Best Travel Insurance For Malaysia 2024
If you’re based in Singapore, you’re likely to frequent our neighbouring country, Malaysia, for your vacations or even business trips. The food is great, the currency is in our favour, and we get to do things that are forbidden in Singapore, like chewing gum and setting off firecrackers. Quick question: Do you buy travel insurance when you go to Malaysia? If not, it's wise to think twice as getting travel insurance coverage can provide a certain extent of financial preparedness for unexpected events such as earthquakes, tsunamis, or flight incidents.
Top 10 Things To Do In Malaysia
Malaysia is known for its vibrant cultural festivals. If you're visiting during the right time, don't miss celebrations like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid), or the Thaipusam festival.
Malaysia boasts beautiful islands like Perhentian Islands, Redang Island, and Tioman Island. Enjoy crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Penang, known as the “Pearl of the Orient” in Asia, offers a mix of historical and cultural attractions, beautiful beaches, and delicious street food. Explore George Town's UNESCO-listed heritage area, try Penang's famous dishes like Char Kway Teow and Laksa, and relax on Batu Ferringhi Beach.
A popular destination for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts where you can explore pristine beaches, take a cable car ride to Langkawi Sky Bridge, and visit Langkawi Wildlife Park.
For scuba diving enthusiasts, Sipadan Island off the coast of Sabah is a world-renowned dive destination. Explore diverse marine life, including turtles, barracudas, and reef sharks.
Visit the capital city and see iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves, Merdeka Square, and the Kuala Lumpur Tower. The city is also known for its vibrant street food scene and bustling markets where you can immerse in the city's local culture.
Malaysian food is a delicious blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences. Try dishes like Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Satay, and Hainanese Chicken Rice from street stalls and local eateries.
Explore the historic city of Malacca, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial-era architecture, museums, and the scenic Malacca River.
Take a river cruise along the Kinabatangan River in Borneo to spot proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
Malaysia is home to lush rainforests like Taman Negara where you can go jungle trekking, spot wildlife, and even visit Orangutan rehabilitation centres.
Travel Requirements To Enter Malaysia
VISA application
Unless you’re from one of the countries which are on a Visa-free entry agreement with Malaysia, you’ll have to apply for an e-Visa (Single entry/Multiple entry/Transit) to travel to Malaysia as a tourist.
- Visa-free entry
Those from ASEAN countries except Myanmar, plus other countries listed as one of the over 100 countries that have the "visa-free" agreement with Malaysia, do not need to apply for a visa to enter Malaysia as a tourist for a single entry. This is only if you’re staying in Malaysia for less than 30 days, 90 days or even 6 months (depending on which country you’re from).
- Single entry
If your country is not on the “visa-free” list, you may apply for the single entry visa to enter Malaysia mainly for a social visit. It is valid for a period of 3 months from the date of issue.
- Multiple entry
This multiple entry visa is valid for a longer staying period of 3 to 12 months, and it is mostly for India and China nationals who travel to Malaysia for social visits. Tour groups are not allowed to apply for this visa and there are a couple of requirements in order to apply for this type of visa: Proof of sufficient funds for staying in Malaysia must be shown, and a valid and confirmed return ticket must be purchased.
- Transit visa
This is only for travellers who enter Malaysia on transit to other countries. If you’re on transit without having the need to leave the Malaysian airport premises and continue with the same flight, you do not need a transit visa.
We asked Singaporeans about flight disruptions, and they answered.
Find out the worst airlines with delays and cancellations according to Singaporean travellers.
Best Malaysia Travel Insurance
Starr TraveLead Comprehensive Bronze
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$200,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
S$37.4460% Off- S$14.98
[Prizes worth over S$13,500 | MoneySmart Exclusive]
Enjoy 60% off your Single Trip policy premium.
Get over S$115 worth of rewards including:
• Up to S$50 via PayNow OR an Apple AirTag (worth S$45) with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
• S$30 Trip.com Hotel Coupon*
• Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
Ready to Travel ANYWHERE for FREE?
• Score a Holiday (worth up to S$5,000)
• Apple AirTag (worth S$45). T&Cs apply.
• S$100 Revolut cash reward. T&Cs apply.
AIG Travel Guard® Direct - Basic
- Overseas Medical Expenses
- S$100,000
- Travel Cancelation / Postponement
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Personal Baggage
- S$3,000
- PremiumPremium
S$3020% Off - S$24
[GIVEAWAY | MoneySmart Exclusive]
• Enjoy an exclusive 20% off your policy premium. T&Cs apply.
Get over S$35 worth of rewards including:
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
• Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased. T&Cs apply.
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.
Allianz Travel Basic
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$200,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$1,500
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$1,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$3753% Off - S$17.39
[GIVEAWAY | MoneySmart Exclusive]
Get over S$80 worth of rewards including:
• Up to S$45 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
• Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.
MSIG TravelEasy Standard
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$250,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$34.560% Off - S$13.80
[GIVEAWAY | MoneySmart Exclusive]
Get over S$80 worth of rewards including:
• Up to S$45 via PayNow OR 1 x Apple AirTag (worth S$45.40) with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
• Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
Score exciting gifts on top of existing rewards:
• Apple iPad 10.9-inch 64GB (10th Gen). T&Cs apply.
• S$100 Revolut cash reward. T&Cs apply.
Singlife Travel Lite
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$250,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total Premium
- final-price
INCOME Standard Classic
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$250,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$42.1860% Off - S$16.87
[Prizes worth over S$13,500 | MoneySmart Exclusive]
Enjoy 60% off your Single Trip policy premium and get additional 50,000^ STAR$® with worldwide plans purchased. Valid till 11 Dec 2024. T&Cs apply.
Get over S$45 worth of rewards including:
• S$10 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
• S$30 Revolut cash reward
• Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
Ready to Travel ANYWHERE for FREE?
• Score a Holiday (worth up to S$5,000)
• Apple AirTag (worth S$45). T&Cs apply.
• S$100 Revolut cash reward. T&Cs apply.
Simple Steps To Choose Suitable Travel Insurance For Your Malaysia Trip
When getting a travel insurance plan, there are actually more factors to consider other than just the price and medical costs coverage. You can choose to buy COVID-19 coverage either as an add-on benefit or as part of an existing plan which you already have.
Here are 5 steps to help you get started:
Look for adequate coverage
Although pricing is important when considering a travel insurance plan, it’s also important to compare the benefits and reimbursement limits for claims like COVID-19 related medical expenses, trip cancellations, flight delays and baggage theft and/or damage.
Be insured for pre-existing conditions
Being diagnosed with an unexpected severe illness or injury is the last thing you would want or expect, especially when you have a pre-existing condition which may be worsened by the effects of the severe illness or injury. Fortunately, there are a few travel insurers who provide coverage for claims relating to your pre-existing medical conditions such as pregnancy, injuries or illnesses sustained during the trip.
Also, a travel insurance plan that comes with or without COVID-19 coverage gives you in-patient hospitalisation expenses overseas coverage is great as it allows you to claim for medical, surgical, nursing or hospital charges, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage.
Compare policy premiums
The cost of your travel insurance often depends on your destination and length of stay. Most travel insurance companies have 2 to 3 tiers of plans at different price points, with varying comprehensiveness and reimbursement limits. Some travel insurers will also split the nearby regions into ASEAN and Asia and charge you higher premiums for certain regions, while other insurers offer the same premiums for certain regions.
Have special activities coverage if necessary
Malaysia has many great spots for adventures including water sports and extreme sports, but the breadth of coverage needed largely depends on your itinerary. For instance, if you’re planning to go scuba diving in Johor Bahru, make sure you get a policy that covers diving sports like MSIG’s TravelEasy® Standard, Elite and Premier plans.
Consider trip cancellation, flight delay and damage/loss of baggage
Malaysia welcomes tourists all year round, but just like any popular travel destination, snatch thefts and other crimes are not uncommon. Given that Malaysia is prone to floods, coverage of damage or loss of belongings as well as trip cancellation or postponement and flight delay due to natural disasters are also important.
How is travel insurance helpful in case of natural disasters or unexpected occurrences?
Travel insurance can be a lifesaver if your trip gets thrown off course by natural disasters or other surprises in Malaysia.
Protection for your belongings
While some insurance plans exclude events like earthquakes, some providers (like Etiqa and DirectAsia) offer coverage for lost or damaged luggage and belongings caused by natural disasters. They might even reimburse you for trip delays or cancellations due to these events. Remember, there are limits on how much they'll cover per item, so be sure to check the details.
Trip disruptions coverage
If your trip gets cut short or cancelled because of a travel delay, insurance can typically reimburse you for prepaid costs you can't get back, like flights and hotels (minus any fees). This usually applies to cancellations made within 30 days of your trip start date.
Coverage for medical care in Malaysia
Some travel insurance plans, again like Etiqa and DirectAsia, can cover medical expenses if you're injured during a natural disaster, either while you're away or after you return home to Singapore.
The insurance company will usually pay the medical facility directly or reimburse a designated beneficiary. Make sure you understand the timeframe for starting treatment and the coverage limits in your plan – it's important to discuss this with your insurer.
Best Malaysia Travel Insurance Benefits Coverage
Many of the travel insurance plans for Malaysia trips come with affordable premiums, except for those insurers known for their pre-existing conditions coverage plans or even having the highest overseas medical coverage in the market charge higher for more extensive coverage. Here’s a summary of which insurance plans are best for which specific types of coverage, so as to make it easier for you to decide on a suitable plan for your Malaysia trip.
*Estimated premium rates are based on a 4D3N single trip plan to Malaysia.
Best Travel Insurance For | Travel insurance plan for Malaysia | Estimated premium rate |
---|---|---|
Overall good value | Bubblegum Travel Insurance plans | From $34 |
Budget travel | FWD Premium plan | From $22 |
Flight diversion/cancellation/postponement | Singlife Travel Plus and Prestige plans | From $51 |
Overseas medical coverage | Allianz Travel travel insurance plans | From $36 |
Pre-existing conditions | MSIG TravelEasy plans | From $44.50 |
Family | DirectAsia travel insurance plans | From $30 |
Elderly | Tiq by Etiqa travel insurance plans | From $27 |
Travelling while pregnant | MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex plans | From $44.50 |
Extreme sports | Starr TraveLead Comprehensive plans | From $30 |
COVID-19 coverage | AIG Travel Guard plans | From $38 |
*Estimated premium rates are based on a 4D3N single trip plan to Malaysia, data last updated on 2 October 2023. |
What Is The Average Cost Of A Travel Insurance To Malaysia?
There are many travel insurance plans out there that currently offer COVID-19 coverage benefits at different price points, and it can be quite a hassle trying to compare so many of them one by one. So we’ve done the legwork for you and all you have to do is to pick one that suits you the most by comparing the best travel insurance on MoneySmart.
If you still need more help, we can use an example to illustrate (with our round-up of the 6 best travel insurance plans with COVID-19 coverage in Singapore). Assuming that you’re planning to go for a 4D3N trip to Malaysia with your friends, and you’re getting a single trip insurance plan for yourself.
Travel insurance provider | Overseas medical expenses | Post-trip medical expenses | Loss/damage of personal baggage | Trip cancellation due to COVID-19 | Total premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bubblegum | Up to $100,000 | Up to $10,000 | Up to $3,000 | Up to $5,000 | $34 |
Singlife | Up to $250,000 | Up to $10,000 | Up to $3,000 | Up to $5,000 | $36 |
Allianz | Up to $200,000 | Up to $10,000 | Up to $3,000 | Up to $5,000 | $36 |
Starr | Up to $200,000 | Up to $15,000 | Up to $3,000 | Up to $5,000 | $30 |
AIG | Up to $100,000 | N.A. | Up to $3,000 | Up to $5,000 | $38 |
FWD | Up to $200,000 | Up to $6,000 | Up to $3,000 | Up to $7,500 | $22 |
*Estimated premium rates are based on a 4D3N single trip plan to Malaysia, data last updated on 2 October 2023. |
We’ve listed the 6 travel insurers above for easy comparison, and as you can see from the stated the benefits and premiums, the average cost of a travel insurance plan with COVID-19 coverage for a 4D3N Malaysia trip is about $33, assuming that we take the most basic plan offered by each travel insurance provider.
Estimated average cost of a travel insurance plan:
$34 + $36 + $36 + $30 + $38 + $22 = $196
$196 ÷ 6 = $32.67
For travellers going to Malaysia who prefer very comprehensive coverage for medical expenses in the situation that they get diagnosed with an unexpected severe illness or injury, Singlife’s Travel Lite plan offers the highest coverage limit of $250,000 among the above 6 plans.
As for more affordable premiums, plans by FWD, Bubblegum and Starr are better options. Despite offering lower premiums than AIG and Allianz, the overseas medical expenses coverage by Starr is quite extensive with a maximum limit of $200,000, which is pretty decent, considering there are others with a maximum claim benefit of up to only $100,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need travel insurance for Malaysia?
- It is recommended that you buy travel insurance when you travel to cover for times when you face flight delays, loss of baggage and worse, accidents. In terms of safety, you will rarely encounter violent crimes in Malaysia, but snatch theft and loss of belongings are not uncommon. Better be safe than sorry!
Is it safer to travel with travel insurance that has COVID-19 coverage?
- With the current pandemic situation, yes. Every country has its own prevailing entry requirements including required vaccination status, serving quarantine measures/Stay-Home Notice (SHN), undergoing a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test or Antigen Rapid Test (ART) and other related procedures to ensure a safe entry for travellers. So having COVID-19 coverage in your travel insurance plan can provide you claim benefits for overseas medical expenses due to COVID-19, emergency medical evacuation & repatriation, overseas COVID-19 diagnosis quarantine allowance, overseas hospital cash due to COVID-19, trip cancellation/postponement/curtailment/disruption coverage due to COVID-19, and more.
How do I get COVID-19 coverage for my travel insurance?
- There are many ways you can get COVID-19 coverage for your travel insurance. You may either get COVID-19 coverage as an add-on benefit or as part of an existing insurance plan, through your preferred travel insurance mobile app, website or insurance agent. Some travel insurance companies offer COVID-19 coverage as an add-on benefit to an existing plan, while others include COVID-19 coverage benefits in their range of travel insurance plans.
Can Singaporeans travel to Malaysia now?
- With the opening of Malaysia's borders last 1 April 2022, Singaporeans can now travel to and from Malaysia with ease. Additional requirements may be asked depending on your vaccination status, so be sure to check https://mysafetravel.gov.my/ for more information.