Expat insurance and health insurance in Malaysia

A two-tier system under the Ministry of Health (MOH): a heavily subsidised public sector, open primarily to citizens and permanent residents, and an extensive private sector, known for medical tourism (Kuala Lumpur, Penang) and popular with expats for quick access and English being spoken. A foreigner can be treated at a public hospital, but pays the full non-citizen rate — significantly higher than the resident rate — for both consultations and hospitalisation; they have no access to any public subsidy. Since 1 July 2025, a 6% service tax (SST) also applies to private care billed to non-citizens, which isn't the case for Malaysian citizens.

• Tourist stay (visa exemption, up to 90 days for a French national, online Malaysia Digital Arrival Card formality): no health insurance required by the Immigration Department, but strongly recommended by France Diplomatie — the embassy covers no medical costs.
• Student Pass: mandatory health insurance taken out via EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services), minimum hospitalisation cover of 50,000 MYR/year, a condition for issuing the pass. This mandatory contract can't be replaced with foreign insurance, even equivalent; private supplementary insurance remains useful for excluded care (routine dental in particular).
• Employee (Employment Pass or work permit): mandatory employer registration with SOCSO/PERKESO (workplace accident scheme since 2019, disability scheme extended to foreign employees since July 2024) and, since 1 October 2025, mandatory EPF contribution (2% employer, 2% employee) for holders of a valid work pass. These schemes cover neither routine sickness nor non-occupational hospitalisation: private health insurance remains necessary, generally provided by the employer in practice without a minimum amount required by law for the Employment Pass itself.
• MM2H programme (long-term residence): health insurance valid in Malaysia mandatory for the holder and their dependants, a condition for issuance then each renewal under the official guidelines of the Ministry of Tourism (MOTAC); specialist programme guides report a coverage floor of 80,000 MYR. A possible exemption exists for applicants over 59-60.
• No working holiday visa currently exists between France and Malaysia; discussions raised in 2019 haven't led anywhere so far.

Malaysia isn't among the countries with a social security agreement in force with France, nor among the signed agreements pending (only China and Moldova are in this position, per CLEISS).

• No coordination of schemes: SOCSO/EPF contributions don't combine with French schemes, and vice versa.
• No cross-border cover: only private health insurance or voluntary registration with the CFE provides cover recognised by a French system.

• Before any stay: take out an assistance contract covering medical costs, hospitalisation and repatriation — France Diplomatie recommendation, no cover possible from the embassy.
• Student: take out the mandatory EMGS insurance ahead of the Student Pass application.
• Employee: check with the employer on SOCSO/EPF registration and the existence of supplementary health cover.
• MM2H applicant: plan ahead for local health insurance and the medical exam at an approved clinic, required after file approval.
• Registration with the roll of French nationals living abroad recommended.
• Voluntary registration with the CFE recommended given the absence of a social security agreement.