Compare travel insurance for Malaysia
It’s a land of pristine beaches, huge national parks and the urban treasure of Kuala Lumpur. So it’s easy to see why around 360,000 Brits choose to visit Malaysia each year. Find out what you should know about Malaysia travel insurance to keep you covered for your trip.
It’s a land of pristine beaches, huge national parks and the urban treasure of Kuala Lumpur. So it’s easy to see why around 360,000 Brits choose to visit Malaysia each year. Find out what you should know about Malaysia travel insurance to keep you covered for your trip.
Do I need travel insurance for Malaysia?
While travel insurance isn’t compulsory, it would be unwise to visit Malaysia without it. Foreign visitors are charged for all medical treatment, so you could be left with an expensive medical bill if you don’t have the right cover in place and get sick while you’re away.
Travel insurance can also give you peace of mind that you could replace your belongings if they’re, stolen, lost or damaged, or recoup some of the cost if your holiday is cancelled.
Customers with pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. Whatever happens, tell your insurance provider the truth. If you give false information or miss something out, your claim could be rejected.
When you declare any medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers that will cover them with no exclusions.
If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone. You can call them on 0800 138 7777.
How much is travel insurance for Malaysia?
If you’re travelling to Malaysia, you’ll need worldwide travel insurance. A standard travel policy could cost as little as £20.33[1] for a one-week stay.
Just be aware that the cost of your premium will also depend on your age, whether you have a pre-existing medical condition, and the type of activities you’re planning to do in Malaysia.
[1] Based on Compare the Market data for a worldwide travel insurance policy for a 20 year old with no pre-existing medical conditions travelling for 1 week. Prices correct as of January 2025.
What will Malaysia travel insurance cover?
While policies can vary among providers, travel insurance for Malaysia will typically cover:
- Medical care – covers the cost of emergency medical treatment if you’re injured or have an accident during your Malaysia holiday. You should also be covered for repatriation back to the UK if it’s medically necessary.
- Damage, loss or theft of your luggage – check the single-item limit, as this is the most you’ll be able to claim for any individual item that needs to be replaced. You might need to list more valuable items, like an expensive watch, separately, so they’re covered to their full value.
- Flight cancellations – check your policy to see if you’re also covered for delays and missed departures.
- Holiday cancellation cover – can meet the full cost of your break if you need to cancel it or cut it short for a valid reason, like an illness or a family bereavement.
What won’t Malaysia travel insurance cover?
There’s a few things that your travel insurance won’t usually cover:
- Mishaps involving alcohol or drugs – you won’t be covered for injuries or accidents that occur while you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Pre-existing medical conditions – those that haven’t been declared to your insurance provider. You should always be honest and tell your provider if you have a medical condition.
- Extreme sports – standard policies won’t usually cover activities like jet-skiing, diving or paragliding. You might need to take out extra cover for high-adrenaline sports.
- Natural disasters – parts of Malaysia can suffer from heavy downpours, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides. Don’t automatically assume that you’ll be covered for natural disasters, so check your policy carefully for exclusions.
- Acts of terrorism – some areas of Malaysia are known targets for terrorist groups. Some policies offer limited cover for terrorism, but at the very least you should make sure you’re covered for medical treatment as a result of a terrorist attack.
- Going against FCDO advice – for security reasons, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to the islands off the coast of eastern Sabah from Kudat to Tawau.
What else should I consider when I choose my travel insurance?
Think about what you plan to do while you’re away. Malaysia’s a great place for jungle tours, climbing and hiking. But if you’re intending to take part in any of these (or other) adventurous activities, you might find a standard travel insurance policy won’t cover you.
If that’s the case, get in touch with your insurance provider to see if they can amend your policy to include them. If it’s not possible, you may need to look for one that specialises in adventure travel insurance.
Boasting tropical beaches, stunning coral reefs and crystalline waters – it’s no wonder that Malaysia’s islands are so popular with those seeking aquatic adventures. Just be aware that you may need specialist water sports cover for things like:
- Scuba diving or snorkelling at Sipadan or Tioman.
- Riding an underwater scooter (scuba doo) at Kota Kinabalu.
- Parasailing at Langkawi.
- White-water rafting on the Ulu Slim river.
Did you know?It’s believed that one of the world’s richest unrecovered treasure troves still lies somewhere on the sea bed off the coast of Sumatra along Malaysia’s Strait of Malacca. The Portuguese carrack, named Flor do Mor (Flower of the Sea), sank there in the early 1500s while returning to Portugal. Despite numerous attempts to recover the treasures, the shipwreck has yet to be found. |
Do I need a visa to travel to Malaysia?
Brits can enter Malaysia without a visa – for tourism or business – for up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date you enter Malaysia.
There have been changes in the visa requirements for Thailand, which may affect you if you’re planning to make regular crossings at land borders between Malaysia and Thailand. See Thailand travel advice for details.
More details about the entry requirements for Malaysia can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Do I need vaccinations for Malaysia?
It’s a good idea to visit your doctor four to eight weeks before your trip to check that your immunisations are up to date.
You might be advised to get vaccinations for diphtheria, hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus. These are typically free via the NHS.
Any other travel tips for Malaysia?
Safety: the UK government advises against ‘all but essential’ travel to some areas of Malaysia, like the islands off the coast of eastern Sabah. Before your trip, check the latest travel guidance from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Climate: the country enjoys tropical weather all year round but, generally speaking, there’s a dry season from June to September and a rainy season from December to March.
Time differences: Malaysia is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Tipping: in general, it’s not customary to tip in Malaysia.
Bag-snatching: bag-snatching in crowded areas and tourist hotspots is particularly common, especially thieves on motorbikes and scooters. Keep your handbag or rucksack against your chest or tucked under your arm when sightseeing, and never hang your bag over the chair in bars or restaurants.
Dress etiquette: while Malaysia is a modern country, some areas are still quite conservative. Skimpy tops and shorts may be frowned upon in places like Kuala Lumpur, so it’s best to be respectful and dress in longer sleeves and trousers while visiting the city.
Compare Malaysia travel insurance
Whether you’ll be lounging around the pool or are planning a more adventurous trip, we can help you find the right travel insurance for your Malaysia holiday.
Simply tell us the kind of travel insurance you need and we’ll compare deals to help you get the right level of cover.
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Anna’s all about delivering fantastic insurance products at a great price. Value is the most important thing for Anna, as she cuts through the jargon and finds what’s most important and worth your hard-earned money.
Rebecca Goodman – Personal finance expert
Rebecca Goodman is a freelance financial journalist who specialises in insurance, personal finance and consumer affairs. Rebecca regularly writes for national newspapers including The Independent and The Mail on Sunday on a wide-range of financial topics. She covers everything from money-saving tips and holiday advice to investigations into how energy efficient appliances can cut the cost of household bills and the impact donating money can have on those in need. Along with features in national papers, Rebecca also writes news stories for websites including Yourmoney.com and The Money Edit.