International health insurance for expats in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor combine a low cost of living with private hospitals that treat patients from across Asia. Retirees arrive on the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, professionals on employment passes. An international plan gives both private treatment in Malaysia and a way to be treated elsewhere when it matters.
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) and health insurance
MM2H is a long-stay programme with tiers that require a fixed deposit in a Malaysian bank: Silver (US$150,000), Gold (US$500,000) and Platinum (US$1 million), plus a Special Economic Zone tier currently limited to Forest City in Johor. Applicants complete a medical check-up at an approved clinic, and proof of valid health insurance is part of the application and of each renewal (MM2H requirements guide).
The rules have changed several times since 2021 and are set by the Ministry of Tourism and the Immigration Department, so confirm the current list before you apply. We issue the certificate of insurance in English as soon as the policy is in force.
Why choose international cover in Malaysia
Malaysian private hospitals are good value by international standards, but a long admission, cancer treatment or cardiac surgery still adds up. Local Malaysian policies are designed for treatment in Malaysia and can limit entry age. An international plan pays pre-authorised in-patient treatment directly, covers you in the rest of your area of cover, including Singapore and Europe, and includes evacuation when the right treatment is in another country.
Choosing the area of cover
Most clients in Malaysia choose worldwide cover excluding the USA: it covers Malaysia, regional centres such as Singapore and Bangkok, and treatment back in Europe. Cigna Global also covers temporary stays in your country of nationality of up to 180 days per policy year when that country is inside your area. Add the US only if you expect to be treated there.
Age and medical history
Many MM2H participants are retirees. International plans are individually underwritten: you declare your medical history and the insurer may cover a condition as standard, exclude it or apply a loading. Give us every age in the household and we tell you straight away which plans are open to you. Malaysian citizens living in Malaysia are normally not eligible for an international plan.
How we work
Both insurers, side by side
Allianz Care and Cigna Global configured on the same terms, with our recommendation in writing.
One adviser, quote to claim
The person who quotes your plan handles the application, the certificate, renewals and claims.
No fee to you
We are paid by the insurer. Quotation, comparison and help with claims cost you nothing.
Get your international health insurance quote
Four details are enough to start. We reply in writing within one working day with Allianz Care and Cigna Global configured for you.
Thank you
We will come back to you in writing within one working day.
Frequently asked questions
Does an international plan meet the MM2H insurance requirement?
An international plan whose area of cover includes Malaysia gives you a certificate of insurance for the application and for renewals. The MM2H authorities decide what they accept, so check the current checklist.
Is Singapore covered if I live in Malaysia?
Yes, with worldwide cover excluding the USA, or any area that includes Singapore. Many clients in Johor and Kuala Lumpur want that option.
Allianz Care or Cigna Global for Malaysia?
Both write cover for expats living in Malaysia. Allianz Care includes repatriation in every plan; Cigna Global is more modular and accepts US citizens. We quote both on the same terms.
Can my spouse and children be on the same policy?
Yes. One contract can cover the whole family, which also simplifies the paperwork for dependants on MM2H.
Related reading
Adler & Rochefort is the commercial brand of Ownizo, Unipessoal Lda., an insurance broker registered with the Autoridade de Supervisão de Seguros e Fundos de Pensões (ASF) under no. 425591790/3, authorised to carry on insurance mediation in the life and non-life branches, and not a tied agent of any insurer. We are appointed to distribute the international health plans of Allianz Care, Cigna Global and APRIL International. Availability depends on your nationality, your main country of residence and local law, and is confirmed before any quotation. This page is general information, not advice on a specific case, and not an offer of insurance. Acceptance, cover, limits, exclusions and premium are determined by the insurer following medical underwriting and are governed exclusively by the policy conditions issued.