International Patients Guide
If you are considering medical treatment at Northern Heart Hospital in Penang, our international patient services provide comprehensive support to facilitate your visit and ensure you receive the care you require. From coordinating appointments to arranging your transportation, our dedicated team is committed to making your experience as seamless and stress-free as possible. We are here to guide you through every step of your journey, ensuring that you receive the highest quality of care and attention during your time with us.
Travel Advice and Support
Seeking Medical Treatment at Northern Heart Hospital from Overseas
Depending on your medical requirements, we can provide tailored recommendations for specialists, schedule appointments on your behalf, and assist in necessary arrangements for your visit. Our services encompass:
- Medical appointments
- Assist in medical evacuation if needed
Count on us to streamline your healthcare journey and ensure seamless access to the best possible medical assistance.
Arranging Your Visit to Northern Heart Hospital from Overseas
Before your departure, during your entire visit, or even during follow-up care, our team is dedicated to assisting you and your family with all aspects of travel planning and accommodations in Penang. Our goal is to ensure that your experience is seamless and enjoyable.
Pre-Arrival
- Evaluating your medical requirements involves collecting clinical history and reviewing pertinent medical records to provide initial specialist recommendations for investigations and treatments.
- Assist in scheduling doctor appointments across various clinics within the hospital.
- Offer language support, VIP meet and greet, and patient assistance services.
Arrival at Penang International Airport and during treatment at Northern Heart Hospital
- Convenient and comfortable airport transfers to hospital or nearby hotels in the hospital MPV.
- Assistance with visa extensions and arrangements, where needed.
- Access to foreign language interpreters for communication support (with advance notice)
Pre-Discharge & After Treatment
- Personalised support to ensure that all your needs and expectations are fulfilled.
- Assist in coordinating repatriation services, if necessary, for your return to your home country.
- Generate your medical reports.
- We will make follow-up calls or send text reminders to you for follow-up appointments.
Travel Checklist
Here’s a convenient checklist of essential documents and items to bring with you when traveling to Northern Heart Hospital in Penang for medical treatment:
What should I pack?
✓ Your existing medication
✓ Any information regarding any chronic diseases you may have
✓ Comfortable clothes, undergarments, and socks
✓ Covered shoes and appropriate clothing for stress test and rehabilitation
✓ Personal toiletries
✓ Mobile phone with charger
Please be advised that your room will be equipped with complimentary shower gel, shampoo, and towels for your convenience throughout your stay. Additionally, upon admission, you will receive a complimentary comfort kit containing a ace towel, dental kit, comb, shower cap and hair tie.
For more information about our hospital amenities, please click here
What must I prepare?
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Obtain a referral letter from your doctor in your home country, if applicable
-
Obtain letter of guarantee from your insurance provider, if applicable
- Ensure you have a valid travel VISA
-
Check if you need to be vaccinated prior to travelling abroad
- Travel tickets
Airport Transportation Service
You will receive a warm welcome from our friendly driver at the arrival hall of Penang International Airport. Scheduled transfers to Northern Heart Hospital Penang or hotels within 2 km of the hospital will be provided. Return trips to the airport from the hospital are also available at designated times.
Our airport transfer service is complimentary for all international patients during business hours. Each patient is permitted to have one accompanying companion and is advised to bring only one piece of luggage due to limited space in our vehicle. Reservations must be made at least two business days in advance of arrival.
Please contact our Customer Service team to arrange your transfers.
Getting to Northern Heart Hospital
Taxi or E-hailing Services
If you prefer to arrange your own transportation, taking a taxi or booking a Grab from the airport is recommended. There is an airport taxi service available at the Arrival Hall (Level One) of Penang International Airport. The pick-up for Grab is also located at Level One. Payment for Grab can be made in cash or by credit card (international cards are accepted by the app).
Download E-hailing App
Driving
Car rental services are easily accessible at Penang International Airport. In Malaysia, driving is on the right side of the road, and you will need a valid international driver’s license to rent and operate a vehicle here. The Northern Heart Hospital is approximately 19 kilometers from the airport, and the drive under normal traffic conditions should take around 30 minutes.
Parking is at levels 2, 3 and 4 of the hospital. Parking payment mode is cashless payment, and rates start at RM1 for the first hour or part thereof, with hospital validation.
Public Transport
Northern Heart Hospital can be reached via the Rapid Penang public bus on the following routes, which stop at the nearest bus stops in the vicinity of the hospital:
Route 102: Penang International Airport to Weld Quay (Jetty)
Route 401E: Penang International Airport to Weld Quay (Jetty) via Sungai Nibong
Route 306: Penang International Airport to Penang General Hospital (GH) via Komtar
For more information about Penang International Airport
Accommodation in Penang
Northern Heart Hospital has appointed Scott Service Suites & Aurora Court (both within walking distance) to provide special rates to our patients. Upon checking-in, kindly present your Northern Heart Hospital appointment card to enjoy the discounted rate.
However, you may also explore hotels in George Town area, which are not too far from Northern Heart Hospital.
* Please note that we are not directly affiliated with any of the hotels listed.
Visa Extension
If your treatment duration extends beyond your initial visit pass, we will assist you in obtaining an extension. You and any accompanying visitors will be required to provide the following documents:
- Valid passport
- Doctor’s letter
- Application for a visit pass
- Application for an extension of stay on medical grounds
Please ensure that the completed documents are submitted in person at least one week before the expiry date stated on your visit pass. Kindly submit the documents to the Front Desk counter (Lobby, Level 1).
Note: The extension of the short-term visit pass is subject to approval by the relevant authorities. Administrative charges may apply.
Multilingual Communication Support
The Northern Heart Hospital team is proficient in English, Bahasa Melayu, Bahasa Indonesia and Mandarin, along with local dialects such as Hokkien, Teochew, and Cantonese.
Additionally, we provide interpreter and translation services in various languages to facilitate effective communication between you and our healthcare professionals, ensuring a smooth and seamless care experience. Please let us know in advance should you require such services.
