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Expat Exchange - Health Care in Kuala Lumpur 2024
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Health Care in Kuala Lumpur

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Summary: Learn about the health system in Kuala Lumpur: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur has a public and private healthcare system. The public healthcare system is called the Ministry of Health Malaysia and is used by both locals and foreigners. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Kuala Lumpur for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Kuala Lumpur are generally clean and well-equipped, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Malaysia. However, many expats and digital nomads prefer to use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Kuala Lumpur are modern, well-equipped, and offer a higher level of service than public hospitals.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Kuala Lumpur

Recommended clinics and hospitals in Kuala Lumpur for expats include:

  • Kuala Lumpur General Hospital (public hospital) - located in the city center
  • University Malaya Medical Centre (public hospital) - located in the city center
  • Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur (private hospital) - located in the city center
  • Sunway Medical Centre (private hospital) - located in the suburbs, about 20 minutes from the city center
  • Prince Court Medical Centre (private hospital) - located in the city center, specializes in cardiology and oncology

Emergency Services in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur has ambulance services that can be called by dialing 999. Ambulances usually arrive quickly, but there can be delays depending on the time of day and the location.

Health Insurance Companies in Kuala Lumpur

The most popular private health insurers in Kuala Lumpur are AIA, Great Eastern, and Prudential. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although some may opt for specialized expat health insurance providers.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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View from The Kuala Lumpur Tower

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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