Australia’s healthcare system offers high-quality medical care, but the costs have become a significant financial burden. In 2025, private health insurance premiums increased by about 3.7%, raising out-of-pocket expenses for many Australians. Annual out-of-pocket healthcare spending exceeds AUD 33 billion, causing nearly one million people to delay medical treatment due to cost concerns.

 

This pressure exists alongside Australia's relatively high average salary of about AUD 90,000 to AUD 100,000 annually, which translates roughly to RM 280,000 to RM 310,000 (using an approximate exchange rate of 1 AUD = 3.1 MYR). Despite this income level, healthcare expenses remain a large financial challenge for many households.

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Surgical procedures like hip and knee replacements illustrate this strain. In Australia, a hip replacement can cost between AUD 30,000 and AUD 50,000 (about RM 93,000 to RM 155,000), while a knee replacement ranges from AUD 35,000 to AUD 55,000 (approximately RM 108,000 to RM 171,000). These high costs can deter timely access to care or impose heavy financial burdens on patients.

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Malaysia offers a compelling alternative. Hip replacement surgeries cost approximately RM 25,000 to RM 37,000 (AUD 8,000 to AUD 12,000), and knee replacements fall between RM 22,000 and RM 34,000 (AUD 7,000 to AUD 11,000). This translates to around 60-75% savings compared to Australian prices. Malaysian hospitals hold international accreditations, and care is delivered by well-trained doctors using modern technology. English is widely spoken, facilitating communication for Australian patients. Additionally, shorter wait times and a supportive medical tourism infrastructure make Malaysia a convenient, affordable choice.

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In summary, while Australians earn a comparatively high average income of around RM 280,000 annually, the significant healthcare costs—especially for major surgeries—push many to seek more affordable options abroad. Malaysia’s combination of quality care, cost savings, and accessibility make it an attractive healthcare destination for Australians facing high medical expenses at home.