Medical Tourism in Malaysia

Land of Extremes

Malaysia is an exotic land of extreme contrasts. Where age-old wonders complement modern attractions. While towering skyscrapers dominate the city skyline, cozy wooden houses on stilts dot the countryside. In the tropical islands, five-star resorts are quietly nestled amid 130-million-year-old rainforests and some overlook crystal-clear waters teeming with ancient reefs. With so many attractions available, Malaysia is the place to recover after surgery, the place to rest and relax.

Sun, Sea, and Sand

Tropical islands in Malaysia are an elixir for the body, mind, and soul. Malaysia is home to many tranquil tropical islands where fine white sand, crystal-clear azure waters, balmy breezes and spectacular sunsets beckon. Visitors will discover fascinating species such as hammerhead sharks, bumphead parrotfish, leatherback and hawksbill turtles, white-bellied sea eagles, batfish, crown-of-thorns fish, and more. Activities include snorkelling, scuba diving, jungle trekking, eagle feeding, parasailing, jet skiing, turtle watching, and more. Some of Malaysia's best aquatic sights are located off the coast of Sabah in East Malaysia. Located on the island of Borneo, Sabah is Malaysia's second largest state. Malaysia is strategically encircled by the South China, Sulu and Celebes Seas and is located in the heart of the Coral Triangle. The Coral Triangle is home to the world's most abundant variety of corals and marine life. This makes the waters off Sabah blessed with a multitude of stunning marine flora and fauna. The entire area is one underwater paradise boasting some of the best dive sights in the world. This includes the internationally renowned Pulau Sipadan National Park. Also boasting a rich marine eco-system are the islands of Pulau Perhentian, Redang and Tioman, located in the South China Sea just off Peninsular Malaysia.

Great Adventures in Malaysia

Malaysia is abundantly blessed with natural wonders. Its 130-million-year-old rainforests are home to some of the most unique species such as the world's largest flower Rafflesia, pitcher plant, proboscis monkey, dusky leaf monkey, mouse deer, Sumatran rhinoceros, rhinoceros hornbill, clouded leopard, sun bear, orang utan, and Malaysian loris. Come discover Mulu Caves – the world's largest cave chambers, Mount Kinabalu – South East Asia's highest peak shrouded in clouds, the world's longest canopy walk – 950 meters above the rainforest, and more. If you'd like to get up close to Mother Nature, head to the Taman Negara National Park or Belum Forest. With their virgin jungle, untouched by man, both are awe-inspiring sights of the thriving eco-system and the natural treasures that Malaysia's forests hold. If you like to stand on South East Asia's highest peak, then Mount Kinabalu is the destination for you. Standing proud and tall at 4101 meters, summiting to catch the sunrise would be quite an adrenaline rush and makes the challenging climb worthwhile. If you'd like to see a rare sight found only in two places (the other being Brazil), then head to Kuala Selangor to catch the sight of golden lighted fireflies, which produce natural fluorescent light that makes them resplendent against the dark background of night.

City Attractions

The cities in Malaysia are an eclectic mix of arts, charming architecture, sumptuous cuisine, and ultra-modern landmarks. The most prominent urban feature is the 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers with a height of 452 meters, and is designed to resemble motifs of Islamic art. Another outstanding landmark is the Blue Mosque with the tallest minarets in the world. In stark contrast to the towers, bustling open-air bazaars offer curious souvenirs, unusual antiques and other great bargains while local delicacies abound at Sunday markets. For retail therapy with a modern touch, Kuala Lumpur boasts upscale shopping malls where world-famous brands are a common sight.

Cultural Heritage

The Malaysian cultural landscape is a tapestry of exotic cultures, traditions, festivals, and languages. From Malays to Chinese, Indians, Portuguese, and indigenous groups such as Iban, Kadazan, Dayak, Melanau, and Bajau, Malaysians live in peace and harmony. Ancient sites and architecture reflect the history of Malaysia that dates back to the 15th century when the Malaccan empire flourished. Museums and cultural centers are the best places to know a little more about Malaysian heritage. For a cultural experience of a different kind, opt for homestay where you will enjoy tranquil rural life in a rustic wooden house with a host family.

Hospitals in Malaysia

Hospitals in Malaysia are only 60 to 80 percent utilized. Therefore, therefore there are no waiting lists. Arrangements can be made for hospitalization immediately upon arrival in the country. Examinations and work-up tests would be done right away, then any follow-up treatment or surgery necessary, performed before discharge. In some hospitals, a family member can arrange to stay right in the hospital near the patient. The cost being less than the going hotel rates in the U.S. or Canada. After discharge, the patient can recuperate locally in a beautiful, warm tropical country, where the dollar has good value. This makes the Malaysian healthcare system very attractive to westerns. For instance, in Canada, average waiting time between referral by general practitioner and treatment in 2005  ranges between 16.3 weeks in Ontario to 25.5 weeks in Saskatchewan, with BC coming in at 18.4 weeks, according to the Fraser Institute survey just released. Those waiting for Orthopedic surgery in Canada are waiting an average of 40 weeks. 95% of the doctors that work in Malaysian hospitals received their education and training in the United Kingdom.  Others had gone to Australia or the U.S.  Some are involved in research, which has received world-wide attention.  All came home because, they were happy to live in their homeland with their very agreeable climate, working at hospitals that were well equipped, where they could practice the type of medicine they were trained to deliver.  To sweeten the pot, Malaysia gives incentives to these doctors to return home. They are encouraged to keep at the forefront of current knowledge in their field. Nursing schools were attached to some of the hospitals. After three years of initial training, many continued to work toward their master’s degrees. Following their training they were indentured for a further five years to work in Malaysia. Therefore, “brain drain” is not occurring. The staff – patient ratio is amazing. The ratio is 1-3 in many hospitals and 1-5 in others. Breast augmentation and rhinoplasty are two of the most popular cosmetic surgeries performed in Malaysia. The average price of a breast augmentation in the United States is $9,000 compared to just over $3,000 for the same procedure in Malaysia. The cost different of rhinoplasty is even more shocking as it only costs $1,200 in Malaysia while it often reaches costs of around $10,000 in the United States. Patients needing a bypass surgery can expect to save around 75% as the surgery costs about $11,000 in Malaysia and nearly $47,000 in the U.S. 

Why Choose Malaysia for Healthcare?

• Unprecedented value for money, favorable exchange rates. • World-class practitioners. • Ease of entry. • Tourist attractions to suit every taste. • Modern infrastructure. • Competitive prices & favorable exchange rates. • Clinical competency. • Seamless and integrated health care system. • Multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual. • Proven track record in recoveries & surgeries. • Wide range of tourism attractions.

So What Are You Waiting For?

Call us at MedCareLink to learn how we can help you seek medical treatment in Malaysia. Remember, our services are absolutely free. If you are in the USA or Canada, call us toll free at 1.888.832.2089. If you are calling from an international location, please dial us directly at 1.949.783.6827. You can also click on CONTACT US in the menu above and submit your information in the contact form.