection, travelers to Malaysia will be offered three tiers of insurance:  Silver,   Gold  and  Platinum . Each provides varying levels of coverage to cater to individual's preferences and travel needs. 

AXA presents travelers with three travel plans – the  Silver Plan ,  Gold Plan , and  Platinum Plan , each offering different levels of coverage to suit individual needs. Given that United Kingdom hospitals often do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, we genuinely recommend travelers consider purchasing any of these plans, particularly for the crucial coverage they offer for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses.

The Platinum Plan is a good choice for Malaysian travelers who want the benefit of extra coverage. For example, " Cancel for Any Reason " is an optional coverage that offers greater flexibility for those who have concerns have concerns about an unexpected cancellation. The Collision Damage Waiver coverage is also available as an option. This coverage pays for damage to a rental car being used during your Malaysia trip.

Golf enthusiasts may be disappointed if their golf game gets rained out or you cannot play for some other reason at one of Malaysia’s fine golf courses or country clubs. Nonetheless, coverage is available on the Platinum Plan for Lost Golf Rounds to reimburse your fees.

What Types of Medical Coverage Do AXA Travel Protection Plans Offer?

AXA covers three types of medical expenses:

• Emergency medical
• Emergency evacuation & repatriation
• Non-medical emergency evacuation & repatriation

Emergency medical: Can cover illnesses such as dengue fever, tuberculosis, or food poisoning. It may also cover injuries such as a broken appendage, injury due to a fall or other injury. Emergency evacuation and repatriation: Can cover your immediate transportation home in the event of an accidental injury or illness. Non-medical emergency evacuation and repatriation: Can cover evacuation or repatriation expenses due to a non-medical event such as an earthquake, typhoon or volcanic eruption.

The Malaysian government has lifted all COVID-19 restrictions for travelers entering the country. They recommend travelers take normal precautions.

Traveling with pre-existing medical conditions can complicate your plans, but with AXA Travel Protection, we're here to support you during your trip.  

Our Gold and Platinum  plans offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.  The Platinum plan, in particular, is our highest-offered choice for travelers who want our highest coverage limits and optional add-ons, 

What does this mean for you? If you've got a medical condition that's been hanging around, you can qualify for coverage under our Gold and Platinum plans with a pre-existing medical condition , so long as it’s within 14 days of placing your initial trip deposit and in our 60-day look-back period. We're here to ensure you travel easily, no matter your health situation. 

1.Can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight?

You can buy travel insurance even after your flight is booked.

2.When should I buy Travel Insurance to Malaysia?

It is advisable to purchase travel insurance for your trip as soon as you have made your initial trip deposit (prepaid and non-refundable trip costs.) AXA Travel Protection offers coverage as soon as you purchase your protection plan. We can give coverage against unforeseen events before you leave for your trip. Additionally, our policies offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions and Cancel for Any Reason if you purchase your protection within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit.

3.Do Americans need travel insurance in Malaysia?

No, travel insurance is not currently required to visit Malaysia, although you may find it valuable.

4.What is needed to visit Malaysia from the USA?

If you are visiting Malaysia from the USA, all you need is a passport that is valid for at least six months. The government also requires you to have at least one full page in your passport that is blank.

5.What happens if a tourist gets sick in Malaysia?

If you become sick in Malaysia, travelers with AXA Travel protection can contact the AXA Assistance hotline 855-327-1442 . Contact information is typically provided within the insurance documentation. Please ensure to read through your policy details and information.

Disclaimer: It is important to note that Destination articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Specifics of travel coverage for your destination will depend on the plan selected, the date of purchase, and the state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy. Contact AXA Travel Insurance if you have any questions.  AXA Assistance USA, Inc.© 2023 All Rights Reserved.  

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Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Malaysia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Malaysian High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 vaccination requirements for travellers entering Malaysia.  

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in Malaysia. Make sure your passport is undamaged, with no pages missing.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

Malaysia does not recognise dual nationality. You can be refused entry if you’re found with a Malaysian passport and one of a different nationality. If you have dual nationality (not including Malaysian), enter and exit on the same passport.

Visa requirements

British nationals do not need a visa to visit Malaysia. You will normally be allowed to stay for 90 days on arrival. For any longer, or for a non-tourist visit, you will need a visa.

The Malaysian authorities do not tolerate illegal immigration. Do not overstay your visa or violate the terms of entry. Even if you overstay for just a few days, you can be:

• deported to the UK at your own cost
• blacklisted for future visits to Malaysia

If you are detained, you will find facilities can be poor with limited healthcare services. The British High Commission is unable to help you to remain in Malaysia or issue any document to support your overstay.

Keep a copy of your passport and visa safe in case your passport is lost. It may take time to get a replacement visa. If you cannot show your original visa or entry stamp on exit you may be treated as an overstayer, fined and blacklisted.

Applying for a visa

If you want to stay for longer than 90 days or visit for non-tourist purposes, you must apply for a visa from the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission before you travel.

Entry to East Malaysia

If you’re travelling between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (sometimes known as Malaysian Borneo, made up of the states of Sabah and Sarawak) you will need to carry your passport. You will pass through immigration control when entering and exiting East Malaysia from and to Peninsular Malaysia, and must obtain an entry and exit stamp.

Declaration form

You must fill in the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card to enter Malaysia. You should complete this before you travel as it may be requested at check-in. You do not need to complete the arrival form if you are not passing through immigration. See the Malaysian Immigration website for further information, including exemption details.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Malaysia guide .

Drug screening

You could be asked to take a urine test on arrival in Malaysia if you are suspected of having used drugs before your visit. If you’re found with drugs in your bloodstream, you could be detained, or deported and blacklisted from any further visits to Malaysia. You can be charged with drug consumption even if the drugs were consumed overseas, including if they were consumed  in a country where the use of that particular drug is legal.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Malaysia . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

If you are in any doubt about the legality of any items, including medications, you should declare them on entry.

Importing firearms

It’s illegal to import unlicensed firearms and ammunition into Malaysia. This includes spent ammunition and souvenirs from war museums. Do not take any weapons or replica weapons into Malaysia. You may be detained and charged if you do. If you’re convicted of dealing in illegal firearms you can be given the death penalty.

Taking money into Malaysia

You can import or export up to the equivalent of 10,000 US dollars in Malaysian ringgit without prior approval.

On entry to or exit from Malaysia, declare any cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 US dollars or more. If you do not declare it, customs officials can seize your money, and you may get a fine of up to 3 million ringgit and up to 5 years’ imprisonment. Further information can be found on the Royal Malaysian Customs Department website.

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Malaysia: Travel Insurance and Safety Advice

Malaysia Visitors Insurance and Safety Advice

Malaysia is ranked 9th in the world for receiving the most tourists, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization . And it’s the smallest country on that top 10 list. But for its small size, it is mighty. It boasts spectacular beaches, islands, national parks, and cities that keep visitors coming back for more. It’s also increasingly popular with Expats, who appreciate an affordable cost of living and easy travel access to neighboring countries. If you’re contemplating a visit or a move, here’s a primer on Malaysian health, insurance, and safety advice.

Malaysia Travel Insurance Plans

Best short term (up to one year) travel insurance for visitors to malaysia.

For most travelers, the Atlas Travel Insurance plan is an excellent option providing travel medical insurance for trips abroad, including to Malaysia.

• Emergency medical, evacuation, repatriation benefits
• Choose between the basic and more extensive coverage
• Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
• 24/7 worldwide travel and emergency medical assistance

Travel Insurance for US Citizens Visiting Malaysia

GeoBlue offers the Voyager Travel Insurance plan for travelers to Malaysia. The Voyager plan is a great option for US citizens looking for emergency medical coverage along with other travel insurance benefits. If you are interested in trip cancellation insurance, consider Seven Corners Travel Insurance . In addition to emergency medical benefits for travelers, the plan will cover your trip costs including flights and hotels.

GeoBlue Voyager Plan

• For U.S. citizens up to age 95
• Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
• 24/7/365 service and assistance

Seven Corners Trip Protection Insurance

• Comprehensive trip protection for U.S. residents traveling abroad.
• Optional rental car collision coverage available.
• Optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage available (if eligible).

Best Malaysian International Medical Insurance Plan

Cigna Global Insurance Plan

• The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
• Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
• The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service

Read: Health Insurance in Malaysia for Foreigners and Expats

General Travel Safety and Advice When Visiting Malaysia

The majority of travelers who visit Malaysia come home with glowing reports of the country’s beautiful countryside, amazing cities, and delicious food. However, every destination has health and safety concerns, and, in Malaysia, some of those are more pronounced than others.

In particular, most governments have issued a strong travel warning about traveling to the coastal areas of eastern Sabah for fear of kidnapping, piracy, and terrorism. The New Zealand government, for instance, advises: “There is an ongoing risk of kidnapping in coastal areas of eastern Sabah. Terrorist and criminal groups…have in the past kidnapped people from these areas and further kidnappings are likely.”

In major cities, petty crimes like purse snatching aren’t that unusual. Like with any other trip, keep a close eye on personal possessions and minimize your risk with secure, cross-body style bags. Speak with hotel staff or trusted friends about identifying unsafe streets, if applicable.

Traveling with illegal drugs is foolhardy and risky in any region of the world, and especially so in Malaysia. The current government has an extremely aggressive stance on drug use and distribution. The penalties for such crimes are severe and include the death penalty.

Understanding Malaysia’s Health Care System

Malaysia has a two-tier health care system. This means that government-funded, universal health care co-exists with privately funded healthcare options. While the public system is widespread, services may be basic in rural areas. However, healthcare improvements and investments are a government priority. Pilot projects, including delivering prescription medicine by mail, have received favorable reviews. Many rural hospitals and clinics also use a Tele-Care system to connect patients and specialists. Hopefully, as a result, more isolated regions will see improvements. In the meantime, if your travels involve extensive time in rural and isolated areas, inquire about travel insurance policies that include medical evacuation or air ambulance transfers to major cities in the case of an emergency.

A List of the Best Hospitals in Malaysia

In Malaysia’s cities, the private health care system has a very good reputation for access to specialists and leading diagnostic technology. Travelers should inquire about health care insurance that covers private hospital visits, as, in general, they are more comfortable and waits times are shorter.

Emergency Services in Malaysia

In Malaysia, for emergency services:

• Dial 999 to request an ambulance or police services
• Dial 994 to connect with a fire department
• 112 is an alternative emergency service for mobile phone users

The Malaysian government is the main provider of ambulances in the country but there’s not one centralized system for organizing them. For instance, a traveler in need may find themselves in an ambulance run by the Red Cross or a university. As a result, ambulance response times are slower than in many other countries (though the care provided within is good).  It can often be a tough call but travelers in need will have to determine if it’s possible to use alternative transportation, such as a taxi, to reach a hospital more quickly.

Vaccines Required and Health Advice for Malaysian Travel

As with every trip, your routine vaccinations should be up to date. That includes tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and your yearly influenza vaccine.

The CDC recommends hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines for most travelers. For some travelers, depending on their exact destination and travel plans, hepatitis B, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis may be recommended, as well as malaria prevention.

Travelers coming from countries where yellow fever is a risk are required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination. There is no risk of yellow fever in Malaysia. This is a preventative strategy to make sure travelers who have previously visited high-risk countries don’t bring the disease with them.

Tap water in Malaysia is generally not potable and travelers should stick to bottled or boiled water.

Many countries have a travel advisory for Malaysia because of the Zika virus. Pregnant women, in particular, should speak with their healthcare provider before they travel. While influenza is a concern in many Asian countries, the government of Malaysia has developed a comprehensive National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (NIPPP)

Medical Tourism in Malaysia

Not all tourists to Malaysia are motivated by surf, sun, and shopping. Medical tourism is a significant part of the Malaysian tourism economy. According to the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), Malaysia reportedly received 641,000 foreign patients in 2011. While the majority of medical tourism patients are from Indonesia, the percentage from the United States, Canada, and Western Europe is growing. If you’re contemplating visiting Malaysia for the purposes of medical care, take the time to diligently research all of your options. Speak with your home health care team about your plan and reach out to other Expats and patients to learn from their experiences before you finalize your decision. 

• International Travel Insurance
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Malaysia Travel Insurance – Do You Need One?

Some people believe travel insurance is a necessary part of travel while others rarely bother with it. Whether you buy Malaysia travel insurance or not depends on your style of travel and preferences. Short city breaks to Kuala Lumpur probably won’t need to buy insurance apart from to protect against flight delays and cancellations. While those backpacking through the jungle for several months at a time might benefit from some sort of coverage.

Is travel insurance necessary for Malaysia?

Malaysia is a relatively safe country and doesn’t experience major natural disasters on the same scale as nearby Indonesia and the Philippines. There are fewer risks regarding health and political issues compared to other parts of Asia. The most significant danger tourist’s face often includes accidents from dangerous or reckless driving and theft.

According to many, buying travel insurance for Malaysia will give you peace of mind in the unlikely event of unforeseen incidents. Flight delays tend to be quite common and last minute cancellation on budget airlines like AirAsia aren’t unheard of. Paying an extra couple of dollars for traveller insurance to protect against missed connections might be a worthwhile investment.

Ecotourism grows in popularity in parts of Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo. Activities often include travelling into the jungle to see the wildlife and to go on jungle treks. If you’re thinking about this type of adventure, it’s vital to get some kind of health insurance. The jungle and rainforests are full of several types of disease and dangers. From the risk of a tiny cut becoming infected in a matter of days to the deadly venomous snakes, having some protection might be the difference between getting medical attention or waiting too late. After all, it can take several hours to reach a hospital from some of the more remote areas.

Where to buy it?

Search online, and a long list of travel insurance companies will show up. Finding the best one to suit your specific circumstances can be a challenge. In today’s day and age, the younger generation will search for insurance information online. The less tech-savvy might still buy their coverage from the travel agent. However, the best way to approach finding a suitable package is to search online, find recommendations and read customer reviews of the company. Don’t accept what’s at face value. The priority is buying something suitable that protects you for your specific requirements and will pay up when they need to.

What should travel insurance for Malaysia cover?

The typical coverage of a good travel insurance package should protect against medical costs, trip cancellations, theft and accidental death at the very least. However the most important of these is medical expenses . Sudden sickness or illness can happen without warning, and when tourists are in a hot and humid climate, this increases the risk of exacerbating pre-existing medical conditions. Ideally, you want to be protected for at least $50,000 and to have emergency transport. Getting out of the city and visiting the more rural and off the beaten path places is an exciting adventure, but remember most villages and small towns lack international standard hospitals.

If you’re planning on taking a long-haul flight with connections, consider buying coverage to protect against trip cancellations especially if you book months in advance. Lots of things can go wrong from now until the date of your trip including sickness, death in the family or unforeseen financial difficulties. Having the peace of mind to know that you’re protected in this type of circumstance is essential. Buy Malaysia travel insurance that offers financial support in the event of flight delays, missed connections and cancellations. Choose a policy with allowances for lost or stolen luggage too.

If you’re planning to spend more time in Malaysia, consider the risk of theft and petty crime . Those travelling with expensive phones, laptops and cameras might want to buy something where they can claim for stolen or lost goods. And finally, there’s always a risk of terrorism, in particular, the tourist centres of Kuala Lumpur. Making sure your insurance coverage protects against this unlikely, but potential, threat should be a priority.

How to choose appropriate travel insurance

Different insurance policies may or may not cover specific activities. Those who want to go diving in Sabah’s Sipadan will need a different package to visitors who plan to take part in extreme sports.

Malaysia features some of the world’s best diving sites, especially around Sabah. Some are relatively unexplored and gives tourists the chance to experience an abundance of untainted marine life and coral reefs. But having a diving holiday comes with risks and dangers. Despite the sport having a relatively good safety record, it’s always a good idea to get some insurance. Not all cover diving, and those that do may have strict terms and conditions. Always choose one that includes hospital beds, extra accommodation and rebooked flight at the very least. Consider buying a more comprehensive package covering the events of permanent and total disability or death for complete peace of mind.

If you go into the jungle or plan to trek along some of the trails in the highlands, check your Malaysia travel insurance protects against injuries. Muddy paths and a plethora of obstacles inside a hot and humid environment increase the risk of falls. Inadequate hydration can quickly lead to dizziness and delirium making the chances of falling ill more likely. Make sure the insurance covers hospital costs and emergency evacuation.

What to do in the event of an insured accident?

Keep all the receipts and documents as evidence towards the claim. If you’re admitted to hospital, and you’re capable, call up the insurance company and double check what they will and won’t support. Some hospitals and clinics may or may not be eligible for your particular insurance company. For minor admittance, expect to pay upfront and make a reimbursement claim later.

For the more serious accidents requiring medical attention, you’ll get the treatment first, and the insurance company will deal with the bill. Read the terms and conditions carefully before taking your trip as different companies might have different procedures. If you want to claim on your Malaysia travel insurance for loss of property, you’ll need to complete a claim of the estimated value with as much supporting evidence as possible.

The level of healthcare in Malaysia

The quality of hospitals varies from city to city with Kuala Lumpur having some of Malaysia’s best. Foreigners can choose between visiting a government or private hospital. The first tends to see more local patients while the second attracts the expats. Expect to pay at least RM40 ($10.20) for outpatient care and a minimum of RM120 ($31) to see a specialist in a government hospital. If you need to stay overnight, a bed costs anywhere from RM160 ($41) to RM500 ($128) per night. Private clinic often have a much higher consultation fee that usually starts at RM50 ($12.80). Overnight stay range between RM140 ($36) to RM2500 ($640) depending on the type of room and hospital.

At the very least, choose an insurance company that covers medical bills, flight cancellations and loss of property. For the more adventurous activities, get something that helps with emergency evacuation, permanent disability or death. The type, cost and necessity all depends on the individual and kind of trip.

Top Travel Insurances for Malaysia You Should Know in 2024

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Malaysia is a culturally diverse country that's home to lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and unique Malay heritage and cuisine. Although travelling to Malaysia can be an accessible holiday destination for many people, and although healthcare costs in the country aren't outrageously expensive, it's still a very good idea to arrive there with travel insurance anway, as you'll want the highest-quality healthcare you can find.

Luckily, online global insurances (known as 'insurtechs') specialize in cost-savvy travel insurance to Malaysia and other countries worldwide. Our list below explores the four services we believe provide the best deals for young travellers, adventurers, everyday holidaymakers looking for comprehensive but affordable coverage, and longer-term expats.

Malaysia Insurance Profile

Here are a few of the many factors influencing the scope and cost of travel insurances for Malaysia:

Best Travel Insurances for Malaysia

• 01. Should I get travel insurance for Malaysia? scroll down
• 02. Best medical coverage: VisitorsCoverage scroll down
• 03. Best trip insurance: Insured Nomads scroll down
• 04. Best mix for youth and digitial nomads: SafetyWing scroll down
• 05. FAQ about travel insurance to Malaysia scroll down

Heading to Malaysia soon? Don't forget to check the following list before you travel:

• 💳 Eager to dodge high FX fees? See our picks for the best travel cards in 2024.
• 🛂 Need a visa? Let iVisa take care of it for you.
• ✈ Looking for flights? Compare on Skyscanner !
• 💬 Want to learn the local language? Babbel and italki are two excellent apps to think about.
• 💻 Want a VPN? ExpressVPN is the market leader for anonymous and secure browsing.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Malaysia?

No, there's currently no legal requirement to take out travel insurance for travel to or through Malaysia.

However, regardless of whether or not it's legally required, it's always a good idea to take our health insurance before you travel — whether to Malaysia or anywhere else. For what's usually an affordable cost , taking out travel insurance will mitigate most or all of the risk of financial damage if you run into any unexpected troubles during your trip abroad. Take a look at the top five reasons to get travel insurance to learn more.

With that said, here are the top three travel insurances for Malaysia:

VisitorsCoverage: Best Medical Coverage

Among the internet's best-known insurance platforms,  VisitorsCoverage  is a pioneering Silicon Valley insurtech company that offers comprehensive medical coverage for travellers going abroad to Malaysia. It lets you choose between various plans tailored to meet the specific needs of your trip to Malaysia, including coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and travel disruptions. With its easy online purchase process and 24/7 live chat support, VisitorsCoverage is a reliable and convenient option if you want good value and peace of mind while travelling abroad.

• Coverage 9.0
• Quality of Service 9.0
• Pricing 7.6
• Credibility 9.5

VisitorsCoverage offers a large variety of policies and depending on your needs and preferences, you'll need to compare and explore their full catalogue of plans for yourself. However, we've chosen a few highlights for their travel insurance for Malaysia:

• Policy names: Varies
• Medical coverage: Very good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, mental health-related conditions, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Excellent - but only available for US residents.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat and phone support
• Pricing range: USD 25 to USD 150 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Lloyd's, Petersen, and others
• Best for: Value for money and overall medical coverage

Insured Nomads: Best Trip Coverage

Insured Nomads is another very good travel insurance option, especially if you're adventurous or frequently on the go and are looking for solid trip insurance with some coverage for medical incidents too. With Insured Nomads, you can choose the level of protection that best suits your needs and enjoy a wide range of benefits, including 24/7 assistance, coverage for risky activities and adventure sports, and the ability to add or remove coverage as needed. In addition, Insured Nomads has a reputation for providing fast and efficient claims service, making it an excellent choice if you want peace of mind while exploring the world.

• Coverage 7.8
• Quality of Service 8.5
• Pricing 7.4
• Credibility 8.8

Insured Nomads offers three travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences. We go through them below:

• Policy names: World Explorer, World Explorer Multi, World Explorer Guardian
• Medical coverage: Good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Good. Includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, lost or stolen luggage (with limits), adventure and sports activities, and many others.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat, phone support
• Pricing range: USD 80 to USD 420 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: David Shield Insurance Company Ltd.
• Best for: Adventure seekers wanting comprehensive trip insurance

SafetyWing: Best Combination For Youth

SafetyWing is a good insurance option for younger travellers or digital nomads because it offers flexible but comprehensive coverage at a famously affordable price. With SafetyWing, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you're covered for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. In addition, SafetyWing's user-friendly website lets you manage your policy, file a claim, and access 24/7 assistance from anywhere in the world, and, unlike VisitorsCoverage, you can even purchase a policy retroactively (e.g. during a holiday)!

• Coverage 7.0
• Quality of Service 8.0
• Pricing 6.3
• Credibility 7.3

SafetyWing offers two travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences, which we've highlighted below:

• Policy names: Nomad Insurance, Remote Health
• Medical coverage: Decent. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Decent. Includes attractive coverage for lost or stolen belongings, adventure and sports activities, transport cancellation, and many others.
• Pricing range: USD 45 to USD 160 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Tokyo Marine HCC
• Best for: Digital nomads, youth, long-term travellers

How Do They Compare?

Interested to see how VisitorsCoverage, SafetyWing, and Insured Nomads compare as travel insurances to Malaysia? Take a look at the side-by-side chart below:

Data correct as of 4/1/2024

FAQ About Travel Insurance to Malaysia

Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen luggage, travel delay, and emergency evacuation. Some travel insurance packages also cover medical-related incidents too. However, remember that the exact coverage depends on the insurance policy.

No, you'll not be required to take out travel insurance for Malaysia. However, we strongly encourage you to do so anyway, because the cost of healthcare in Malaysia can be high, and taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself if you need medical attention during your stay.

Yes, medical travel insurance is almost always worth it, and we recommend taking out travel insurance whenever visiting a foreign country. Taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself in case you need medical attention during your stay. In general, we recommend VisitorsCoverage to travellers worldwide because it offers excellent value for money and well-rounded travel and medical benefits in its large catalogue of plans.

Health insurance doesn't cover normal holiday expenses, such as coverage for missed flights and hotels, but in case you run into medical trouble while abroad, it may cover some or all of your doctor or hospital expenses while overseas. However, not all health insurance providers and plans offer coverage to customers while abroad, and that's why it's generally best to take out travel insurance whenever you travel.

Although there's overlap, health and travel insurance are not exactly the same. Health insurance covers some or all of the cost of medical expenses (e.g. emergency treatment, doctor's visits, etc.) while travel insurance covers non-medical costs that are commonly associated with travelling (e.g. coverage for missed flights, stolen or lost personal belongings, etc.).

The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, such as the length of the trip, the destination, the age of the traveller, and the level of coverage desired. On average, travel insurance can cost anywhere between 3% and 10% of the total cost of the trip.

A single-trip travel insurance policy covers a specific trip, while an annual one covers multiple trips taken within a one-year period. An annual policy may be more cost-effective for frequent travellers.

Yes, you can sometimes purchase travel insurance after starting your trip, but it is best to buy it before the trip begins to ensure maximum coverage. If you do need to buy insurance after you've started your trip, we recommend VisitorsCoverage , which offers a wide catalogue of online trip and medical insurance policies, most of which can be booked with immediate effect. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

Yes, you can most certainly purchase travel insurance for a trip that has already been booked, although we recommend purchasing insurance as soon as possible aftwerwards to ensure all coverage is in place before your journey begins. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

See Our Other Travel Insurance Guides

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AIG Travel Insurance

A complete travel protection that covers flight delay, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, medical expenses & more.

Travel Insurance Overview

No matter where your next holiday destination is, we’re here to keep you safe during your holiday.

We provide comprehensive travel insurance protection including COVID-19 coverage for you to fully enjoy your trip.

Our most popular features include

Cashless hospitalisation & medical expenses coverage up to RM1 million (with COVID-19 coverage up to RM700,000)

If your trip is cancelled due to covered events , we’ll reimburse up to RM15,000

Protection for loss of baggage & personal belongings  up to RM8,000

Lump sum payout up to RM400,000

Wherever you are in the world,  we’re ready to help 24/7.

Making claims easier. Submit your claims online in a few easy steps.  Make online claim here>

Instant and easy online purchase  for your next trip.   Buy online here>

COVID-19 Coverage

In the event you are diagnosed with COVID-19, we will provide you COVID-19 coverage including Medical and Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation Expenses up to RM700,000, Travel Cancellation, Travel Curtailment and Quarantine Allowance benefits (applicable to Basic, Standard or Deluxe Plan only).

Medical Expenses (including cashless hospital admission)

If you are hospitalised due to accident or  illness (excluding pre-existing conditions),  AIG Travel Insurance will cover the hospitalisation expenses incurred up to RM1 million. Our travel assistance team is on call by phone to provide you emergency travel assistance, ensuring you receive appropriate medical care.

Comprehensive coverage

AIG Travel Insurance provides you with coverage for domestic and overseas medical expenses, trip cancellation, travel interruptions and delays, emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation costs and lost, damaged or delayed baggage.

Personal Accident cover

You can get lump sum payout up to RM400,000 if you suffer from an accidental death or permanent disablement during your trip with AIG Travel Insurance.

Trip cancellation cover

Don't worry about the costs of transport & accommodation due to your trip cancellation. We’ll reimburse you the non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled due to specific events, within a specific time before your departure date.

Natural disasters

AIG Travel Insurance will pay for travel inconveniences related expenses against natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and volcano eruptions, occurring at the country of travel.

Our own global assistance service

We have a fast and efficient 24-hour Emergency Assistance Team available to assist you in the event of injury following an accident or if you are ill and require hospital attention abroad.

Travel Inconvenience

We provide you coverage for travel inconveniences such as travel delays, loss or damage to your personal belongings, fraudulent use of credit card, car rental excess charges and more.

* Coverage differs according to product & plan. Please refer to policy wording for full details of coverage and exclusions.

Skip The Odds Video | Trip Cancellation

When emergency strikes, your travel plans might have to be cancelled and losing all your non-refundable expenses due to unexpected events is the worst part of travelling. The Skippers learned this the hard way. Keep your trip protected and your wallet healthy with  AIG Travel Insurance !

#AIGSkipTheOdds #AIGJagaYou

*Terms and conditions apply.

SKIP THE ODDS | MEDICAL EXPENSES You'll never know when injuries happen during your travel, so learn from the Skippers and protect yourself against unexpected medical expenses.

SKIP THE ODDS | FLIGHT DELAY Think you’re safe from flight delays? The Skippers thought they were as well. But unlike them, don’t let this be the end of the trip you’ve dreamed about.

SKIP THE ODDS | LOSS OF PERSONAL BELONGINGS Losing a luggage is a hassle. Imagine losing your phone too! Unlike the Skippers, you have the choice to not let this mishap interrupt the rest of your trip.

How we helped our customers - Actual Travel Claim Stories

While traveling in the united kingdom, an insured sustained a hip injury and underwent a surgery...more.

An insured fell while travelling in the United Kingdom and sustained a hip injury. Due to the severity of the injury, the insured underwent a surgery and was discharged two weeks after.

Escorted by an AIG medical nurse, the insured safely returned home to Malaysia. The total cost of medical treatment and repatriation amounted to approximately RM80,000 was fully covered under the insured’s travel policy with us.

* This case is based on a real AIG claim. Name and personal details of the insured have been withheld for privacy purposes.

On his trip to Laos, while golfing, an insured sustained rib fractures, and had to be repatriated home...more

An insured was golfing in Laos and was accidentally knocked over by a buggy. The insured sustained multiple rib fractures with chest contusion and abrasion wounds. Due to the severity of the injuries, the insured was admitted to a hospital in Thailand and was monitored conservatively.

Upon discharge, the insured was repatriated home to Malaysia escorted by an AIG nurse and with special flight arrangements, which included additional oxygen supplies on flight, as well as ground ambulance and wheelchair arrangements. The insured was directly admitted to a medical facility upon touchdown for further medical care.

The medical and repatriation expenses of almost RM40,000 were fully covered under the insured’s travel policy with us.

Read more Actual Travel Claim Stories >

Quote & buy online, before your next trip!

We'll ask you the below information to get a quote & buy online :

Your trip destination and period

How many people to cover

The level of cover you need - View a selection of plans along with sum insured and premium

24/7 Worldwide Travel Assistance

To contact Travel Guard from anywhere in the world, call:

+60 3 2772 5600

Read more about our types of Travel Assistance Services here>

Downloads, Claims

• Product Disclosure Sheet 
• Policy Wording 
• Policy Amendment Form 
• Direct Debit Authorization Form
• Beneficiary Nomination Form 
• Make A Claim 
• Travel Claim Checklist 
• Travel Claim Notification Form 
• Claims Payment Method Form

Please be advised that the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine may impact travel insurance coverages and benefits, and AIG Travel’s ability to provide certain travel-related assistance services, for travel to, from or within the affected areas.

1. What is Travel Insurance?

Travel Insurance is a comprehensive insurance plan for domestic and overseas travel.  The major benefits provided are medical related benefits, personal accidents benefits, travel inconvenience & other travel-related benefits and 24-hours worldwide travel assistance.  Additionally, you can choose to purchase our optional rider benefit which extends your coverage to include your golfing equipments and your participation in special sports such as winter sports activities & scuba diving.

2. How much premium do I have to pay?

The premium varies depending on your choice of plan, destination and duration of cover selected.  Premiums are inclusive of Service Tax (ST) of 8% and is applicable for Domestic trips. 

3. How do I buy my Travel Insurance?

You can buy your Travel Insurance in any of the following method:

1.  Buy online  on our website; or 2.  Locate & contact an agent  to buy

4. Who is eligible to purchase?

(a) A Malaysian citizen, Malaysian permanent resident, or a holder of a valid work permit or employment pass (of which your place of employment must be in Malaysia during the policy period), dependent pass, student pass or long-term social visit pass not including travelling visa (that is issued by the relevant governmental authority in Malaysia), with full rights to enter into and return to Malaysia regardless of medical status; (b) You must be returning to your home (primary residence within Malaysia) at the end of your travel, or be intending to return home on completion of your travel; (c) Your travel pre-arrangements must be made and paid for in Malaysia prior to your trip and your trip must commence in Malaysia; and (d) You need to be a resident in Malaysia.

Any residents of Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea or the Crimea region will not allowed to purchase this policy.

5. What are some of the key terms and conditions that I should be aware of?

Importance of disclosure: 

i. You must disclose all material facts which will affect the risk profile such as your age and occupation. ii. Any fraud, deliberate misrepresentation of material facts or non-disclosure of information in connection with the application for this policy or when making a claim will invalidate the policy and any benefit due will be forfeited and any benefit that has previously been paid must be repaid to us in full.

6. When does my coverage for the overseas trip begin?

(a) Travel Cancellation Per Trip plan – 24 hours from the purchase of the policy, unless due to an accident in which cover commences from the policy purchase date. Annual plan – 24 hours from the purchase of the policy or after travel is booked whichever occurs later, unless due to an accident in which cover commences from the travel booking date. Cancellation of a scheduled trip due to death, permanent total disablement or hospitalization must occur within 60 days prior to your original scheduled departure and for other covered events, it must occur within 14 days prior to your original scheduled time of departure. 

(b) Travel Delay and Accidental Death & Disablement within 12 hours prior to departure from Malaysia. 

(c) All other benefits upon departure from Malaysia.

7. I am holding a one-way ticket. Can I purchase Travel Insurance?

Yes. For one-way travel, coverage terminates 5 days upon your departure from Malaysia.

8. Can I buy more than one Travel Insurance policy for the same trip?

If you are covered by more than one policy, we will cover you based on the policy which provides the highest benefit level.

9. Are activities such as winter sports & scuba diving covered?

Our Special Sports rider (optional) extends your coverage if you choose to participate in winter sporting activities & scuba diving (up to 30m), with the proper conduct, guidance and supervision by a licensed operator.*

*Does not involve engaging, practicing or participating in a semi-professional or in a professional capacity or where income or remuneration can be earned from in such sports.

10. Is the benefit payable by per incident or per trip?

Sum insured listed in the schedule of benefit is payable based on per incident.

11. Who do I contact for an emergency assistance or if I need to be admitted to a hospital while overseas?

Please call our 24 Hours, 7 Days worldwide travel assistance at +603-2772 5600.  You may reverse charge the call where this service is available. 

If you are unable to do so during an emergency, seek treatment first, and contact our worldwide travel assistance at +603-2772 5600 as soon as possible.

12. What is the definition of Immediate Family Members?

It refers to the legal spouse, child, parent and their siblings, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandparent-in-law, grandchild, sibling, sibling-in-law, niece or nephew of the insured.

13. I am travelling to multiple countries, do I need to buy a separate plan for each country? Which region should I select?

If you are traveling to multiple destinations within the same trip, you can be covered under one policy.

14. Can I cancel my policy and get a refund?

No refund of premium is allowed once the policy has been incepted.

15. How do I submit a claim and how long does it take to process a claim?

Please click  here  to view our 3 easy steps to make a claim.

It takes 30 working days to process a claim, upon receiving complete documentation and provided that there is no further information or investigation required.

16. What should I do if the airlines loses my baggages?

Lodge a report and seek compensation from the airline. You may file in your  claim  for the loss not compensated by the airline.

17. Will I be covered for an illness that I am already suffering from or have suffered in the past?

No. We do not cover any pre-existing condition occurring within 1 year prior to the policy effective date.

18. Can I continue my medical treatment in Malaysia for injuries sustained overseas?

Yes. If you suffer from a disability while travelling on an overseas trip and subsequently seek follow-up treatment in Malaysia, we will reimburse the medically necessary expenses incurred within 30 days upon arrival to Malaysia, subject to the medical expenses limit specified in the schedule of benefit (available for Standard and Deluxe plan only).

19. If I fall down overseas but do not seek treatment overseas, can I claim for medical expenses if I seek treatment after returning to Malaysia?

Yes, only if the treatment is sought within 24 hours from the date of arrival in Malaysia. We will reimburse the medically necessary expenses incurred within 30 days upon arrival to Malaysia, subject to the medical expenses limit specified in the schedule of benefit (available for Standard and Deluxe plan only).

20. Are dental expenses or pregnancy-related matters covered?

No, dental expenses and pregnancy-related matters are not covered, unless they are direct consequences of an accident.

21. I need to cut-short my trip because my father is hospitalized in Malaysia. What am I covered for?

You will be covered for additional cost of travel and accommodation up to an amount of RM 1,000 and/or unused and non-refundable expenses which is paid in advance and not recoverable from any relevant parties.

22. Can I file a claim if my baggage is stolen where it is left outside on a bench while I am checking in?

No, we do not cover for loss of baggage left unattended in any public place, as the policy excludes any failure of the insured to take reasonable efforts to safeguard his/her property.

23. Can I claim for travel cancellation if I cancel my trip because of political unrest at my planned destination?

Yes, travel cancellation covers any event below which occurs within 14 days prior to original scheduled departure which:

(a) leads to widespread violence;

(b) is not due to reasons for purposes of asserting sovereign rights and/or operating on behalf of a sovereign state;puts your life in danger; and

(c) following the advise and/or warning of the Malaysian government or the government of the destination country declaring unsafe conditions for travel through or by general mass media. 

However, this policy excludes strikes or events due to an act of war, assertion of sovereignty, insurrection, revolution and use of military power.

24. What should I do if I lose money whilst abroad?

Yes. You must make a report to the local police within 24 hours after the incident. Please click  here  to view our 3 easy steps to make a claim.

25. Will I be covered if my belongings are pick-pocketed while traveling overseas?

26. does travel insurance cover for natural disasters.

Yes. Natural disasters including but not limited to volcanic eruption, flood, earthquake, tsunami, hurricane or wildfire are covered events under our policy.

27. If I transit in Australia (Cluster 3) during my trip to New Zealand (Cluster 2) but I am not stopping over in Australia, what region should I buy?

If you transit in Australia with no stop over, you may purchase a Cluster 2 plan.

If you transit in Australia with a minimum stop over of 1 night because there is no connecting flight, you may purchase a Cluster 3 plan.

28. Can a child purchase an individual policy and what is the premium and benefits?

A child (aged between 30 days and above and up to 18 years) can purchase an individual policy but the policy must be issued under a parent or legal guardian’s name, i.e. on the life of (OTLO) the child’s name.

For example:

“Jack Tan OTLO Tan Mei Mei”.

The payable premium for a child is the same as for an adult.

Under the Family plan, a child is entitled to 25% of the Accidental Death and Permanent Disablement benefit and all other benefits are payable at 100%.

29. Can I purchase travel insurance after I depart and still be covered?

No. You must purchase the policy prior to your scheduled departure.

30. Can I extend my policy period after the commencement of my trip?

Coverage shall be extended at our sole discretion for up to 30 days from the expiry of the period of insurance without payment of any additional premium if you are hospitalized and/or quarantined overseas as recommended by a doctor or as a result of any circumstances beyond your control which is deemed reasonable by us prohibiting your return to Malaysia prior to the insurance expiry.

31. What is Car Rental Excess Charges benefit?

32. what is golf insurance rider and does the cover extend worldwide.

It covers you for any loss or damage to your golfing equipment and hole-in-one expenses.

Cover is worldwide except for United States of America and/or Canada and to countries where such payment would violate any prohibition or regulation or sanction that has been imposed by the Malaysian Government, the American Government and/or the United Nations.

Search Smartraveller

Latest update

Exercise normal safety precautions in Malaysia.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Malaysia (PDF 367.29 KB)

Asia (PDF 2.21 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 999 or contact the Royal Malaysia Police Operations Centre on 321 159 999 or 322 662 222.

Advice levels

Reconsider your need to travel to the coastal region of eastern Sabah, including the islands, dive sites and associated tourist facilities.

Reconsider your need to travel to the coastal region of eastern Sabah, including the islands, dive sites and associated tourist facilities, due to the high threat of kidnapping. The risk of kidnapping increases on the water and waterfront after nightfall and is highest in the area between the towns of Sandakan and Tawau.

See Safety .

• There's an ongoing high risk of kidnapping in the coastal areas of eastern Sabah. There have been a number of attempted and successful kidnappings. This includes islands, dive sites and tourist facilities. If, despite our advice, you travel to these areas, get professional security advice. Obey all local governments' curfews.
• Terrorism is a threat. Possible targets include businesses and public areas popular with foreigners. Take official warnings seriously.
• Petty crime is common. Bag-snatching, including by thieves on motorbikes, happens often. When walking, hold your bag on the opposite side to the traffic. Safeguard your belongings, especially in shopping centres, at the airport and on trains. Credit card fraud is common. Always keep your credit card in sight when paying for purchases.
• Drink spiking can occur, even at reputable places. Never accept food, drinks, cigarettes or gum from strangers. Don't leave your food or drinks unattended.
• Piracy in South-East Asian waters is an ongoing problem. Avoid travelling by boat in the southern Sulu Sea. If you intend to travel in the region by boat, check the International Maritime Bureau's piracy reports . Arrange personal security measures.

Full travel advice: Safety

• Strict rules control the importation of prescription and non-prescription medication. If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Malaysia.
• Dengue fever is common, including in major urban areas. Zika virus is also a risk. Malaria is a risk in rural areas. Other insect-borne diseases include chikungunya, filariasis and Japanese encephalitis. 
• Rabies is present in Malaysia. It's fatal without immediate treatment. Avoid dogs, monkeys and other mammals. Get medical help straight away if an animal bites or scratches you.
• Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include hepatitis, tuberculosis, typhoid and cholera. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food.
• Private hospitals in major cities are of an international standard. You'll need to pay up-front at all hospitals unless you have travel insurance, and your travel insurance policy covers your hospitalisation. Services are more limited in rural areas. Government hospitals require a deposit even if you have travel insurance.
• Cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have increased in Sabah. Ensure you're immunised against pertussis and practice good personal hygiene.

Full travel advice: Health

• If you're suspected of using drugs, you may be required to take a urine test on arrival in Malaysia. This includes if you're travelling from a country where possession and use of drugs such as cannabis is legal. Penalties for drug offences are severe. 
• Don't use, carry or traffic illegal drugs. Punishments include the death penalty.
• It's unclear if surrogacy is legal under Malaysian civil law and what conditions apply. Get legal advice before arranging a surrogacy.

Malaysian law requires that you carry identification, such as your passport or a Malaysian Immigration Issued Card (IKAD), with you at all times. If you are asked by police and are unable to provide it, you may be detained until you can present valid identification.

• Malaysia is a multicultural but mostly Islamic country. Many areas have conservative standards of dress and behaviour. This includes at religious sites. Get advice on local customs.
• Malaysia enforces some aspects of sharia law. Kelantan and Terengganu states are stricter than others. These laws apply to all Muslims, including visitors from Australia. Research laws that apply to you before you travel.
• Malaysia doesn't recognise dual nationality. Always travel on your Australian passport. If Malaysian authorities find out you're a dual citizen, you may need to renounce one of your citizenships immediately, or you may not be permitted to depart Malaysia.

Full travel advice: Local laws

From 1 January 2024, you'll be required to complete and submit a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) three days prior to arrival in Malaysia. The MDAC must be submitted through the  Malaysian Immigration website . See the  Malaysian Immigration website  for further information, including exemption details.

• In most circumstances, you can get a 90-day tourism visa on arrival. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Malaysian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate for the latest details.
• Malaysia has an auto gate facility for visitors from several countries, including Australia. The option to use the manual counter for a visa is still available. To use the auto gate facilities, Australian travellers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months and must complete and submit their Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) 3 days before arriving. The auto gate facility is unavailable for Australian passport holders with Malaysian permanent residency or a long-term pass. This auto gate facility is available at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 1 and 2. Further information can be found on the  Malaysia Digital Arrival Card  website.
• Monitor the websites of the  Malaysian Department of Immigration,  My Safe Travel , the  Malaysian Ministry of Health , and social media for any changes to entry requirements. Before travel, confirm entry requirements with the  Malaysian High Commission or Consulate-General in Australia .

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The Consular Services Charter details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular help, contact the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission's social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Terrorist attacks could happen in Malaysia. Attacks could be random and may affect locations popular with Westerners or during major events or holidays that attract large crowds.

Malaysian authorities have arrested people for planning terror attacks. This includes attacks against entertainment venues in Kuala Lumpur.

Other possible targets include:

• hotels, clubs and restaurants
• places of worship  or religious holidays
• outdoor recreation events
• tourist areas

To stay safe:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• be cautious around places known to be possible terrorist targets
• report any suspicious activity or items to police
• check the media for any new or emerging threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. 

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

Terrorist threats

Overland travel through Thailand

Read our travel advice for Thailand if you're planning to go there overland.

Avoid travelling to or through the far southern provinces of Thailand.

There's an ongoing high threat of kidnapping in the coastal areas of eastern Sabah, including islands, dive sites and other tourist facilities.

Extremists based in the southern Philippines are active in the area between the towns of Sandakan and Tawau in eastern Sabah.

Foreigners have been kidnapped from the nearby islands of Sipadan and Mataking and surrounding waters.

Some attempted and successful kidnappings have happened in coastal areas of eastern Sabah in recent years.

• In May 2021, Malaysian authorities arrested eight suspected Abu Sayyaf militants who they suspect may have been planning kidnappings in Malaysia.
• In September 2019, 3 fishermen were abducted in the waters off Lahad Datu.
• In June 2019, 10 fishermen were abducted in waters between Lahad Datu, Sabah and Sitangkai, Southern Philippines.
• In December 2018, 3 fishermen were abducted from Pegasus Reef near Kinabatangan, Sabah.
• In November 2016, militants based in the southern Philippines attacked a yacht in waters between eastern Sabah and the Sulu archipelago. One German national was killed and another kidnapped and later killed.  Further in 2016, some commercial seamen were kidnapped from cargo vessels in the area.
• In May 2015, gunmen entered a local seaside restaurant in Sandakan and abducted the manager and one customer.

Malaysian authorities increased security in the region in response to kidnapping incidents. The Sabah Government has restricted the use of waterways.

Security measures

There's a 6pm to 6am curfew on water travel in 6 coastal districts of eastern Sabah state. This includes offshore areas up to 3 nautical miles (5.5km) from the coast.

All vessels travelling in the waters off Lahad Datu and Sandakan in daylight hours must get a permit or permission from police.

Vessels must travel only on designated routes.

There's a ban on resort-organised water activities at night. This includes diving and fishing.

Authorities established the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), which includes the regions of:

• Kinabatangan
• Kota Marudu

There's an increased presence of security forces in the ESSZone.

Authorities may extend the water travel curfew each fortnight. If you travel by water during curfew hours without permission, authorities could fine you or jail you for up to 6 months.

Australian Government policy

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

If you decide to travel to eastern Sabah despite our advice:

• get professional security advice
• arrange personal security measures
• check if your hotel has security measures in place
• be extremely cautious

Civil unrest and political tension

You could encounter protests or demonstrations on the streets or at certain venues.

Protest activity could lead to violence and disrupt public services, including public transport, and cause traffic congestion. However, this is rare.

Police permission is needed for public gatherings and demonstrations. If you take part in a protest or demonstration, authorities could arrest and deport you.

Avoid protests and demonstrations.

During periods of unrest:

• check the news and other sources for information on planned and possible unrest or strikes
• plan your activities to avoid unrest on national or commemorative days
• be ready to change your travel plans

If civil unrest disrupts your transport plans, contact your airline, travel agent or insurer for help.

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Petty crime

Petty crime is common.

Opportunistic pickpocketing and snatch-and-grab robberies happen often where thieves snatch handbags, shoulder bags, jewellery, mobile phones and other valuables from pedestrians.

Hotspots include busy pedestrian crossings near major shopping malls, including within the KLCC area.

Motorcyclists, and sometimes thieves in other moving vehicles, pull bags from victims. This often causes injuries.

Smash-and-grab attacks against slow-moving and parked vehicles also happen.

To avoid petty crime:

• don't carry bags that are easy to snatch
• walk on footpaths when you can and stay away from the curb
• hold your bag on the opposite side to the traffic
• when driving or parking your car, keep valuables out of sight
• always keep vehicle windows up and doors locked, even when moving

Handbags, expensive watches, jewellery and cameras are tempting targets for thieves.

Many travellers have lost passports and other valuables to thieves on trains and at airports.

Carry only what you need and leave other valuables, in a secure location.

Thieves sometimes work in groups at busy shopping centres. One or more may approach you with stories of distress or warnings for your safety. When you're distracted, others steal your belongings.

Watch your personal belongings, especially:

• in crowded areas and during holiday periods
• when travelling on trains from the airport
• at airports

Be wary of approaches from strangers, especially in shopping centres.

Credit card fraud

Credit card fraud is common.

Credit cards are often copied for illegal use. This can happen anywhere, from small shops to large department stores and hotels.

Always keep your credit card in sight.

Online scams

Online scams  have increased in recent years. Scammers often pretend to be people in need of financial help.

They prey on people looking for companions on online dating websites.

To protect yourself from being scammed:

• be wary of people asking for money
• don't send money or provide your bank details to anyone you don't know
• be careful when sharing personal information with people you haven't met in person

Scams involving gambling are also common.

Violent crime

You could experience violent crime in Malaysia. Australians have been victims of violent crime in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and other areas of the country. You should exercise vigilance and take sensible precautions. If you're a victim of crime, inform the local police and get a police report.

Criminals have assaulted and robbed travellers after spiking their drinks. This can even happen at places with a good reputation.

To protect yourself from drink spiking:

• never accept food or drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended
• if you aren't sure if a drink is safe, leave it
• stay with people you trust at parties and in bars, nightclubs and taxis

To stay safe while using taxis:

• don't hail taxis on the street, especially after dark
• book taxis by phone at a shopping centre taxi desk
• check there's a licence with photo on the dashboard or seat back before getting into a taxi
• check the driver matches the photo.

If you're alone in a taxi, sit in the back seat. Keep your belongings with you in the taxi.

If your taxi stops to pick up other passengers, get out of the taxi when it's safe to do so. Taxi drivers aren't allowed to pick up extra passengers, but it sometimes happens.

E-hailing services are available. Use the same precautions as taxis.

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Climate and natural disasters

Malaysia experiences severe weather and natural disasters , including:

• earthquakes
• severe rainstorms

If there's a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• monitor local media and weather reports
• check with tour operators before travelling to affected areas

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Earthquakes can happen in Malaysia.

In 2018, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit Sabah. No deaths or injuries were reported. The earthquake's tremors were felt and climbing activities were suspended.

Coastal regions of the world can experience tsunamis. Malaysia and its neighbours are vulnerable to earthquakes, which make destructive tsunamis more likely.

US Tsunami Warning Centre

Severe weather

Flooding and landslides are common during the wet season which is usually from October to February.

Severe rainstorms can result in deaths and extensively damaged infrastructure.

Essential services can be interrupted.

Tours and adventure activities

The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators aren't always met. This includes for adventure activities, such as diving.

Operators may not provide enough safety equipment. They also may not pay attention to maintenance standards and safety precautions.

If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:

• check your travel insurance covers you for it
• ask and insist on minimum safety requirements
• use available safety equipment, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If appropriate safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Piracy in South-East Asian waters is an ongoing problem, especially in the:

• Strait of Malacca
• waters between Sabah and the southern Philippines

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) issues weekly piracy reports.

Avoid travelling by boat in the southern Sulu Sea. This includes waters between Sabah, Malaysia and Palawan in the Philippines.

If you decide to travel by boat in these regions:

• check IMB piracy reports
• get local advice
• arrange security measures

Travelling by boat

• Going on a cruise

Travel Insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

You'll probably need a specialised insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations if, despite our advice, you're travelling to the coastal region of eastern Sabah.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up   
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Malaysia. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Strict rules control the importation of prescription and non-prescription medication. Contact the  high commission or embassy of Malaysia  to check what documentation local authorities may need you to have. Further information can be found on the  Pharmaceuticals Services website.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating: 

• what the medication is 
• your required dosage 
• that it's for personal use 

More information: 

Health risks

Smoke haze often happens from June to October, but it can happen at any time.

Check the haze situation and any health warnings the Malaysian Government issues.

When haze levels are high, authorities recommend limiting outdoor activity. Get your own medical advice.

Insect-borne diseases

Dengue  is common, including in major urban areas. Sometimes serious outbreaks happen.

There's no vaccination or treatment available for dengue fever.

Zika virus is a risk. There's no vaccination for it.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends you:

• discuss any travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

The Zika virus bulletin includes advice on how to minimise Zika virus risks.

Malaria is a risk in rural areas. It's less common in urban and coastal areas. Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.

Outbreaks of other insect-borne diseases can happen. This includes chikungunya and filariasis .

Reported cases of Japanese encephalitis have increased in recent years. Get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you travel

The risk of contracting insect-borne diseases increases during the wet season.

To protect yourself from disease:

• ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
• always use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Ministry of Health

Rabies is a potentially fatal viral disease. It's found in dogs, monkeys, bats and other mammals.

The most recent cases were reported in Sarawak. It was transmitted through feral dog and cat bites.

Rabies can also be contracted when a rabid animal's saliva gets directly into your eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin.

Avoid direct contact with dogs and other mammals.

If a dog, monkey or other mammal bites or scratches you, use soap and water straight away to wash the wound thoroughly.

Get urgent medical attention.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common.

These include:

• tuberculosis
• hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads
• wash your hands often and thoroughly

Get medical attention if you suspect food poisoning, or if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have increased in Sabah since the beginning of 2023. If you're planning to travel to Sabah:

• ensure you're immunised against pertussis
• practice good personal hygiene including frequent hand washing, not sharing drinks or lip balm
• keep your distance from people who appear sick
• seek medical attention if you develop symptoms

Infectious diseases

Marine stings

Stings from jellyfish and other marine animals can be fatal.

Ask local authorities, your tour operator or hotel about:

• swimming conditions
• precautions to take
• other dangers

Black henna tattoos

Avoid temporary black henna tattoos as they often contain a dye that can cause serious skin reactions.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

You can find private hospitals with international-standard facilities in major cities.

Public hospitals in major cities have a good range of medical services. However, access can be slow. Services are more limited in rural areas.

Most private hospitals need a cash deposit or a confirmation of insurance before they will admit you. They also expect immediate payment for services.

You need to pay up-front for treatment at government hospitals.

There are decompression chambers in:

Medical tourism

Medical tourism , including for cosmetic surgery, is common.

Standards at discount and uncertified medical facilities can be poor.

Serious and possibly life-threatening complications can result.

Before travelling for medical tourism:

• research and choose medical service providers carefully
• don't use discount or uncertified medical service providers
• check your travel insurance covers you if things go wrong with your surgery, as most don't

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

If you're suspected of using drugs before you visit Malaysia, you may be required to take a urine test on arrival. This includes if you're travelling from a country where possession and use of drugs such as cannabis is legal. 

Penalties for drug offences are severe, including drug possession and the presence of drugs in your bloodstream. Malaysia still carries the death penalty for drug trafficking.

Carrying or using drugs

Surrogacy laws

Malaysian civil law applies to everyone in Malaysia. Under this law, it's unclear if surrogacy is legal and what conditions apply.

Under sharia law, surrogacy is illegal. However, sharia law only applies to Muslims.

Surrogacy isn't practised openly in Malaysia. If you want to pursue surrogacy, it's mostly a private arrangement between you and the surrogate.

Get independent legal advice before entering into a surrogacy arrangement.

• Going overseas for international surrogacy
• Going overseas to adopt

Malaysia enforces some aspects of sharia law. These laws apply to all Muslims, including those from Australia.

Research laws that apply to you before you travel.

Serious crime

Crimes that may attract corporal punishment include:

• certain drug offences
• commercial crime

Same-sex sexual relations are illegal.

Punishment can include whipping and up to 20 years in prison for same-sex acts involving either men or women.

LGBTI travellers

Drink driving

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offence, which can result in fines and/or a jail sentence. Authorities strictly enforce these laws. 

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Local customs

Malaysia is a multicultural but mostly Islamic country.

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in many areas. This includes at religious sites.

Always respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions.

Learn about customs at your destination. If in doubt, get advice from locals. Take care not to offend cultural or religious beliefs.

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan  is observed in Malaysia. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Dual citizenship

Malaysia doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport .

If Malaysian authorities find out you hold both Australian and Malaysian citizenship, you may need to renounce either your Australian or Malaysian citizenship straight away, or you may not be permitted to depart Malaysia.

Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

I n most circumstances, Australian passport holders can get a 90-day tourism visa on arrival. 

Arrange a visa before you travel if you're visiting for:

• volunteer work

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest high commission, embassy or consulate  of Malaysia for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

If you breach your visa conditions or overstay your visa, authorities may fine, detain or deport you.

Always check the correct dates are on the visa stamp placed in your passport.

Follow immigration rules, including your visa conditions.

Border measures

Malaysia has an auto gate facility for visitors from several countries, including Australia. The option to use the manual counter for a visa is still available. To use the auto gate facilities, Australian visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months and must complete and submit their Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) 3 days before arriving.

The auto gate facility is unavailable for Australian passport holders with Malaysian permanent residency or a long-term pass. This auto gate facility is available at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 1 and 2. Further information can be found on the  Malaysia Digital Arrival Card  website.

Entry requirements may change at short notice. Monitor the websites of the  Malaysian Department of Immigration ,  My Safe Travel , the  Malaysian Ministry of Health , and social media for any changes. Before travel, confirm entry requirements with the  Malaysian High Commission or Consulate-General in Australia .

Staying in Malaysia

You should ensure you keep your visa up to date.

Other formalities

Foreigners need to provide biometric identification (fingerprints and/or face) on arrival.

Children aged younger than 12 years and visitors with finger disabilities don't have to do this.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

• LGBTI travellers  

The official currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).

When you depart, declare any MYR over MYR30,000, $US10,000 or equivalent. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

You can take larger amounts out of the country if you declare it when you arrive.

ATMs are widely available.

Local travel

If you travel between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, you need your passport. East Malaysia includes Sabah and Sarawak.

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you for any related damage and injuries if you plan to hire:

• a motorcycle
• any other vehicle

Driving permit

To drive in Malaysia, you need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

If you don't have both, you need to apply for a Malaysian licence.

Driving or riding

Road travel

Motorcyclists are a common traffic hazard. They often:

• weave through traffic
• drive through red lights and pedestrian crossings
• travel on the wrong side of the road

Motorcyclists have been increasingly confronting drivers who shout, gesture or toot their horn at them. They sometimes assault drivers.

You're more likely to die in a car accident in Malaysia than in Australia.

To stay safe, drive carefully and avoid road rage.

On a motorcycle, always wear a helmet.

Some taxi drivers, especially in tourist spots or when roads are jammed, don't use their meter. This is illegal.

Malaysia's taxi regulator has an English-language hotline for reporting problems. To make a report, call 1 800 88 7723 and provide the:

• vehicle number
• taxi company name
• time, date and location of the incident
• name of the driver if known

Always ask if the driver will use the meter, or agree the fare, before you get in a taxi.

At the start of your trip, take note of the vehicle number, the taxi company name and the name of the driver.

Public transport

There have been fatal and other serious accidents involving long-distance tour buses. This often happens at night or in bad weather.

If you plan to travel by bus, choose a company with a good reputation and avoid overnight travel.

Transport and getting around safely

In recent years, several passenger boats have sunk due to overloading and poor maintenance.

Before booking tickets on a passenger ferry, speedboat or other vessel, check there is appropriate safety equipment available.

Don't travel on any vessel that looks overloaded or in poor condition.

When you board, confirm there are enough life jackets for all passengers. Know where they are.

In bad weather, wear a life jacket, even if others don't.

There is a curfew on travel by water from 6pm to 6am in the coastal districts of eastern Sabah. See Safety

Airline safety

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Malaysia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

National parks

National parks are protected areas, and some are home to ethnic minority groups.

Be respectful of the law and customs in these areas. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Don't remove any wildlife or plants from the park.

Before entering a park, register your plans with park officials and let someone you trust know where you're going.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Call 999 or contact the Royal Malaysia Police Operations Centre on +60321 159 999 or Royal Malaysia Headquarters (Bukit Aman) +603 22662 222.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.

Australian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur

6 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng 50450 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Phone: (+60 3) 2146 5555/2146 5575 Fax: (+60 3) 2141 5773 Website: malaysia.highcommission.gov.au Email: [email protected] Facebook: Australia in Malaysia Twitter: @AusHCMalaysia

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

You can get limited consular help, including lodging Australian passport applications, at the following Australian consulates headed by honorary consuls:

Australian Consulate, Penang

Level 3 Jalan Macalister  10400 Penang Malaysia Phone: (+60 4) 226 8955 Fax: (+60 4) 228 3366 Email: [email protected]

Australian Consulate, Kota Kinabalu

Lot 01-05, 11th Floor Jubili Tower (Menara Jubili) 53, Jalan Gaya 88000 Kota Kinabalu Sabah Malaysia Phone: (+60 88) 267 151 Fax: (+60 88) 266 509 Email:  [email protected]

Australian Consulate, Sarawak

E39 Level 2 Taman Sri Sarawak Mall Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman 93100 Kuching Sarawak Malaysia Phone: (+60 19) 898 9787 Email: [email protected]

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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