Gather round, Malaysians, retirees, and everyone in between with adequate health insurance: Malaysia has just ranked first in the Best Healthcare in the World category of the 2019 International Living Annual Global Retirement Index.
In other words, if you have enough money to retire here, you can probably afford what’s considered to be the best healthcare for older expats according to a website magazine that’s in the biz of telling English-speaking Snowbirds where to spend their twilight years.
Cool.
International Living took into consideration the 13 nationwide hospitals all boasting accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI), where the majority of doctors received training in either the United Kingdom, the United States or Australia, and all of whom are fluent in English.
“There are both private and public hospitals for expatriates to choose from, to suit one’s needs though the private hospitals tend to be a bit more expensive but are more up to Western standards than the public hospitals.”
If by that you mean a Starbucks in the lobby, and a DVD of your colonoscopy, then AGREED, sir!
The survey added that even at private hospitals, treatments are affordable for minor visits. You also don’t need a referral to see a specialist.
“The prescriptions in Malaysia cost a fraction of what you pay at home. But it’s not just the cost that is attractive – it’s the service.
“Pharmacists, similar to rest of medical staff in Malaysia, are well-trained and informed. The Malaysians are friendly people, but it’s the genuine interest they take which impresses,” it said.
“Genuine interest” — good to know kepochi is still a charmer for a select few.
Jokes aside, well done Malaysian hospitals. Unfortunately, locals with limited access to private hospitals have in recent years complained of extensive waiting times at government healthcare facilities, who are so cash-strapped that they were discovered recently to be recycling medical items intended only for single-usage. Another issue plaguing the general population is lack of organ donors, with 25,000 awaiting a kidney transplant.
Coming in at number two was France, followed next by Thailand.
