Malaysia is rapidly emerging as Southeast Asia’s premier destination for medical tourism, combining world-class healthcare with affordability, cutting-edge technology, and patient-centered care.
Malaysia is now scaling up its medical tourism sector, aiming to generate US$2.7 billion in annual revenue by 2030, according to officials from the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC). Backed by strong government support and strategic investment in medical infrastructure, the country is attracting a growing number of international patients from across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond—positioning itself as a global leader in the highly competitive medical tourism sector.
The sector’s growth is not just driven by statistics but by real patient experiences that underscore Malaysia’s growing reputation. One such example is Florence Jessica, a 28-year-old Indonesian diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. Unable to find the specialized care she needed in her hometown of Balikpapan, Florence sought treatment in Kuala Lumpur.
“If we compare the equipment here with what is available in my hometown, there is a huge difference,” she told CNA, describing how her in-depth consultation at a private hospital lasted up to two hours and included ultrasound diagnostics—services unavailable to her back home. A potentially overlooked issue in her knee was detected and treated with a booster injection, improving her condition significantly.
Florence’s experience mirrors that of hundreds of thousands of international patients who now view Malaysia as a trustworthy destination for specialized and effective healthcare.
Record Numbers and Rising Demand
Malaysia’s ambitions are already supported by strong numbers. In 2023, over one million healthcare travellers sought treatment in the country, generating nearly US$500 million in revenue—exceeding pre-pandemic levels. In just the first quarter of 2025, the MHTC reported 1.52 million international patient arrivals, placing the nation on a solid trajectory toward its 2030 financial goal.
According to MHTC CEO Dr. Mohamed Ali Abu Bakar, the challenge now lies in expanding capacity. “We must be ready… Even in Malaysia right now, we have a lot of hospitals adding buildings, building brand new ones, so hopefully the capacity is there for us to achieve these goals,” he said.
Competitive Advantage: Affordability without Compromise
Affordability remains a cornerstone of Malaysia’s competitive edge. With global medical inflation accelerating, countries offering high-quality care at lower prices are gaining favor. “Even how much the cost may increase, it is still deemed to be affordable,” noted Dr. Kuljit Singh, president of the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia.
“We are still one of the most cost-effective countries in terms of healthcare costs in the region.” A cost comparison reveals the stark difference: an angioplasty procedure that costs US$55,000 in the United States may be available for as low as US$3,000 in Malaysia—without compromising medical outcomes or standards.
Malaysia’s Medical Tourism market projected to hit $5.1B by 2028
According to independent market analyses, Malaysia’s medical tourism industry is projected to reach US$5.1 billion by 2028, growing at a 4.5% CAGR from its 2020 valuation of US$1.2 billion. This growth trajectory reflects not only affordability but also the Malaysian government’s strategic investments in healthcare infrastructure, visa facilitation, and international partnerships.
Malaysia currently boasts 88 accredited medical facilities, including eight Joint Commission International (JCI)-accredited hospitals, a standard benchmark for global healthcare excellence.
Strategic Markets and Policy Support
Indonesia remains the primary market, accounting for 60% to 80% of foreign patients, but the reach is expanding. Patients now arrive from China, India, the Middle East, and even Europe, seeking everything from cardiology and fertility treatments to orthopedic surgery and wellness services.
Malaysia has also introduced policy changes aimed at boosting accessibility, such as visa-free entry for tourists from China and India, further enhancing its appeal.
Leading facilities like the National Heart Institute (IJN) have earned international accolades—most recently as the Cardiology Service Provider of the Year in Asia-Pacific for seven consecutive years—reinforcing Malaysia’s medical credibility.
Regional Race: Thailand and Singapore in competition
Despite Malaysia’s strong showing, it faces stiff regional competition. Thailand remains ASEAN’s top revenue generator, posting US$850 million in 2023, bolstered by 2.86 million international patients and a government-backed 10-year strategy. Thailand’s recent medical visa reforms and agreements with Middle Eastern nations signal a deepening commitment to medical tourism leadership.
Singapore, by contrast, has taken a more niche approach, targeting complex and high-risk cases. However, its strong currency and higher costs may limit its appeal to price-sensitive patients within the region.
With its strategic blend of affordability, quality, and a welcoming patient experience, Malaysia is redefining its global healthcare identity. The country’s ambition to generate US$2.7 billion annually by 2030 is not merely a financial target—it is part of a broader vision to make Malaysia a premier global medical hub. As infrastructure expands and policy supports deepen, Malaysia is well on its way to transforming health tourism from a national asset into a global beacon of accessible, high-quality care.