Insurance

MediAsas for Foreigners: Eligibility Guide for Expats, PRs & Foreign Workers in Malaysia

Permanent Residents and eligible foreigners holding valid long-term passes in Malaysia can purchase MediAsas starting from its January 2027 nationwide launch. While the 2026 pilot phase was restricted to Malaysian citizens, the national rollout extends basic private hospital coverage up to RM300,000 annually to non-citizens who satisfy local residency and underwriting criteria.

Author Bowtie Team

Date 2026-11-11

Updated on 2026-11-13

The Reality of Private Healthcare Costs for Non-Malaysians

Foreign residents in Malaysia face steep out-of-pocket medical expenses due to unsubsidised public hospital rates, double-digit medical inflation, and a 6% Service Tax (SST) on private healthcare services. Without government healthcare subsidies, securing an affordable, standalone medical insurance plan is essential for non-citizens to manage private hospitalisation bills.

Navigating Malaysia’s healthcare system as an international resident comes with distinct financial pressures. While Malaysian citizens enjoy heavily subsidised public healthcare at Ministry of Health (MOH) facilities—paying as little as RM5 for a specialist outpatient visit—non-citizens are charged full, unsubsidised foreigner tariffs, where a similar specialist consultation starts at RM120 and ward beds cost between RM160 and RM320 per day before treatment charges.

At the same time, private healthcare costs have surged. Driven by persistent medical inflation that reached approximately 15% in recent years, commercial medical and health insurance/takaful (MHIT) premiums have undergone steep repricing. Compounding this burden is the expansion of Malaysia’s Service Tax regime. Effective 1 July 2025, private healthcare facilities generating over RM1.5 million in annual taxable revenue must levy a 6% SST on healthcare services provided to non-Malaysian citizens. Although doctors’ consultation fees are exempt when itemised separately on the invoice following Royal Malaysian Customs Department updates, inpatient room charges, surgical procedures, laboratory tests, and medical aids remain subject to the 6% tax for foreign patients.

As healthcare costs rise, many international residents wonder about their safety net. A frequent question is can expats buy MediAsas? The answer heavily depends on your specific visa status, as MediAsas non-citizen eligibility criteria distinguish between permanent residents, professionals, and foreign workers.

Core Rulebook: Understanding MediAsas Non-Citizen Eligibility

So, can expats buy MediAsas? Yes—while the July to October 2026 Klang Valley pilot programme was restricted exclusively to Malaysian citizens, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has confirmed that Permanent Residents and eligible foreigners residing in Malaysia can apply when MediAsas launches nationwide in January 2027.

Developed jointly by BNM, the Ministry of Health (MOH), and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) under the national RESET healthcare reform strategy, MediAsas is a voluntary, standalone medical protection plan that is not tied to any investment-linked product. Unlike public healthcare, it involves zero government funding for claims; premiums are paid entirely by policyholders into a risk pool managed by licensed insurers and takaful operators (ITOs).

To qualify under the MediAsas non-citizen eligibility framework from January 2027, foreign applicants must navigate the following core regulatory and underwriting rules:

Residency and Visa Status: Applicants must legally reside in Malaysia under a recognised long-term pass (such as Permanent Residence, an Employment Pass, or an MM2H visa). Short-term visitors and tourists are strictly excluded.
Entry Age and Renewability: Enrolment at the national launch is open to individuals aged from 30 days old up to 70 years old (age last birthday), with guaranteed annual renewability up to age 85.
Two Standardised Plan Variants: Eligible non-citizens can choose between MediAsas Teras (the standard base plan with a RM100,000 annual limit below age 60, rising automatically to RM150,000 from age 60 onwards) and MediAsas Fleksi (a standard-plus option featuring higher deductibles in exchange for an expanded RM300,000 annual limit).
Full Medical Underwriting: MediAsas is not a guaranteed-acceptance scheme. Every applicant must complete a health declaration questionnaire. Participating ITOs retain the discretion to accept, decline, apply risk loading (higher premiums), or impose specific exclusions based on your medical history and residency risk profile.
Single-Policy Limit: Any eligible resident—citizen or foreigner—may hold only one active MediAsas policy at any given time.

The PR Advantage: Guidelines for MediAsas Permanent Resident Malaysia Applicants

Applicants applying under the MediAsas permanent resident Malaysia category (MyPR or Red IC holders) enjoy nearly identical access, pricing structures, and underwriting processes as Malaysian citizens. Because Permanent Residents are settled long-term residents, they face fewer administrative hurdles regarding minimum residential duration compared to temporary visa holders.

When the nationwide rollout begins in January 2027, every licensed life insurer and family takaful operator offering medical business in Malaysia is mandated to offer MediAsas Teras, making access straightforward for MyPR holders. PRs receive the exact same standardised benefit limits as citizens: pre-hospitalisation diagnostic tests, inpatient hospitalisation and surgery at DRG-regulated panel hospitals, post-hospitalisation follow-ups, and selected outpatient treatments such as day-care procedures and cancer or kidney dialysis therapies.

In terms of premium payments, Malaysian Permanent Residents hold a distinct financial advantage over temporary expatriates. Because MyPR holders have full access to local retail banking, setting up recurring direct debit instructions or auto-billing via Malaysian bank accounts is seamless. Furthermore, following the Budget 2027 announcements, Employees Provident Fund (EPF) members aged below 55 are permitted to utilise savings from their Akaun Sejahtera (Account 2) to pay for MediAsas premiums. Permanent Residents who are active EPF contributors working in Malaysia can leverage this facility—alongside statutory medical insurance income tax relief subject to Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) guidelines—to reduce their out-of-pocket cash outlay.

Professionals & MM2H: Accessing MediAsas for Foreigners

White-collar expatriates holding an Employment Pass (EP), Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T), Spousal Visa, or Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) pass can apply for MediAsas for foreigners starting January 2027. However, non-citizen pass holders must fulfil extra administrative verifications, including proof of valid long-term residency, minimum local stay durations, and active Malaysian bank accounts for premium collection.

For foreign professionals and international retirees, MediAsas solves two distinct practical problems. First, many working expats already have employer-sponsored group medical insurance, but group limits are often modest and cease immediately upon changing jobs or retiring. MediAsas Fleksi—with its RM300,000 annual limit and higher deductible options—was specifically structured to sit alongside employer medical benefits as a portable safety net against catastrophic bills. Second, under Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) guidelines, MM2H visa holders are required to maintain valid medical insurance covering hospitalisation in Malaysia (with a minimum programme threshold typically set at RM80,000 across the SEZ, Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers). With MediAsas Teras providing RM100,000 to RM150,000 in annual coverage and admitting applicants up to age 70, it offers a regulated, cost-effective local policy to satisfy MM2H visa compliance.

If you are an expat or MM2H pass holder preparing to apply for MediAsas in 2027, follow these steps to meet the underwriting requirements:

Verify Your Long-Term Pass Validity: Ensure your passport carries an active, endorsed Employment Pass, RP-T, Long-Term Social Visit Pass (Spouse), or MM2H visa stamp. Insurers typically require your pass to have at least 6 to 12 months of remaining validity at the point of application.
Satisfy Minimum Residential History Rules: Depending on the participating insurer or takaful operator, non-citizen applicants may need to demonstrate that they have resided in Malaysia for a continuous minimum period (commonly 3 to 6 months) prior to enrolment, proving genuine local residence rather than medical tourism.
Maintain a Local Malaysian Bank Account: Premiums for MediAsas (indicatively ranging between RM60 and RM550 per month depending on entry age and plan tier) must be paid in Malaysian Ringgit. Foreign applicants will need a local Malaysian bank account or locally issued payment card to set up recurring premium deductions.
Prepare Complete Medical Records in English: Because MediAsas is fully underwritten, any pre-existing conditions—such as treated hypertension, diabetes, or past surgeries—must be declared honestly. While BNM guidelines encourage insurers to accept applicants with stable, well-managed conditions (subject to condition-specific exclusions or premium loading), having local medical check-up reports ready speeds up underwriting.
Select Your Plan and Deductible Structure: Choose between MediAsas Teras (which carries a base deductible starting from RM500 per illness episode at panel hospitals) or MediAsas Fleksi if you already have employer coverage or savings to absorb a higher initial deductible.

Blue-Collar Workforce: Clarifying Foreign Workers MediAsas Coverage

When examining foreign workers MediAsas coverage, blue-collar migrant workers holding a Visit Pass (Temporary Employment) or Pas Lawatan Kerja Sementara (PLKS) generally do not rely on individual retail MediAsas policies. Instead, their healthcare and workplace injury protection are governed by mandatory, employer-funded government schemes—specifically SPIKPA (SKHPPA) for public hospital admissions and PERKESO (SOCSO) for occupational injuries.

There is a fundamental structural difference between MediAsas and statutory foreign worker insurance. MediAsas is a voluntary retail plan designed primarily to channel patients into private panel hospitals using DRG case-based billing. Conversely, PLKS holders in formal sectors (such as manufacturing, construction, plantation, services, and agriculture) are legally bound to the Foreign Worker Hospitalisation and Surgical Insurance Scheme (SKHPPA / SPIKPA) as a strict prerequisite for work permit issuance and annual renewal by the Immigration Department.

Under SPIKPA, a fixed annual premium of RM120 per worker (plus applicable service tax and stamp duty) provides up to RM20,000 in annual cashless hospitalisation and surgical coverage exclusively at non-corporatised Ministry of Health (government) hospitals. Furthermore, workplace accidents and occupational diseases for foreign workers are covered under the PERKESO (SOCSO) Employment Injury Scheme, which replaced the older Foreign Worker Compensation Scheme (FWCS). Because PLKS workers are tied to temporary annual permits and mandatory public-hospital schemes, retail insurers generally exclude PLKS permits from individual MHIT plans like MediAsas.

However, for local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 75 employees that employ eligible long-term staff, Budget 2027 introduced a first-year MediAsas premium subsidy of RM200 per employee (capped at 50 employees per company), though employers must verify specific citizen and residency eligibility rules once operational guidelines are published.

Visa Types vs. MediAsas Eligibility & Underwriting Matrix

To help you quickly determine where you stand ahead of the January 2027 rollout, the table below contrasts Malaysia’s main non-citizen visa categories against their MediAsas eligibility and key conditions:

Visa / Residency Category	MediAsas Eligibility Status	Rollout Availability	Key Underwriting & Administrative Requirements
Permanent Resident (MyPR / Red IC)	Eligible	Nationwide Launch (January 2027)	Treated similarly to citizens; full medical underwriting up to age 70; eligible to pay via local bank account or EPF Akaun Sejahtera (if under 55 and an active EPF member).
Employment Pass (EP) & RP-T Professionals	Eligible	Nationwide Launch (January 2027)	Valid work pass required; proof of local residential history; full medical declaration; premiums paid via local bank account; no government healthcare subsidies.
Spousal Visa (Long-Term Social Visit Pass)	Eligible	Nationwide Launch (January 2027)	Valid marriage registration and active LTSVP endorsement; subject to standard individual medical underwriting and deductible rules.
MM2H (Silver, Gold, Platinum & SEZ Tiers)	Eligible (Up to entry age 70)	Nationwide Launch (January 2027)	Active MM2H pass endorsement; satisfies the mandatory RM80,000+ local health insurance requirement; pre-existing condition exclusions or loading may apply.
Foreign Worker Permit (PLKS / Temporary Employment)	Generally Not Eligible / Covered by Statutory Schemes	N/A (Governed by SPIKPA & PERKESO)	Must hold mandatory employer-funded SPIKPA/SKHPPA (RM20,000 annual limit at MOH government hospitals) and PERKESO employment injury cover for permit renewal.
Tourist / Short-Term Social Visit Pass	Strictly Not Eligible	Not Available	Non-residents and short-term visitors cannot purchase local MHIT plans and must rely on international travel medical insurance.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, insurance, or medical advice. MediAsas information reflects pilot terms and guidelines that may be subject to change by the relevant authorities. Please refer to the official policy documents for exact coverage details.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can expats and Permanent Residents officially apply for MediAsas?

Permanent Residents and eligible foreigners living in Malaysia can officially apply for MediAsas starting in January 2027 during the nationwide rollout. While the initial Klang Valley pilot programme (July to October 2026) was restricted exclusively to Malaysian citizens, Bank Negara Malaysia has confirmed that the national launch will open enrolment to non-citizens holding valid long-term residency passes.

Do foreigners pay higher premiums for MediAsas than Malaysian citizens?

While MediAsas features standardised base premium bands organized by age group (indicatively RM60 to RM550 per month), individual insurers and takaful operators retain underwriting discretion. Depending on an expat’s health declaration, occupation, and residency risk profile, insurers may apply standard base rates or impose risk loading (additional premiums). Additionally, non-citizens must bear the 6% Service Tax (SST) on private hospital bills where applicable, which can affect out-of-pocket co-payments and deductibles.

Can MM2H visa holders use MediAsas to meet their mandatory medical insurance requirement?

Yes. Once opened to foreign residents in January 2027, MediAsas provides valid local private hospitalisation coverage of RM100,000 to RM150,000 annually under MediAsas Teras, and RM300,000 under MediAsas Fleksi. This exceeds the RM80,000 minimum health insurance threshold required by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) for MM2H pass holders, provided the applicant is aged 70 or below at the time of initial enrolment.

Are tourists or short-term social visit pass holders eligible for MediAsas?

No. Tourists, digital nomads on short-term entry stamps, and visitors without a recognised long-term Malaysian residency pass are strictly ineligible to purchase MediAsas or any local retail MHIT policy. Short-term visitors must rely on international travel insurance or global expatriate health policies issued from their home country.

Does MediAsas cover pre-existing conditions for non-citizens?

MediAsas is fully underwritten, meaning all applicants—including non-citizens—must declare their medical history. Under BNM’s framework, applicants with certain stable, well-managed pre-existing conditions (such as early-stage cancer in remission or single-vessel heart disease) may be accepted into the MediAsas pool to receive coverage for unrelated illnesses and injuries. However, treatments directly connected to the pre-existing condition itself will typically be excluded or subject to additional risk premiums.

Sources

Author

Bowtie Team

Bowtie Life Insurance Company Limited was founded in 2018, as the first authorised virtual insurance company in Hong Kong. Within only 2 years, Bowtie has been providing a wide range of medical coverage to the Hong Kong public. We would like to continue sharing insurance and medical knowledge with people worldwide with our professional expertise and passions.

Learn more about us: https://www.bowtie.com.hk/en/about-us

The above information was provided by Bowtie Team. It is for reference only. In no event shall Bowtie be liable to you or to any other party for any loss or damage whatsoever or howsoever caused directly or indirectly in connection with your access to or use of the content thereon.