Malaysia has both public and private healthcare, but as an expat you’re unlikely to use the former. It’s targeted towards Malaysians and, other than doctors, staff rarely speak English. Government hospitals are publicly funded, providing medical care at little or no cost. Wealthy patients can pay for better facilities, such as a private room. You need a Malaysian ID card (MyKAD) to access public healthcare, except in emergencies, when the nearest hospital (whether public or private) is obliged to provide treatment.

Many expats rely solely on private hospitals, but this is expensive, especially if your insurance doesn’t cover outpatient care. Expats tend to use private clinics as they would a family doctor or GP back home, and these offer better value than hospitals for minor illnesses and immunisations.

Malaysian doctors have often been trained overseas (the UK and Australia are popular) and speak excellent English. Culturally, however, the doctor-patient relationship may be more formal than you’re used to.

Attitudes to treatment tend to be conservative, with maternity care particularly old fashioned. Good dental care is available, and cosmetic surgery is on the rise. Some private hospitals have begun actively courting the international market for medical tourism, much of which is for cosmetic work.