Medical treatment in Penang
Updated October 2026
- Hospitals
- 13
- Specialists
- 858
- Patient reviews
- 5,363
- Avg. rating
- 4.8
Penang, in the north of Malaysia, is one of the most popular places for patients from Indonesia to get treatment, especially from Sumatra. Its private hospitals are concentrated in George Town and nearby, close to hotels, food and the airport.
This guide brings together the hospitals and specialists in Penang listed on MedBay, typical treatment costs, how to get there and what to prepare.
Why patients choose Penang
- Short flights from Sumatra: Medan to Penang takes about an hour.
- A cluster of private hospitals within a short drive of each other, used to patients from Indonesia.
- Specialists across cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, fertility, eye care and more.
- A familiar feel: halal food is everywhere, and Malay, a close cousin of Indonesian, means many patients can talk with doctors and staff in their own words.
Hospitals in Penang
13 private hospitals in Penang listed on MedBay. MedBay partner hospitals are shown first.
Hospitals by specialty in Penang
Find a specialist in Penang
Popular treatments and costs in Penang
Average estimates in Malaysian ringgit (RM). The final cost depends on your condition and the hospital; hospitals give a formal estimate after reviewing your medical records.
Planning treatment in Penang?
Tell us what you need. MedBay helps you choose a doctor and hospital, requests cost estimates and arranges your appointment, free of charge.
Getting to Penang
Penang International Airport (PEN) is in Bayan Lepas, on the south of the island. Most hospitals in George Town are about 30–45 minutes away by car.
Indonesian citizens can visit Malaysia without a visa for up to 30 days. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months. If your treatment may take longer, ask the hospital or MedBay early.
Practical tips
- Bring your passport, previous medical records, scans (CD or files), lab results and a list of your medicines.
- Private hospitals usually ask for a deposit before admission; ask for the amount in advance.
- Hotels and serviced apartments near the hospitals suit patients and families; MedBay can help you book.
- Plan extra days before the procedure for consultation and tests, and after it for a follow-up visit before flying home.
How MedBay helps
- 1Tell us about your condition and send your medical records.
- 2We suggest suitable doctors and hospitals in Penang and request cost estimates.
- 3We arrange the appointment and help with travel and accommodation.
- 4We stay in touch until you are home, at no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
MedBay lists 13 private hospitals in Penang, including Sunway Medical Centre Penang, Columbia Asia Hospital Batu Kawan, Island Hospital Penang. Most private hospitals have staff who regularly look after patients from Indonesia.
855 of the 858 specialists in Penang listed on MedBay speak Malay, a close cousin of Indonesian. Many Indonesian patients find they can talk with their doctor in their own words, and the familiar food, faith and customs help Malaysia feel less foreign. English is also widely used at private hospitals.
About an hour. There are also flights to Penang from other cities in Indonesia; check the airline for current routes.
Indonesian citizens can visit Malaysia without a visa for up to 30 days. If your treatment may take longer, ask the hospital or MedBay how to arrange it before you travel.
It depends on the treatment, your condition and the hospital. See the estimates on this page, then send your medical records through MedBay to get a formal estimate from the hospital.