2026 is Malaysia's first official Year of Medical Tourism, and the numbers show why. Malaysia welcomed 1.84 million international patients in 2025, who spent RM3.34 billion (Malay Mail). Here is what makes the country such a popular place to get treated, and why that is good news if you live here.
1. A track record of global awards
- Malaysia won Destination of the Year at the IMTJ Medical Travel Awards three years in a row, from 2015 to 2017 (MHTC)
- In 2018, Malaysian hospitals and MHTC won 9 of the 15 IMTJ awards on offer (MHTC)
- In 2025, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said Malaysia is "ranked number one globally in the area of medical tourism" (FMT)
2. Prices are regulated and fair
Doctor and hospital fees follow pricing regulated by the Ministry of Health. MHTC says treatment typically costs 40% to 60% less than the same procedure in Western countries (MHTC).
In 2025, the average international patient spent about RM1,800. A health screening averaged RM1,075 and an inpatient stay RM12,321 (Malay Mail).
3. Internationally accredited hospitals
Hospitals in MHTC's network hold JCI, MSQH or ACHS accreditation. These standards require independent audits and regular quality reviews (MHTC).
4. Strong specialists
- The most popular treatments are cardiology, oncology and orthopaedics (Malay Mail)
- Fertility care and premium health screening are also promoted as centres of excellence (MHTC)
- Island Hospital in Penang was named the first Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital in December 2025 (PR Newswire). Institut Jantung Negara, Mahkota Medical Centre and Subang Jaya Medical Centre were the other finalists.
5. Patients come from near and far
Indonesia, China, India, Singapore and the UK make up 80% of medical tourists (Malay Mail). Indonesia alone sent 968,000 healthcare travellers in 2025 (PR Newswire).
6. It is still growing
Patient numbers rose from about 1.6 million in 2024 to 1.84 million in 2025. The industry is aiming for RM12 billion in revenue by 2030 (MHTC). This is a target, not a result.
What this means for expats
- You live next door to the hospitals people fly in from abroad to use
- Fair, regulated pricing makes routine screenings and check-ups easier to keep up with
- Choose a hospital with JCI or MSQH accreditation if you want extra peace of mind
- Good health insurance still matters, so it is worth sorting out as part of your move
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Figures come from MHTC, government and news sources and may be updated. This article is general information, not medical advice.
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