Ministry of Health Proposes Mandatory Health Insurance for Refugees

Published 2026-10-18

The Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) has submitted a proposal for all refugees and asylum seekers registered in the country to be required to have health insurance. This measure aims to ensure that this group has financial protection to cover their medical treatment costs while in Malaysia.

Deputy Minister of Health, Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, stated that this proposal is part of the government's efforts to reduce the financial burden borne by public hospitals. Currently, the cost of treatment for non-citizen patients often poses a challenge to the national health system.

With mandatory health insurance, refugees and asylum seekers will find it easier to gain access to necessary health services. Furthermore, this measure is expected to help hospitals manage the collection of treatment payments more systematically and efficiently.

However, this proposal is still in the early stages of discussion. The ministry needs to examine appropriate implementation mechanisms so that it does not burden various parties, including taking into account the status and financial capacity of the refugee population in Malaysia.

Overall, this initiative demonstrates the government's commitment to improving health management for all individuals in Malaysia. The government hopes this measure will provide long-term benefits to the country's public health system.

Sources: The Sun Malaysia

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