Malaysia among world leaders in medical tourism

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (MNTV) – Malaysia has become one of the world’s preferred destinations for hospital-based medical tourism, driven by competitive pricing and a healthcare ecosystem that blends quality, technology and cultural familiarity, reports FMT.

Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad’s (MIDF) Malaysia Healthcare thematic report, published recently, described the country as “a leading hub for value-driven medical tourism” offering competitive pricing, quality services and modern technology at affordable rates.

Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia president Dr Kuljit Singh told FMT that Malaysia’s appeal rests on “internationally accredited private hospitals and trusted healthcare brands,” assuring patients that affordability does not compromise outcomes or safety.

Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) CEO Suriaghandi Suppiah said the country attracts patients through “consistent high-quality outcomes and value-for-money care, supported by high-technology diagnostic and surgical equipment, including robotics”.

Malaysia’s reputation in the industry has strengthened significantly in recent years, with the country now ranked number one globally in the area of medical tourism, health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said earlier this year.

Kuljit said foreign patients value Malaysia’s multilingual workforce, which boasts English and Mandarin-speaking capabilities, and dedicated international patient centres that streamline admissions, stays and discharge.

He said these features create a seamless journey “from the moment patients arrive until they are discharged,” setting Malaysia apart from its competitors.

Suriaghandi said the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 is poised to be a catalyst to elevate Malaysia’s reputation even further.

Affordability remains one of Malaysia’s strongest propositions. According to MIDF, treatments in the country are “30 percent to 50 pc cheaper than Western countries”, while Alvarez & Marsal’s Medical Tourism Report states that medical procedures in Malaysia are consistently priced below regional benchmarks.

With strong clinical outcomes and shorter waiting times, Malaysia stands out as one of Asia’s most competitive destinations for major surgeries, diagnostics and specialised care.

Indonesia, a key market

At 65 pc, Indonesian travellers are the largest contributor to Malaysia’s medical tourism market, says MIDF, driven by trust, familiarity and ease of access.

Kuljit said Indonesian patients appreciate Malaysia’s “shared language familiarity, halal-compliant care, fast-lane hospital processes, and strong confidence in Malaysian-trained doctors and nurses,” often making Malaysian hospitals the faster and more reliable choice.

Cultural proximity further enhances Malaysia’s appeal, with Alvarez & Marsal noting that a shared language, Muslim-majority demographics and halal-compliant food options reduce psychological barriers the patients face.

Kuljit said Muslim patients from Indonesia and the Middle East frequently also cite the availability of prayer facilities, female clinicians and shariah-aligned reproductive services as key considerations.

At the same time, many Singaporeans cross the border for affordable wellness screenings and diagnostics with hospitals located minutes from the Tuas checkpoint. He added that Malaysia’s Mandarin-speaking capacity has attracted rising demand from China.

Suriaghandi said there was potential to expand existing markets even further, while diversifying into Myanmar, Cambodia, the Middle East, Australia, the U.K. and parts of Africa.