SMM2H medical insurance 2026

The Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (SMM2H) Programme has introduced a new requirement concerning medical insurance coverage. From 1 September 2026, the medical insurance requirement has been extended from participants aged 60 and above to SMM2H participants of all ages.

This new requirement is important for new applicants to  (SMM2H) Programme from 1 September 2026 only.

Starting September 1, 2026, all participants including their dependents shall be required to have valid medical insurance coverage throughout their participation in the programme.

This update is a mandatory condition directly tied to your status in the programme. To help you navigate this medical insurance smoothly, here is a simple and understandable breakdown of what is changing, who is affected, and how to stay compliant.

Understanding the New Medical Insurance Requirement 

The introduction of this mandatory insurance policy aims to ensure all SMM2H participants are thoroughly  protected and supported throughout their stay in Sarawak.

Most importantly, it ensures that senior participants aged 70 and above are not left vulnerable and can receive adequate medical and hospitalisation coverage if they fall ill or require hospital treatment while living abroad.

The Two Age Groups: Which Rule Applies to You?

To make compliance straightforward, SMM2H has split the requirement into two distinct age groups. Here is what you need to do depending on your age:

1. Applicants and Dependents Aged 69 and Below

If you fall into this age group, your insurance options are as below:

• Appointed Insurers Only: You shall purchase your policy from one of the official SMM2H-appointed insurance companies. You cannot simply use any general insurance provider.

• Specific Benefits Required: Your selected policy must include both medical benefits and hospitalisation benefits.

  
  

2. Applicants Aged 70 and Above

If you are in this age group, most of the medical insurance plans in Malaysia have a maximum entry age of 69, which can make it difficult for applicants aged 70 and above to obtain new medical insurance locally.

• Choice of Providers: Purchase medical and hospitalisation insurance from an overseas insurance provider.

• Keep It Valid:  Your policy must remain valid and active for your entire stay in Sarawak.

• Specific Benefits Required: Your selected policy must include both medical benefits and hospitalisation benefits.

Proper hospitalisation coverage means peace of mind, wherever your second home is.

List of Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (SMM2H) Panel Insurance

To help you easily find an acceptable policy, a total of ten (10) insurance companies have been officially appointed to the SMM2H Programme insurance panel. These panel insurance companies are:

1. AIA Insurance Bhd. 

2. RHB Insurance Berhad 

3. Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad 

4. HSBC Bank

5. Allianz General Insurance Malaysia 

6. The Pacific Insurance Berhad

7. Prudential Assurance Malaysia Berhad 

8. MSIG Insurance (Malaysia) Berhad 

9. Great Eastern Life Malaysia

10. Lonpac Insurance Berhad

    
    

The panel includes a mix of well-known local and regional names, giving applicants some choice in providers, coverage packages, and pricing while still meeting the programme's standards. All applicants shall also be required to submit valid proof of insurance coverage for verification purposes.

Although medical insurance is now an additional requirement for all SMM2H participants, having adequate medical and hospitalisation coverage is also an important part of planning for a safe and comfortable long-term stay in Sarawak.