.svg)
Travel Insurance Malaysia
Travel Insurance Malaysia
Written by
Rachel Gregg
Edited by
Ellie GarranEasily compare Travel Insurance
Save time and effort by comparing a range of travel insurance policies with iSelect
Do I need travel insurance on my trip to Malaysia?
Long story short
Malaysia’s weather can be unpredictable
With two monsoon seasons, intense heat waves, and the occasional tropical storm, it’s worth checking local forecasts and making sure your policy covers weather-related disruptions.
Travel insurance won’t break the bank
Basic coverage starts at around $37 per day, while more comprehensive plans can go up to $85.
Your adventure can be covered – mostly
From trekking in Bako National Park to diving in the Perhentian Islands, travel insurance can cover a range of activities (just check your policy for exclusions).
Do I need travel insurance on my trip to Malaysia?
Think of travel insurance like packing an umbrella. You might not plan for rain, but if a sudden downpour hits, you’ll be glad you brought it. The same can be said for travel insurance. No matter how detailed your plans are, there will always be unplanned forces at work – whether it’s some wild weather or lost bags.
Smartraveller recommends getting a comprehensive insurance plan before you go, especially since the Australian Government won’t cover any medical costs overseas.1For more information, see Smartraveller – Malaysia While Malaysia’s big cities are generally pretty safe, things can get a little more unpredictable in remote areas. So, if you find yourself in need of medical attention out in Borneo, you’ll be glad your travel insurance policy has your back to save you from those high medical evacuation bills.
What popular activities in Malaysia can be covered by travel insurance?
Malaysia is truly the unsung hero when it comes to South Asian holiday destinations. Thanks to its rich history of sea trade, it’s a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. One day you’re wandering through Kuala Lumpur’s shopping malls and sky-high towers, the next you’re trekking through a jungle that looks straight out of National Geographic. Here are just a few highlights worth adding to your itinerary.
Trek through the rainforest in Bako National Park, Borneo
If you want to walk through an uninterrupted jungle that’s been thriving for millions of years, surrounded by orangutans, gibbons, and leopards, Borneo’s Bako National Park is a must-do. This is one of Malaysia’s most popular parks for a reason, with dense rainforests, waterfalls, beaches, animals of all sorts, and over 190 bird species. But don’t go full Tarzan – make sure to book a tour with an experienced guide and that you’ve got medical cover in your policy. The last thing you want is an injury from an unexpected run-in with a Bako bearded pig.
Live the island life on Langkawi
The main island in an archipelago of 99, Langkawi is a stunning tropical paradise only 30 km off Malaysia’s northwest coast.
With palm tree–lined beaches, dense rainforests, and waterfalls hidden among emerald mountains, you can enjoy island living without being in a big tourist hotspot, which creates the perfect setting for some relaxation. You can even take a cable car ride 700 metres up for a jaw-dropping view of the Andaman Sea, with a 125-metre skybridge at the top for more jaw-dropping views. Just watch out for the local macaques; they have zero shame when it comes to stealing snacks (or sunglasses). And make sure your policy includes coverage for anything that might get stolen or damaged from this high-up attraction.
Experience some of Asia’s best diving at Perhentian Islands
With crystal clear waters and golden sands, the Perhentian Islands are a popular honeymoon destination. Whether you’re snorkelling along vibrant coral reefs or diving with green sea turtles and reef sharks, the underwater scenery is just as breathtaking as the island itself. Just make sure that snorkelling and diving are included in your plan before jumping in the deep end.
Climb the limestone cliffs of the Batu Caves
Built within 400-million-year-old limestone caves, this century-old Hindu temple on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit. With its 272 rainbow steps and towering gold statue of the Hindu god, Lord Murugan, contrasted against the green cliffs, it’s a stunning temple like no other. Inside, you’ll find a towering cave chamber filled with temples and statues (as well as more caves to explore). Just watch out for the band of Macaques that sit by the base of the rainbow steps; they’re known to be cheeky and take things that aren’t theirs. You should also just double-check that your policy covers any natural disasters; the last thing you want is an earthquake or flooding to ruin your exploration.
What are some health and safety risks when travelling to Malaysia?
Animal-derived diseases
Like most South Asian destinations, Malaysia’s tropical climate means mozzies are a year-round problem, with diseases like dengue, malaria, and zika more common during the wet season. Slather on that insect repellent and make sure your accommodation has proper mosquito protection. Rabies is another disease to be aware of. It’s found in dogs, monkeys, bats, and other mammals. If you’re scratched or bitten, get immediate medical attention.
Pickpockets and snatch-and-grabs
Malaysia is generally safe, but petty crime is a thing, especially in crowded areas. Pickpockets and bag snatchers often target tourists near shopping malls, pedestrian crossings, and busy streets – sometimes even from moving motorbikes. Make sure to stay vigilant and only take what you need with you. If a stranger approaches you and seems distressed, be wary – it might just be a distraction.
Methanol poisoning and drink spiking
Alcohol taxes in Malaysia are steep, which has led to the rise of unregulated alcohol that could contain methanol, a highly toxic substance. Drink spiking is also common in popular tourist areas. Make sure to never leave your drinks or food unattended, don’t accept cocktails from strangers, and if you or a friend feels off after a drink, get urgent medical attention.
Climate and natural disasters
While it might seem like a typical humid tropical getaway, Malaysia’s weather is a little hard to pin down. It’s not just the blurred line between its wet and dry seasons and its two (yes, two) monsoon seasons, it’s also an area prone to severe weather. Earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, severe rainstorms, and heat waves are all possible weather events. Make sure to check local weather reports and check that your coverage covers cancellations and natural disasters – in case Mother Nature decides to play her cards.
What does travel insurance to Malaysia include?
When you’re shopping around for your travel insurance policy for Malaysia, you’ll notice a few similarities between policies. While all policies won’t be the same, these are a few pillars you might see across a range of plans:
- luggage and personal items
- medical and dental costs (might depend on your coverage level)
- cancellation fees and lost deposits
- emergency traveller arrangements and accommodation
- replacement of passports and travel documents
- personal liability.
What does travel insurance to Malaysia not include?
Your travel insurance policy won’t necessarily cover you for everything listed on your itinerary, which is why it’s important to know exactly what’s covered. While this depends on your selected insurance provider, these are a few common things you might see excluded from the list:
- medical treatment or care that’s not urgent or necessary to uphold your health (like a health spa)
- an incident occurring when you’re intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
- riding a motorcycle or moped higher than 250cc or without a valid licence
- a loss related to your trip that occurs outside of your policy dates.
How much does travel insurance to Malaysia cost?
Getting travel insurance for your upcoming trip to Malaysia is a small price to pay for security during those worst-case scenarios. Depending on the provider you’ve chosen, you can find basic policies for around $37 per day and more comprehensive plans for around $85 per day.
‘If you’re in Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves are worth the short trip. It’s got huge limestone cliffs, and colourful temples inside the cave. And if you’re hungry, Jalan Alor food market is the perfect place to go – think sizzling satay, char kway teow, and way too many delicious things to choose from.‘
Sarah Grealy
Digital PR Specialist, iSelect
Get covered for a fun-filled Malaysia trip
Markets, mountains, and island getaways – Malaysia is a mix of vibrant, unexpected adventures. While you can’t plan for every twist and turn, travel insurance makes sure you’re covered against the big stuff, so you can roll with the punches and keep exploring. Compare travel insurance with iSelect online and browse from a range of providers and plans, and tick that last thing off your travel to-do list.
Easily compare Travel insurance quotes
Save time and effort by comparing a range of travel insurance policies with iSelect
iSelect does not compare all travel insurers or policies in the market. Travel insurance is only available through our website and not all policies are available at all times or in all areas. Not all policies available from our partners are compared by iSelect and due to commercial arrangements and customer circumstances not all policies compared by iSelect will be available to all customers. Click here to view iSelect’s range of providers.
iSelect General Pty Limited ABN 90 131 798 126, AFS Licence Number: 334115. Any advice provided by iSelect is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You need to consider the appropriateness of any information or general advice iSelect gives you, having regard to your personal situation, before acting on iSelect’s advice or purchasing any policy. You should consider iSelect’s Financial Services Guide which provides information about our services and your rights as a client of iSelect. iSelect receives commission for each policy sold.