“Quality Care for Your Peace of Mind”
Malaysia has emerged as a leading Global Destination for Medical Tourism, blending world-class quality healthcare, affordability and a culturally sensitive experience. Malaysia Healthcare Travel Industry Brand-Malaysia Healthcare with its tagline ‘Quality Care for Your Peace of Mind’ is collaborating with multiple government agencies, private healthcare facilities, travel agencies and etc to create an End-to-End Seamless Patient Experience for International Medical Tourist.
Why choose Sarawak as your Healthcare Destination
Since 2017, Sarawak‘s emergence as a booming destination for medical tourism, especially with increasing number of patients from Indonesia. The most sought-after types of medical treatment by healthcare medical tourists are general health screening, cardiology, fertility, oncology, orthopaedics, gastroenterology, dentistry, ophthalmology, neurology and urology.
WORLD-CLASS QUALITY MEDICAL INFRA
Sarawak has invested in modern hospitals and specialized Medical Centers, some with internationally accredited (e.g.,JCI accredited like Normah Medical Specialist Center ), ensuring high standards of medical care.
COST AFFORDABILITY
Compared to Western countries and neighboring Singapore, Sarawak offers cost-effective medical treatments, attracting international patients to seek treatment at lower cost, without compromising quality.
STRATEGIC GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
Positioned in Borneo, Sarawak serves as healthcare hub gateway for neighboring regions, including Indonesia (Kalimantan) , Brunei and etc. There are direct flights and buses available which greatly enhance accessibility for medical tourists.
EASE OF COMMUNICATION
Sarawak, a Multilingual speaking environment, with English, Malay, Chinese, and all kinds of dialect-speaking professionals able to cater diverse international patients.
STREAMLINED PATIENT SERVICE
Simplified Medical Visa application processes; partnered with airlines to offer discounted travel packages and seamless transfers for medical tourists and also provided end-to end support, including appointment scheduling, accommodation and post-treatment recovery assistance.
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP
Collaborations with global healthcare providers and insurance companies facilitate seamless services for international patient. MOUs were signed with medical tourism agencies in Indonesia, China and Middle East to refer patients to Sarawak. Sarawak’s hospitals providing direct billing with international insurers to reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients.
private HOSPITALS AND SPECIALIST CENTERS IN KUCHING AND MIRI
Timberland Medical Centre (TMC) Kuching
Timberland Medical Centre Kuching, an award-winning hospital recognized as the Best Medical Tourism Provider in city center Kuching (capital of Sarawak). Specializes in cardiology, urology, and more, one of the oldest healthcare center in Kuching is supported by over a team of 70 specialist doctors.
KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital
KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital, is part of the larger KPJ Healthcare Group, which operates hospitals and healthcare facilities across Malaysia and other countries. Specializes in Cardiology and Neurology/ Neurosurgery, KPJ Healthcare won the title of “Best Hospital of the Year in Malaysia” at the 2021 Global Health Asia=Pacific Healthcare Hospital Awards.
Borneo Medical Center (BMC) Kuching
Borneo Medical Center located at central hub of Kuching, is an 80 beds, tertiary level private Medical Center. With modern medical technologies and a team of esteemed healthcare professionals , BMC continues to offer a trusted and excellent patient care and medical services.
Normah Medical Specialist Center (NMSC) Kuching
A JCI-accredited hospital (since year 2013) and Sarawak’s premier facility for women’s and children’s health, Normah Medical Specialist Center Borneo Medical Center is popular among medical tourists from Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore. NMSC offers a wide range of medical and surgical services, including allied health, health screening, and early detection.
Columbia Asia Hospital Miri
Columbia Asia Hospital Miri, established in 1996, operates 20 facilities across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. It emphasizes preventive health, early diagnosis, and wellness programs while utilizing advanced technology for minimally invasive treatments and precision diagnostics. Services span core specialties (obstetrics, pediatrics, orthopedics) and tertiary care (neurosurgery, cardiac care, cancer treatment), supported by MSQH accreditation for quality standards.
Borneo Medical Center Miri
Borneo Medical Centre (Miri) is a 100-bed private tertiary care facility in Miri, Sarawak, offering modern medical technology and dedicated healthcare professionals. Focused on affordable, high-quality care for local and international patients, it emphasizes personalized, inclusive treatment while serving as a hub for emerging health professionals to advance accessible healthcare in Northern Borneo.
KPJ Miri Specialist Hospital
KPJ Miri Specialist Hospital, part of Malaysia’s KPJ Healthcare network, is a 180-bed private facility in Sarawak, strategically located within the commercial hub of Bandar Baru Permyjaya. It offers specialized care (Obstetrics, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, ENT, etc.) with advanced technology and nearly 20 specialists, prioritizing patient-centered services and medical tourism for regional patients.
TRAVEL GUIDE – PREPRATIONS AND ARRANGEMENT REQUIRED
PRE-TRAVEL
- Identify accredited hospitals and members of Malaysia Health Tourism Council (MHTC) and specialists in your treatment area.
- Confirm your appointment with your Specialist Doctors before travel and if possible schedule a virtual Pre-Travel consultation with Sarawak’s hospital to discuss treatment plans, costs and duration.
- Check with Immigration Department of Malaysia whether Medical Visa is required for entry into Sarawak.
- For financial planning, obtain a cost breakdown from the hospital, including pre/post treatment care. Verify international coverage with your insurance company and also confirm the accepted payment methods.
- Check required/ recommended vaccines and Malaysia’s current entry rules.
- Prepare list of embassy, hospital contacts and local emergency numbers. Plan for unexpected situations and hospital emergency protocols.
- Bring along the following documents:
- valid passport/ birth certificate
- Medical Insurance Card and written letter of guarantee from your health insurance company (if you are covered by insurance)
- Home Doctor’s referral letter Medical records, X-rays, diagnosis/imaging records. Medications that prescribed to you.
- obtain a checklist from your specialist hospitals
- Travel Arrangements
- Book Accommodation nearby hospital
- Book accommodation near the medical facility for easy access to follow-up appointments. Many hospitals partner with nearby hotels offering medical tourism packages.
- Airport transfers / Concierge services to hospital or hotels
- Arrange reliable transportation (e.g., hospital shuttles, private drivers) for commutes between hotels and the hospital. Or can take a GrabCar or taxi from airport to hotels
DURING-TRAVEL
- Ensure access to hospital-provided translators or multilingual staff during consultations.
- Prior to discharge, schedule all necessary follow-up consultations, examinations or therapies. Confirm timelines for wound checks or rehabilitation.
- Obtain prescriptions and verify if the medications are permitted and available in your home country along the healing process.
- If traveling alone, consider hiring a caregiver or involving a medical tourism agency for logistical and emotional support.
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication with healthcare providers and family.
- Secure itemized invoices, medical reports, and discharge summaries for insurance reimbursement. Confirm pre-authorization requirements. .
- If treatment extends beyond the visa validity, collaborate with the hospital’s international patient office to facilitate extensions.
- Recovery and Rehabilitation Services– Arrange in-home nursing, physiotherapy, or rehabilitation sessions in Malaysia if required.
- Travel Arrangements for return– Obtain medical clearance for travel, especially after surgeries. Confirm airline policies for medical equipment or mobility aids.
- Arrangement for family members – There are many interesting places to visit in Kuching and Miri. City tours can be arranged with local tour agents.
