Best Travel Insurance in Malaysia – Top 10 Providers Compared
Travel insurance can give you peace of mind when you're away from home, covering everything from medical and emergency expenses, through to lost luggage, cancellations and other unforeseen events. Before you head away, you'll want to find the best travel insurance in Malaysia based on your specific requirements. This travel insurance comparison is here to help, with an introduction to 10 different popular insurance services you may want to consider.
We'll also touch on the Wise card - a great way to pay and withdraw with low fees while you travel, offering coverage in 150+ with mid-market rates no matter where you're heading.
Table of contents:
- Key Features to Look for in a Travel Insurance Policy
- Top 10 Travel Insurance Providers in Malaysia
- How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for Your Needs
- How to Buy Travel Insurance in Malaysia
- How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
Why You Need Travel Insurance in Malaysia
Getting travel insurance in Malaysia before you go abroad gives you assurance you'll be able to get help with additional costs and unexpected hassle if anything goes wrong while you're away.
While different policies have their own inclusions and exclusions, you'll generally find travel insurance looks at areas like:
Medical care in the case of an emergency, accident or illness, from visiting a doctor to being admitted to hospital or requiring repatriation
Ongoing medical help in Malaysia if required after an issue during your trip
Travel inconveniences, such as delays, cancelled flights, lost or damaged luggage
Accidental death or disablement during a trip
Losses incurred if your credit card, passport or another important document is stolen
Personal liability
There are many different travel insurance providers out there, and each offers varying policies and levels of cover. This can make finding the best insurance in Malaysia a daunting task, as you'll need to look through policy documents to assess the right level of cover for your specific needs. This guide gives you a head start so you can research more easily, and then buy travel insurance online or in person before you travel.
Key Features to Look for in a Travel Insurance Policy
Before you buy travel insurance, make sure you read all of the documents and instructions carefully. You'll usually need to declare any pre-existing health conditions for example, in order for your cover to be valid. Here are some important features to look out for when you pick a policy.
Medical Coverage
While travel insurance will generally include reimbursement, or cashless payment for hospitalization and medical expenses, the exact terms of your policy can vary a lot. For example, some policies do not cover specific conditions, including pre-existing conditions. You may also decide to look out for a policy which has coverage for COVID-19 treatment, either as standard or as an add on which you need to pay additionally for.
Read through the cover levels, including important exclusions, and declare any pre-existing conditions in line with the provider's policy requirements before you sign up.
Trip Cancellation and Delay Protection
Some travel insurance policies include reimbursement for canceled trips, and compensation for flight delays and missed connections. This can be reassuring as you'll know you won't be left stranded if your flights are cancelled or overbooked. Cover for delays can vary, with some policies offering cover from 2 hours delay, and others not starting cover until you've already been delayed for 6 hours or more.
Basic policies may not offer reimbursement for additional expenses incurred if you're delayed, so if this is important to you, look carefully at how your preferred policy works if you're inconvenienced abroad.
Lost or Delayed Baggage Coverage
Some travel insurance policies include compensation for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage. If you arrive at your destination and your bags do not, your insurer may reimburse up to a fixed limit based on the length of time it takes to be reunited with your cases - this can help you buy new things when you need them.
It's very common to find that there are per item limits on the amount you can claim, so if you will be travelling with expensive electronics, jewels or designer clothing, you'll need to check you have adequate cover in advance.
Personal Liability and Accidents
The final point to check in any policy you consider is around the level of coverage for accidental injuries and liability claims. If you're involved in an accident abroad and need legal support, this cover can be essential to avoid high costs.
What usually isn't covered by travel insurance?
Checking what isn't covered by your policy is as important as looking at what is covered. Providers set their own rules, and all have exclusions. However, these can vary so reading the policy wording is essential. Common exclusions include:
Pre-existing medical conditions
Adventure activities and professional sports
Suicide or self harm
Childbirth and pregnancy and related medical concerns
Manual labour
War and other conflicts
Most policies are also offered for travel to certain countries only. You may get a policy which covers several different countries or regions, but there can also be exclusions here which are important to understand.
Top 10 Travel Insurance Providers in Malaysia
Here's a side by side comparison of 10 top travel insurance providers in Malaysia - we've got more information on each coming up right after. We've looked at some key cover areas here - but do bear in mind that policy terms can vary based on individual circumstances.
| Provider | Medical Expenses | Trip Cancellation and Delay Protection | Lost or Delayed Baggage Coverage | Personal Liability and Accidents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIG | Up to 1 million MYR | Up to 15,000 MYR | Up to 8,000 MYR | Up to 400,000 MYR |
| MSIG | Up to 1 million MYR for medical evacuation Medical cover 150,000 MYR to 500,000 MYR based on policy | 18,000 MYR - 50,000 MYR for cancellation Delay protections vary based on situation | 5,000 MYR - 10,000 MYR | Up to 1 million MYR |
| Etiqa | 100,000 MYR - 1.5 million MYR depending on policy | Up to 125,000 MYR on top tier policy - basic plans may not offer cancellation cover | 1,000 MYR - 5,000 MYR for lost items, up to 1,000 MYR cover for delays | 100,000 MYR - 1.5 million MYR depending on policy |
| Great Eastern | Unlimited evacuation costs Medical costs from 25,000 MYR to 300,000 MYR depending on policy and age | Delay cover from 1,000 MYR to 3,000 MYR Cancelation cover from 5,000 MYR to 20,000 MYR | 2,000 MYR - 6,000 MYR for lost items Delayed items cover up to 800 MYR | Very varied depending on policy and the situation |
| MHInsure | Up to 1 million MYR | Delay cover up to 4,200 MYR Cancelation cover is up to the trip's value | Up to 7,500 MYR for lost items, or 1,500 MYR for delays | Up to 1.5 million MYR |
| Tokio Marine | 100,000 MYR - 750,000 MYR depending on plan | Up to 15,000 MYR on top tier policy - basic plans may not offer cancellation cover | 400 MYR - 600 MYR for delayed items | 100,000 MYR - 325,000 MYR depending on plan |
| Generali | Up to 300,000 MYR | Up to 3,200 MYR for delays, or 20,000 MYR for cancellation | Up to 1,600 MYR | Variable - check with the provider for your specific policy |
| Chubb | 100,000 MYR to 1 million MYR depending on the policy | 15,000 MYR to 50,000 MYR | No cover is offered in the most basic plans, for higher tier plans, loss of items is covered to 7,500 MYR | Up to 1 million MYR No cover is offered in the most basic plans |
| Allianz | 200,000 MYR to 350,000 MYR | 25,000 MYR | 5,000 MYR | Variable - check with the provider for your specific policy |
| RHB | Up to 600,000 MYR | Variable - check with the provider for your specific policy | Up to 10,000 MYR | Up to 300,000 MYR |
*Details correct at time of research - 24th March 2025
As you can see, most providers have ranges of cover as they offer more than one policy type or tier. Read through the provider's policy information carefully to understand which cover items and levels are included on the policy you pick.
AIG
AIG offers various different types of insurance, including travel insurance policies. There are different policies depending on the specific trip you're taking, including some options specifically aimed at student travellers. AIG offers dedicated support teams 24/7, so you can speak to someone if you need to make a claim. If you're unlucky enough to need medical care while you travel, you may find that AIG is able to arrange to pay medical providers directly, rather than you needing to pay and then reclaim the funds spent.
| Details of coverage |
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MSIG
MSIG has 3 different levels of travel insurance cover which you can choose from based on your specific trip. The levels of cover vary, but all offer a broad range of features including medical and accident, cancellation and loss of personal effects. All policies also offer some cover for adventurous activity, which may make this a good choice for people who are looking to take part in sports or extreme activities.
| Details of coverage |
|---|
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Etiqa
Etiqa offers standard and Shariah compliant policies which are available for domestic and international travel. International travel policies are offered in 3 different tiers which have their own features, fees and exclusions. The most basic plan may not cover some fairly common areas such as travel cancellations, so you'll need to read through the exclusions carefully when signing up.
| Details of coverage |
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Great Eastern
Great Eastern is a large provider with domestic and international travel insurance which comes in 3 different tiers. The top tier offers extended benefits including Covid cover, with higher reimbursement levels for many features as well. This may mean that Great Eastern is a good option if you have specific concerns about Covid causing problems with your trip.
| Details of coverage |
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MHInsure
MHInsure is travel insurance and Travel Takaful offered by Malaysia Airlines. The policies are similar in terms of the cover areas and benefits, but Takaful offers some extended benefits for Islamic pilgrimage. One interesting feature is that cancellation cover is offered based on the cost of the trip you're planning in the first place. If you've got an expensive getaway in mind, this may offer reassurance that your reimbursement won't be subject to low limits if something goes wrong.
| Details of coverage |
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Tokio Marine
Tokio Marine has one off and annual travel insurance policies, as well as options for golf insurance and domestic only cover. There are different plans for international travel, so you can choose from a more basic option with a lower price point, or opt for higher cover levels and more features for a higher fee. All quotes are dependent on your destination and the duration of cover you need.
| Details of coverage |
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Generali
Generali has single trip, annual and domestic only travel insurance which offers quite comprehensive cover across all major policy areas. It's helpful to note that pandemic cover is not a standard, so you'll need to add this on if you're concerned about Covid or other declared pandemic situations impacting your plans.
| Details of coverage |
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Chubb
Chubb travel insurance is split into Basic, Lite and Pro packages. The Basic policy has some important exclusions and is not as comprehensive as some of the other options, but comes with a lower price tag. For higher levels of cover you can select one of the upgrades which gives far more cover and reimbursement if you ever run into problems.
| Details of coverage |
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Allianz
Allianz promotes annual cover which comes in 2 categories - Travel Care and Travel Easy. You can buy Travel Easy policies online only, while the Travel Care option has slightly higher cover levels and is sold through authorised agents. Both policy types cover some adventure activities including climbing at altitude, which can make this a good option if you're heading off on an outdoors break.
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RHB
Popular bank RHB offers travel insurance on a single trip or annual basis. The cover levels do vary slightly depending on whether you need ongoing cover or just a policy for one destination. You can buy these policies online, in any RHB branch, or through an insurance agent if you would prefer. Cover is available for Malaysian citizens and residents, and anyone departing for their trip through Malaysia.
| Details of coverage |
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How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for Your Needs
You'll need to do some research to pick the best travel insurance provider based on your destination, trip duration, and the activities you intend to get up to while you're away. Invest a bit of time comparing coverage and premiums across different services, so you can pick the one which balances costs, convenience and cover for your trip.
It's well worth looking at how the provider's claims process works so you have an idea in case you ever need to make a claim - knowing you'll be fully supported if you need help when you're away gives you peace of mind so you can relax into your trip more easily.
How to Buy Travel Insurance in Malaysia
Different services have different options when it comes to signing up for travel insurance. You may find you can buy online, or you might prefer buying from travel agencies and airlines which let you talk to an agent directly to discuss your plans and needs. Some insurers offer specific policies online only, which may have slightly lower cover levels compared to the policies available through agents.
Take a look at the provider you prefer, and decide which is the easiest option to buy a policy - getting set up online and paying by card is usually pretty straightforward, and can mean you're all sorted in no time at all.
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
Travel insurance costs are based on the policy selected, the country you're going to, the duration of the trip, and the health and age of the specific individuals being covered. This means that the amount you pay can vary widely.
To give an idea of the costs, if you choose Great Eastern, policies for up to a week in Area 1 - which includes much of Asia - run from 31 MYR to 77 MYR for an individual only, while the same policy for worldwide travel would cost 59 MYR to 128 MYR.
Etiqa week long international policies cost 36.5 MYR to 141.5 MYR depending on the policy level and the region you travel to. There are also additional add on options for adventurous travel and specifics like Covid cover.
Tips for international travel
Cut international card fees
Paying overseas with your card is convenient and secure. But you may find you spend more than you expect if your card includes a foreign transaction fee. Foreign transaction fees can be around 3%, which is added to your bill every time you transact. The good news is that some card providers don't have a foreign transaction fee which can bring down your overall costs significantly.
For example, the Wise card lets you pay with no fees if you already have the required currency in your account. If not you can simply add MYR and then Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate with a low, transparent fee starting from 0.71%. This helps you save on unnecessary fees when spending abroad.
Plan your bookings
When you're planning a trip overseas, the key costs are often hotel or other accommodation and travel expenses. Both accommodation and flights can get more expensive the longer you leave booking - so getting the big budget items sorted early can help you save money in the end. Plus, once you know what you're spending on your flight and accommodation, you can work your remaining budget more effectively to ensure you get the most from your break.
Make use of travel apps
You're never far from your phone, and having roaming data and a selection of great travel apps can make your trip all the more rewarding. Get your favourite map app for navigation, and look up which ride hailing services are the best in your destination. Download a translation tool, and get some ideas online for any other services which you need before you leave. In some destinations, public transport apps can be super handy for example, while local tourist authorities in your destination may also have helpful tools you can get for free to do more with your time on arrival.
Conclusion
Travel insurance is a must have for any trip, offering peace of mind as you'll know there's help on hand if you have an accident, fall ill, suffer delays or cancellations, or have other unexpected issues crop up while you're away. There are many different insurance providers in Malaysia, from local banks to global specialist services. All offer a range of products which typically run from basic packages with low fees and quite limited cover, through to comprehensive plans which cover everything you could possibly need, no matter where you're heading.
Use this guide to start your research and get your travel insurance all sorted before you leave for your next trip. Plus, to keep down your costs in your destination, why not also get a Wise card for easy overseas spending with the mid-market rate.