Hospitals and healthcare in Johor Bahru (2026): a guide for foreign buyers and MM2H residents

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This guide is for foreign buyers, MM2H residents and Singapore commuters choosing where to live in Johor Bahru. The short answer as of 4 November 2026: JB and Iskandar Puteri have at least eight private hospitals whose official pages list 24-hour emergency care, plus two large Health Ministry hospitals. Foreigners pay set non-citizen rates at government hospitals and market rates at private ones, so most foreign residents carry private health insurance. MM2H lists health insurance as a required document, with an exemption for those aged 60 and above.

Main private hospitals in JB and Iskandar Puteri

The table lists each hospital’s area, the services it highlights and whether its official website says emergency runs 24 hours. Services change, so check with the hospital before relying on a particular specialist.

Hospital	Area	What it highlights	24-hour emergency
KPJ Johor Specialist Hospital	Jalan Abdul Samad, JB city (80100)	The first hospital in the KPJ group (May 1981); heart and lung, cardiac, cancer care and robotic-assisted surgery centres	Yes, 24/7 A&E
KPJ Puteri Specialist Hospital	Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, JB city	Women’s health, paediatrics and neonatology, bone, joint and spine, stroke care, renal and dialysis	Yes
KPJ Bandar Dato’ Onn Specialist Hospital	Jalan Bukit Mutiara, Bandar Dato’ Onn	Neurosurgery and brain surgery, eye surgery, plus cardiac, oncology and women’s and children’s clinics	Yes, 24/7 A&E
KPJ Pasir Gudang Specialist Hospital	Taman Bukit Dahlia, Pasir Gudang	General specialist hospital; services include orthopaedics, O&G, cardiology and occupational health	Yes, 24/7 A&E
Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau	Persiaran Southkey 5, Kota Southkey	Cardiac care with a catheterisation lab, dialysis, maternal-fetal medicine, neurosurgery, orthopaedics; 205 beds	Yes
Columbia Asia Hospital Iskandar Puteri	Persiaran Afiat, Taman Kesihatan Afiat, Iskandar Puteri	General private hospital; ask the hospital which specialties it covers	Yes
Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor	Jalan Medini Utara 4, Medini, Iskandar Puteri	Describes itself as a tertiary referral hospital: robotic and minimally invasive surgery, oncology, orthopaedics, paediatrics, O&G, stroke and cancer centres	Yes
Regency Specialist Hospital	Jalan Suria, Bandar Seri Alam, Masai	Digestive health, heart and lung (including ECMO), neuroscience and neurospine, women and children, diabetes care	Yes, Emergency & Trauma Centre

Another large hospital is on the way. Sunway Healthcare broke ground on Sunway Medical Centre Iskandar Puteri in September 2026, with more than 400 beds planned and completion targeted for 2030, according to The Star.

In March 2026, Johor’s state health committee chairman told The Star that Johor received nearly 127,000 healthcare travellers in 2025. Indonesia, Singapore and China together made up more than 60% of them. KPJ Johor, Gleneagles Medini, Columbia Asia Tebrau and Regency were named as hospitals recognised under Malaysia’s healthcare travel programme.

Main public hospitals

Government hospitals are run by the Ministry of Health (MOH) through the Johor State Health Department (JKN Johor). Foreigners pay non-citizen rates.

Hospital	Area	What it is known for	Emergency
Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA)	Jalan Persiaran Abu Bakar Sultan, JB city	Specialist hospital with 989 gazetted beds; departments include cardiothoracic, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, paediatrics, O&G and ophthalmology. Named in Newsweek and Statista’s World’s Best Hospitals 2026 list	Emergency and Trauma Department; opening hours not stated on the pages I checked
Hospital Sultan Ismail (HSI)	Jalan Persiaran Mutiara Emas Utama, Taman Mount Austin	Specialist tertiary hospital with 704 beds in 22 wards plus 88 critical care beds; serves more than 700,000 people	Emergency Department with red, yellow and green triage zones; hours not stated on the page
Hospital Pasir Gudang	Jalan Puncak 1, Pasir Gudang	New hospital opening in phases; 304 beds at full capacity, with full operation targeted for December 2026	Check current services with the hospital
Hospital Temenggong Seri Maharaja Tun Ibrahim	Kulai	Government hospital for Kulai and Senai	Check with the hospital
Hospital Permai	Kempas Banjaran, JB	Psychiatric (mental health) hospital	Not a general emergency hospital

In any emergency, call 999. The national NG MERS 999 line connects police, fire and rescue, the Health Ministry, civil defence and maritime enforcement.

What foreigners pay: public vs private

Government hospitals (non-citizen rates)

MOH charges foreigners under the Fees Act 1951 and the Fees (Medical) (Cost of Services) Order 2014. The same outpatient rates appear on several MOH hospital pages, including Hospital Permai in Johor Bahru:

Item (non-citizen)	Published charge
General outpatient visit	RM40
Specialist outpatient visit (consultation and medicine, tests extra)	RM120
Emergency department	RM100
Ward, per day	RM160 (third class) to RM320 (first class, single room)
Admission deposit	Varies by hospital, ward class and type of treatment

The published deposits vary. HSI’s charges page lists non-citizen ward deposits from RM200 for a third-class medical admission to RM2,200 for a first-class surgical one. An MOH hospital page in Sarawak lists RM1,400 to RM11,000 under the same national order. Ask the billing counter at the hospital before an admission you have planned. I could not find an official MOH statement that MM2H pass holders pay citizen rates, so budget on non-citizen rates.

Private hospitals

Doctors’ fees in private practice are set within ranges in the fee schedule under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998. An amendment order, P.U.(A) 150/2026, took effect on 2 April 2026. For private clinics it sets:

• GP consultation: RM10 to RM80.
• Specialist first consultation: RM80 to RM235 (consultation only).
• Specialist follow-up: RM40 to RM105.
• Surcharges: up to 50% more outside stated clinic hours, and up to 100% more for house calls.

A private hospital bill adds more than the doctor’s fee: room, medicines, tests, theatre time and consumables. Few JB hospitals publish full price lists. One that does is Columbia Asia Tebrau, whose rates page (checked November 2026) lists rooms from RM120 for a four-bedded room to RM250 for a standard single, with doctors’ fees and treatment extra. Before a planned admission, ask the hospital for a written estimate. Ask too whether it needs a deposit or an insurer’s guarantee letter, and whether foreign patients pay a different rate.

Health insurance basics for foreign residents

Foreign residents do not get citizen rates at government hospitals, so most pay out of pocket or through private cover. Your home-country national insurance may not apply in Malaysia, so check with your insurer. The common options are:

• A local medical card from a Malaysian insurer or takaful operator. These usually work with a panel of hospitals, where the insurer’s guarantee letter can take the place of an admission deposit.
• An international health plan covering several countries, for people who split their time between JB and home.
• Employer group cover, if you work for a company in Malaysia or Singapore. Check whether it covers treatment in Malaysia.

Whichever you choose, check the annual limit, co-payment or deductible, waiting periods, pre-existing condition rules, renewal age and which JB hospitals are on the panel. Bank Negara Malaysia is also reforming medical insurance. In January 2026, the central bank announced a standardised base medical plan, which its website says will go on sale in early 2027. It is aimed at Malaysians, and the bank’s page does not say whether foreign residents can buy it.

The MM2H health insurance rule

I checked the current documents on the tourism ministry (MOTAC) MM2H pages on 4 November 2026:

• Medical check-up. After approval, the principal and dependants must have a medical check-up at a panel clinic or hospital appointed by MOTAC. This is in the Terms and Regulations for new Platinum, Gold and Silver participants (accurate as of 22 July 2024) and in the Special Economic Zone/Special Financial Zone (SEZ/SFZ) terms.
• Health insurance. MOTAC’s application guidelines booklet lists health insurance as a required document when adding a dependant (“exempt for age 60 and above”) and for a five-year renewal (“if below 60 years old”). The terms for both categories also list health insurance among the renewal documents.
• Lists. MOTAC’s MM2H page links to a list of insurance companies and a list of clinics, hospitals and medical centres. Use those lists rather than assuming any policy will be accepted.

The published documents do not state a minimum coverage amount, and the booklet has no separate checklist for first-time pass issuance. Confirm the exact insurance requirement for your category and stage before you buy a policy. I coordinate with a MOTAC-licensed MM2H agent for the application, and MOTAC and the Immigration Department make every decision, so I cannot promise approval. You can start with the MM2H eligibility checker, read the MM2H FAQ, or see the SEZ/SFZ MM2H guide for Johor.

How far are the hospitals from the main residential areas?

Most main residential areas in JB have at least one hospital with 24-hour emergency in or next to them. The table matches areas to hospitals by their official addresses. I have not given drive times: JB traffic varies a lot by hour, so check the route on Waze or Google Maps at the time of day you would travel. I can also drive it with you during a viewing.

Residential area	Main hospitals in or next to the area
JB city, JB Sentral, Bukit Chagar	HSA, KPJ Johor and KPJ Puteri are all in the city centre
Mount Austin, Tebrau, Setia Indah, Molek	HSI (in Taman Mount Austin) and Columbia Asia Tebrau (Kota Southkey)
Bandar Dato’ Onn	KPJ Bandar Dato’ Onn; HSI in neighbouring Mount Austin
Permas Jaya, Masai, Pasir Gudang	Regency (Bandar Seri Alam, Masai), KPJ Pasir Gudang, Hospital Pasir Gudang
Iskandar Puteri: Medini, Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya	Gleneagles Medini and Columbia Asia Iskandar Puteri
Bukit Indah, Gelang Patah	Columbia Asia Iskandar Puteri and Gleneagles Medini on the Iskandar Puteri side
Kulai, Senai	Hospital Temenggong Seri Maharaja Tun Ibrahim (Kulai)

A few published travel figures help. Gleneagles Medini says it is about 20 minutes from the Tuas checkpoint. Regency says it is about 15 minutes from the Woodlands checkpoint. Columbia Asia says its Tebrau hospital is about 7 km from JB city centre. In Mount Austin, my own project page lists Austin Regency at 1.6 km from HSI.

How Singapore residents use JB healthcare

• MediSave for elective care. Singapore citizens and PRs can use MediSave for elective hospital stays and day surgery at Regency Specialist Hospital in JB and Mahkota Medical Centre in Melaka. This only works through a referral from HMI Medical Centre, the MediSave-accredited Singapore partner. It does not cover outpatient visits. Singapore’s MOH reported about 300 claims a year from 2023 to 2025, mostly for obstetrics and gynaecology.
• The scheme is under review. In September 2026, Singapore’s MOH said it is reviewing the scheme because more patients are expected to cross the border once the RTS Link opens. It has not announced any changes.
• Emergencies. CPF says MediSave may be used for an overseas emergency admission or day surgery on a case-by-case basis, after the event and subject to conditions. Outpatient treatment is excluded.
• MediShield Life does not apply. Singapore’s MOH said in September 2024 that MediShield Life is designed for subsidised bills at Singapore public hospitals and is not extended to overseas treatment. If you have an Integrated Shield plan or employer cover, ask your insurer whether it covers Malaysian hospitals.
• Paying directly. Outside the MediSave scheme, Singapore residents pay JB clinics and hospitals themselves or claim from their own insurer. Ask for an itemised estimate before treatment.

If you plan to live in JB and work in Singapore, see my guide to schools and family life for Singapore commuters and the list of JB homes near the RTS Link station. For cost planning, the JB property cost calculator in SGD helps.

Where to buy if this matters to you

Foreigners buying in Johor generally need a residential property priced at RM1 million or above. Designated zones such as Medini are exempt, and developers can get special approval for some units, according to the New Straits Times (April 2026). Check the current rule for your unit. These area guides show what is available near each hospital cluster:

• JB Sentral and Bukit Chagar: near HSA, KPJ Johor and KPJ Puteri.
• Danga Bay: on the coastal side of the city, towards the city-centre hospitals.
• Mount Austin: HSI is in the township.
• Tebrau, Setia Indah and Molek: between HSI and Columbia Asia Tebrau.
• Permas Jaya and Senibong: on the eastern side, towards Regency and the Pasir Gudang hospitals.
• Iskandar Puteri: Gleneagles Medini and Columbia Asia Iskandar Puteri.
• Bukit Indah and Gelang Patah: west of the city, on the Iskandar Puteri side.

If you are planning a retirement or second home, my holiday home and retirement case study and MM2H property support page explain how I help. You can also use the JB property map to see projects by area.

More Johor living guides: Cost of living in JB · Best areas to live in JB · Retiring in JB

Frequently asked questions

Which hospitals in Johor Bahru have 24-hour emergency?

The official websites of KPJ Johor, KPJ Puteri, KPJ Bandar Dato’ Onn, KPJ Pasir Gudang, Columbia Asia Tebrau, Columbia Asia Iskandar Puteri, Gleneagles Medini and Regency list 24-hour emergency services. The public hospitals HSA and HSI have emergency departments. In an emergency, call 999.

How much does a foreigner pay at a government hospital in JB?

Published MOH non-citizen charges are RM40 for a general outpatient visit, RM120 for a specialist clinic visit, RM100 at the emergency department and about RM160 to RM320 a day for a ward, plus tests, procedures and a deposit. Confirm current charges with the hospital.

How much is a specialist consultation at a private hospital?

Since 2 April 2026, the private clinic fee schedule sets specialist first consultations at RM80 to RM235 and follow-ups at RM40 to RM105, before tests and medicines. Hospital bills add room, medicine and facility charges, so ask the hospital for a written estimate.

Does MM2H require health insurance?

MOTAC’s current documents list health insurance for renewals and for adding dependants, with those aged 60 and above exempt, and require a medical check-up at an appointed panel clinic or hospital after approval. Check the exact requirement for your category with a MOTAC-licensed MM2H agent.

Can Singaporeans use MediSave in Johor Bahru?

Yes, for elective hospital stays and day surgery at Regency Specialist Hospital, through a referral from HMI Medical Centre in Singapore. Outpatient care is not covered, and MediShield Life does not cover Malaysian bills. Singapore’s MOH is reviewing the scheme.

Which JB area is best for access to hospitals?

It depends on which hospital you prefer. JB city has HSA, KPJ Johor and KPJ Puteri. Mount Austin has HSI, and Columbia Asia Tebrau is nearby. Iskandar Puteri has Gleneagles Medini and Columbia Asia. Permas Jaya and Masai are near Regency. Test the drive at the hours you would travel.

Looking for a home near a particular hospital?

Tell me which hospital or area matters to you, your budget and whether you are applying for MM2H. I will shortlist homes and plan a viewing around the drive. You can also book an appointment or a Zoom consultation.

Sources: KPJ Johor Specialist Hospital and its services page, accessed November 2026; KPJ Puteri Specialist Hospital, accessed November 2026; KPJ Bandar Dato’ Onn Specialist Hospital and its services page, accessed November 2026; KPJ Pasir Gudang Specialist Hospital, services, accessed November 2026; Columbia Asia Malaysia, hospital directory (Tebrau and Iskandar Puteri), accessed November 2026; Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau, rates, accessed November 2026; Columbia Asia Hospital Tebrau, about us, accessed November 2026; Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor, 24-hour Accident & Emergency, accessed November 2026; Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor, accessed November 2026; Regency Specialist Hospital, accessed November 2026; Ministry of Health, list of licensed private hospitals, as of 30 June 2022; JKN Johor, list of government hospitals, accessed November 2026; Hospital Sultanah Aminah, whole hospital policies, accessed November 2026; Hospital Sultan Ismail, about and charges and billing, accessed November 2026; Malay Mail, on HSA in the World’s Best Hospitals 2026 list, 30 April 2026; CodeBlue, on Pasir Gudang Hospital, 14 August 2026; MyGOV, MERS 999 emergency line, accessed November 2026; Hospital Permai Johor Bahru, non-citizen charges, September 2024; JKN Pahang, treatment charges for non-citizens, accessed November 2026; Hospital Miri (MOH), charges and payment, accessed November 2026; P.U.(A) 150/2026, amendment of fee schedule, published 31 March 2026; MOTAC, MM2H terms and regulations for new participants, accurate as of 22 July 2024; MOTAC, MM2H SEZ/SFZ terms and regulations, accessed November 2026; MOTAC, MM2H application guidelines booklet, May 2026; MOTAC, MM2H programme page, accessed November 2026; Bank Negara Malaysia, base MHIT plan, accessed November 2026; The Sun, on BNM’s base medical plan, 22 January 2026; Ministry of Health Singapore, “Reviewing the MediSave scheme for overseas elective treatments”, 9 September 2026; Ministry of Health Singapore, on MediSave claims and MediShield Life for Malaysian hospital bills, 9 September 2024; CPF Board, MediSave for overseas treatment, updated 13 April 2026; The Star, “Johor eyes 15% growth in 2026 healthcare travel”, 11 March 2026; The Star, on Sunway Medical Centre Iskandar Puteri, 18 September 2026; New Straits Times, on Johor’s RM1 million threshold for foreign buyers, 20 April 2026; Mount Austin area guide (Austin Regency distance to HSI)

Jason Lim, REN 84424, IQI Realty Sdn. Bhd. E (1) 1584/6. General information checked on 4 November 2026. This is not medical, insurance or financial advice: check services, charges and cover with the hospital and your insurer.