Travel to Malaysia: Which Travel Insurance Should I Get?
If youâre based in Singapore, youâre 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? Most Singaporeans might not bother since itâs just across the border, but we highly recommend getting travel insurance regardless. Securing adequate travel insurance coverage can assure a certain extent of financial preparedness for unexpected events such as overseas medical expenses, natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, baggage loss, and even flight accidents and delays.
Travel Requirements To Enter Malaysia
Visa Application
In general, all visitors must possess a passport or travel document with at least 6 monthsâ validity upon arrival, have a return ticket, and have sufficient funds for the whole duration of their stay. Nationals of specific countries would also be required to produce a Yellow Fever Certificate prior to entering Malaysia.And unless youâre from one of the countries which are on a Visa-free entry agreement with Malaysia, youâll have to apply for an e-Visa (Single entry/Multiple entry/Transit) to travel to Malaysia as a tourist.
Visa-free entry
| ASEAN countries | All ASEAN country nationals, except Myanmar, can enter Malaysia without a visa for up to 30 days. |
| Other countries | Over 100 countries are exempted, with permitted stay durations varying between 14 to 90 days, depending on country |
| China and India nationals | Until 31 Dec 2026, China and India nationals are exempted from visa requirements for tourist purposes (Single Entry Visa) |
It is compulsory to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within three days before arriving in Malaysia, except for:
Single-entry visa
Nationals from countries not on the visa-free list are expected to apply for a Single Entry Visa for social or business purposes. These visas are valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
Multiple entry visa
A Multiple Entry Visa is applicable for foreigners travelling to Malaysia for business or inter-governmental affairs. These visas are valid for 3 to 12 months from the date of issue, with each stay limited to a maximum of 30 consecutive days. Extensions are not permitted.
We Asked Singaporeans About Flight Disruptions, and They Answered.
Flight cancellations and delays disappoint, frustrate, and inconvenience many travellers across the globe yearly. Find out which airlines have the delays and cancellation.
Best Malaysia Travel Insurance Plans in 2025
Budget Travel
FWD Premium, Business First plans
Overall good value
Bubblegum plan
Extreme sports & flight disruptions
Tiq Entry, Savvy, Luxury plans
Pre-existing conditions (esp. for elderly)
MSIG TravelEasyÂŽ Pre-Ex Standard, Elite, Premier plans
Overseas medical expenses
Singlife Travel Prestige
For pregnancy and families
Allianz Travel Basic, Silver, Platinum plans
Natural disasters
Singlife Travel Lite, Plus, and Prestige plans
Covid-19 coverage
Starr TraveLead Comprehensive Bronze, Silver, Gold plans
Best Malaysia Travel Insurance For Malaysia
FWD Premium
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$200,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$7,500
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$20.9725% Off - S$15.73
[GIVEAWAY | MoneySmart Exclusive]
Get over S$100 worth of UPSIZED rewards including:
⢠S$15 Revolut cash reward
⢠3 month Revolut premium plan (worth S$29.70)
⢠Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
⢠S$50 Trip.com Coupon*, for a limited time only! T&Cs apply.
Join our Giveaways and score exciting prizes:
⢠Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 512GB
⢠Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB. T&Cs apply.
⢠S$100 Revolut cash reward. T&Cs apply.
Bubblegum Travel Insurance
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$150,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Personal Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$30.3210% Off - S$27.29
[GIVEAWAY | Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*]
Get over S$85 worth of rewards including:
⢠Up to S$25 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
⢠S$15 Revolut cash reward
⢠3 month Revolut premium plan (worth S$29.70)
⢠Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50)
⢠S$10 Trip.com Coupon with every policy purchased.
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.
.png)
Tiq Entry
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$200,000
- Travel Cancelation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$2,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$2745% Off - S$14.85
[âď¸ Score Dream Holidays worth over S$10,800 âď¸ | MoneySmart Exclusive]
Get up to S$130 worth of rewards including:
⢠Up to S$20 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
⢠S$15 Revolut cash reward
⢠3 month Revolut premium plan (worth S$29.70)
⢠Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50) with every policy purchased.
⢠S$60 Trip.com Coupon*, for a limited time only!
Embark on an Exciting Getaway with our Giveaways and score:
⨠A Dream Holiday (worth up to S$1,800). T&Cs apply.
⨠S$100 Revolut cash reward. T&Cs apply.
MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex Standard
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$75,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total Premium
- S$38
.png)
Singlife Travel Prestige
- Overseas Medical Expenses
- Unlimited
- Trip Cancellation
- S$20,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$8,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$60.5925% Off - S$45.44
[GIVEAWAY | Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*]
Get over S$90 worth of rewards including:
⢠Up to S$30 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
⢠S$15 Revolut cash reward
⢠3 month Revolut premium plan (worth S$29.70)
⢠Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50)
⢠S$10 Trip.com Coupon with every policy purchased.
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.
.png)
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$3762% Off - S$14.06
[GIVEAWAY | MoneySmart Exclusive]
Enjoy an exclusive 62% off your policy premium.
Get over S$105 worth of rewards including:
⢠Up to S$45 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
⢠S$15 Revolut cash reward
⢠3 month Revolut premium plan (worth S$29.70)
⢠Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50)
⢠S$10 Trip.com Coupon with every policy purchased.
Join our Giveaways and score exciting prizes:
⢠Apple AirTags. 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 PremiumTotal Premium
S$28.5525% Off - S$21.41
[GIVEAWAY | Receive your cash as fast as 30 days*]
Get over S$90 worth of rewards including:
⢠Up to S$30 via PayNow with eligible premiums spent. T&Cs apply.
⢠S$15 Revolut cash reward
⢠3 month Revolut premium plan (worth S$29.70)
⢠Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50)
⢠S$10 Trip.com Coupon with every policy purchased.
PLUS, score S$100 Revolut cash reward in our giveaway on top of existing rewards. T&Cs apply.
Starr TraveLead Comprehensive Bronze
- Med. Coverage (Overseas)
- S$200,000
- Trip Cancellation
- S$5,000
- Loss/Damage of Baggage
- S$3,000
- Total PremiumTotal Premium
S$41.1860% Off - S$16.47
[âď¸ Score Dream Holidays worth over S$10,800 âď¸ | MoneySmart Exclusive]
Get over S$110 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$15 Revolut cash reward
⢠3 month Revolut premium plan (worth S$29.70)
⢠Eskimo Global 1GB eSIM (worth S$9.50)
⢠S$10 Trip.com Coupon with every policy purchased.
Embark on an Exciting Getaway with our Giveaways and score:
⨠A Dream Holiday (worth up to S$1,800). T&Cs apply.
⨠S$100 Revolut cash reward. T&Cs apply.
How to Choose Suitable Travel Insurance For Your Malaysia Trip?
When getting a travel insurance plan, there are many factors to consider other than just the price and medical costs coverage. Aspects like trip disruptions, personal accidents, pre-existing medical conditions, and other add-on benefits like COVID-19 coverage are important to consider too.
Look for adequate coverage
Securing travel insurance is one thing, but getting sufficient coverage is another. Even if youâre just travelling to a nearby country like Malaysia, donât underestimate the importance of getting adequate coverage for your tripâs itinerary.
It doesnât have to be specialised coverage, but as long as you have the key components covered like overseas medical expenses, accidental death and total permanent disablement, baggage delay or loss, and trip disruption like flight delays and trip cancellations.
Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions
Being diagnosed with an unexpected severe illness or injury is the last thing youâd want on a trip, especially when you have a pre-existing condition that could be worsened by severe illness or injury. Fortunately, some travel insurers provide coverage for pre-existing medical conditions such as pregnancy, injuries or illnesses sustained during the trip.
Travel insurance plans with or without COVID-19 coverage often include overseas in-patient hospitalisation and hospital transport arrangement, allowing you to claim for medical, surgical, nursing or hospital charges, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation.
Compare premium prices
The cost of travel insurance plans often depends on the destination and duration of stayâwhich is why premium price comparison is important when considering your insurance options.
Most travel insurance companies have 2 to 3 tiers of plans at different price points, with varying comprehensiveness and reimbursement limits. Some travel insurers separate nearby regions into ASEAN and Asia, charging higher premiums for certain regions, while others offer the uniform premiums across certain regions.
For example, trips to countries like Malaysia may fall under a lower-cost ASEAN tier with some insurers, but grouped under a broader Asia category with higher premiums for other insurers.
Specialised activities coverage for adventurous sports
Malaysia has many great spots for adventures including water sports and extreme sports, but the breadth of coverage needed largely depends on your itinerary. In such cases, itâs best to opt for a travel insurance policy with specialised activity coverage. For instance, if youâre planning to go scuba diving in Johor Bahru, make sure you get a policy that covers diving sports like MSIGâs TravelEasyÂŽ Elite and Premier plans. Although notably, scuba diving coverage typically only applies when diving up to 30 metres deep with a certified guide.
Coverage for trip delays/disruptions and baggage damage/loss
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.
Need a Credit Card for Your Upcoming Trip?
Check out our list of the best credit cards per category to find one that suits your needs.
Best overseas spending credit card
Best air miles credit card
Best rewards credit card
Key Reasons to Secure the Best Travel Insurance for Malaysia
Itâs a widely-known fact that short trips to Malaysia have become a weekend norm for many Singaporeans. Nevertheless, we shouldnât overlook the significance of getting the best travel insurance when visiting Malaysia. After all, despite its proximity, Malaysia is still a foreign country, and you never know what might happen.
While a quick getaway may feel low-risk, itâs still wise to be prepared for the unexpected. Personal accidents, sudden illness, or travel delays can easily disrupt travel plans. And if youâre road-tripping, the last thing youâd want is to be stranded in the middle of nowhere, and in urgent need of medical assistance.
Secured short trips
Whether itâs a day trip or a spontaneous weekend drive into Johor Bahru, itâs understandable that many Singaporeansâespecially those living in Woodlandsâtreat Malaysia as an extension of their own backyard. Still, donât let that familiarity lull you into a false sense of security and into skipping travel insurance. Emergencies donât discriminate by location, they just happen. And when they do, having sufficient travel insurance coverage, even for the shortest trips, can make all the difference.
To address potential risks, especially in regions of Malaysia prone to natural disasters like typhoons, flooding, landslides, selecting a comprehensive travel insurance plan that offers coverage for baggage damage or loss, trip disruptions, and overseas medical expenses is key. Tiq by Etiqa is one such plan that safeguards against extreme weather conditions.
Curated protection for your travel needs
Depending on the nature of your Malaysia trip, your coverage needs may vary. If youâre simply out and about in the city, standard travel insurance benefits should suffice. However, if youâre engaging in adventurous activities like scuba diving or rock climbing, specialised coverage for adventurous sports is essential. Properly tailoring your coverage to your tripâs itinerary will save you both time and money in the long run.
Enjoy peace of mind
Lastly, if youâre a frequent traveller to Malaysia, an annual travel insurance plan may be the most cost-effective option. Given your multiple trips throughout the year, purchasing single travel insurance policies becomes less financially worthwhile. Meanwhile, annual travel insurance provides continuous and consistent coverage for each journeyâproviding greater peace of mind with the value outweighing the cost over time.
The Call of Adventure Awaits!
Are you a certified adrenaline junkie that canât say no to an adventure of a lifetime? If youâre drawn to all things bold and dangerous, hereâs how to choose the best travel insurance for extreme sports, adventurous activities, and more.
Comparison: Average Cost of Travel Insurance For Malaysia
Many travel insurance plans for Malaysia come with affordable premiums. However, insurers offering extensive pre-existing conditions coverage or the highest overseas medical benefits in the market tend to charge higher premiums for more comprehensive coverage. To help you choose the most suitable plan for your trip, hereâs a summary of which insurance plans are best for specific coverage types.
| Travel Insurance Provider | Overseas Medical Expenses | Trip Disruptions & Cancellations | Baggage Damage/Loss | Total Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bubblegum | Up to $150,000 | $5,000 | $3,000 | $30 |
| Singlife | Up to unlimited | Up to $20,000 | Up to $8,000 | $24.25 to $51.50 |
| Allianz Travel | Up to $1 million | Up to $10,000 | Up to $5,000 | $15.20 to $35 |
| Starr TraveLead | Up to $1 million | Up to $15,000 | Up to $7,500 | $17.20 to $29 |
| AIG | Up to $2.5 million | Up to $15,000 | Up to $10,000 | $24 to $58.40 |
| FWD | Up to $1 million | Up to $15,000 | Up to $7,500 | $16.75 to $26.40 |
| MSIG TravelEasy | Up to $1 million | Up to $15,000 | Up to $7,500 | $15.20 to $78.50 |
| Singtel | Up to $1 million | Up to $15,000 | Up to $8,000 | $14.40 to $34.20 |
| Tiq by Etiqa | Up to $1 million | Up to $10,000 | Up to $3,000 | $16 to $36.25 |
| UOI | Up to $700,000 | Up to $10,000 | Up to $6,000 | $18 to $32.50 |
*Estimated premium rates based on a 4D3N round-trip to Malaysia. Last updated on 10 March 2025.
Weâve listed the benefits and premiums of 10 travel insurers above for easy comparison. Itâs shown that the average cost of a travel insurance plan for a 4D3N Malaysia trip is about $37, assuming that we take the most comprehensive plan offered by each travel insurance provider.
Estimated average cost of a travel insurance plan:
$30 + $51.50 + $35 + $29 + $58.40 + $30.50 + $32.20 + $34.20 + $36.25 + $32.50 = $369.55
$369.55 á 10 = $36.96
For travellers going to Malaysia preferring comprehensive coverage for overseas medical expenses Singlifeâs Travel Prestige plan offers unlimited coverage for only about $51.50 in premium.
As for more affordable premiums, plans by FWD, Bubblegum, MSIG TravelEasy, and UOI offer decent overseas medical expenses coverage too. Among them, FWD and MSIG stand out with coverage of up to $1 million, which outperforms that of UOIâs $700,000 and Bubblegumâs $150,000 coverage limit. Considering their lower price points, these plans offer solid value for those seeking substantial medical protection without paying top-tier premiums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need travel insurance for Malaysia?
- It is recommended that you buy travel insurance when you travel to cover 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?
- Adding COVID-19 coverage to your travel insurance isnât as essential as before, but itâs still good to take that extra precaution. While Malaysia no longer requires COVID-19 travel insurance, having coverage for unexpected medical costs, potential quarantine, or trip disruptions arising from COVID-19 are still helpfulâespecially if youâre visiting more rural areas with limited healthcare access or facilities.
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. Some travel insurance companies offer COVID-19 coverage as an add-on benefit to an existing plan, while others already include COVID-19 coverage benefits.
You may either get COVID-19 coverage as an add-on benefit or as part of an existing insurance plan, or through our best travel insurance for COVID-19 comparison tool. Does the premium cost change across Malaysian states? (e.g. Johor â Penang)
- No, the cost of travel insurance premium doesnât usually change across different Malaysian states. Itâs more affected by regional variations such as ASEAN countries vs Europe, as well as other factors like duration of stay and extent of policy benefits.
Should I get single or annual travel insurance for my Malaysia trips?
- If you only travel to Malaysia occasionally, a single travel insurance plan will suffice. However, if youâre a frequent traveller, then annual travel insurance offers better value and continuous coverage throughout the year.
Can I buy travel insurance after entering Malaysia?
- While travel insurance is usually purchased before a trip commences, some insurers allow you to purchase it after entering Malaysia. However, not all providers allow this option.
Other reasons why itâs not advisable is because waiting periods may apply where policies might have a 24 to 48 hour period before coverage kicks in. Plus, benefits like trip cancellation or pre-trip disruptions will no longer apply after travel has started.
