Healthcare in Malta

The public healthcare system in Malta is managed by the Maltese Ministry of Health and funded through workplace contributions. Available to all residents regardless of income, origin or employment status, the public healthcare system offers many health services free of charge. As an expat, you can benefit from this system if you work legally in the country and/or pay taxes and make social security contributions.

The quality of public healthcare in Malta is high. The country is often featured at the higher end of global healthcare rankings. Despite this, it does face some criticisms. Non-emergency treatments often have long wait times, leading many expats to consider private healthcare instead.

The costs for expats to use the public healthcare system in Malta are extremely low as long as they are eligible. For residents and EU citizens with an EHIC, healthcare is generally free or very low-cost, although some nominal charges may apply for certain medications or specialist appointments.

To access public healthcare in Malta, expats will need to register with the Health Entitlement Unit (HEU). Simply present your residency or employment documents, and you’ll be issued with a card that entitles you to access public health services.

Luckily, the language barrier for many expats is almost non-existent. English is widely spoken in Malta, making it easier for overseas visitors to communicate with medical professionals. However, further limitations do exist. Wait times for non-urgent specialist care can be long, and emergency rooms in public hospitals are often crowded. Furthermore, smaller hospitals may not always offer a wide range of treatments, and some services, such as dental care or optical care, are not fully covered under the public system.

Private healthcare is often a preferred choice for expats. With wait times for residency permits often extending to months rather than weeks, access to the public system isn’t always immediate. Therefore, opting for private care, you always remain protected. Private facilities in Malta are generally well-staffed and give patients shorter wait times, a wider range of services and more flexible scheduling for appointments. English is widely spoken in these facilities too, making it easier for expats to seek the help they require.

Costs in the private sector will be higher than any costs you find in public hospitals, but are still among the cheapest in Europe. A visit to a private GP may cost €25-€40, whilst minor surgery can range from €100-€500. Should an overnight stay be required, costs can rise significantly, so a comprehensive international health insurance policy is recommended.

Malta is home to a selection of fantastic private hospitals, including St Thomas Hospital in Qormi, DaVinci Hospital in B’Kara and The Capua Hospital in Sliema. All of these facilities offer high levels of care, are well-staffed and provide a wide range of treatments.

You might find that your employer offers private healthcare coverage if you are relocating to Malta. Policies can vary, so it’s worth comparing the coverage your employer provides against other expat health insurance policies.

In Malta health insurance is mandatory for most non-EU expats applying for residency or work permits. EU citizens can use their EHIC, but should switch to the public system if their stay is going to be long-term.

Both local and international health insurance plans are available in Malta. Local plans offer coverage in Malta only and tend to be cheaper than international plans that are available. However, their scope of coverage is often limited, meaning that out-of-pocket expenses can still remain high. In contrast, international plans are more comprehensive, enabling expats to benefit from healthcare in a wider range of countries, in addition to Malta.

It is not uncommon to find that both local and international plans have certain exclusions within their terms. Therefore, it is wise to consult a few insurers before committing to a policy. Many insurers exclude pre-existing conditions from their coverage, and some may only offer limited dental or optical care. It may be possible to add these extras to the policy for an additional charge. For the most part, you can expect your plan to cover consultations, hospital stays and testing, but you should check in advance.

The costs for health insurance in Malta vary depending on the type of coverage you choose, whether you have a local or international plan and your age and medical history. For a local plan, you could expect costs to range from €180 to €400 per year. Comprehensive international plans, on the other hand, can cost anything from €260 per year to well over €3,000. Local providers, brokers, and companies like us can provide specialist cover to match your needs.

In most cases, you’ll find no language barrier in Maltese hospitals. English is widely spoken, with many staff having been trained in the UK. In some public healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas, Maltese may be more common, but in most cases, English will be spoken. For those living in Malta who don’t speak Maltese or English, interpreters are often made available within private facilities. However, Italian, Arabic and French are widely spoken in many private hospitals.

Malta has a variety of high-quality public and private hospitals. Mater Dei in Msida and Gozo General Hospital are known as two of the leading public hospitals, whilst the St James network found in Zabbar and Sliema and St Thomas in Qormi are among some of the most recognised private hospitals on the islands.

Hospitals throughout Malta offer a wide range of services, but some may specialise in some areas not available in others. You can expect to find emergency care, surgery, maternity care, paediatrics, and cardiology in the majority of hospitals. Private hospitals will offer the same services but with additional aftercare treatments and, in some cases, cosmetic procedures.

If you need to attend a hospital in Malta, you will be accepted immediately in the case of an emergency. For other treatments, you’ll need a referral from a health centre or GP if using the public system. For those with private healthcare, you can have a direct appointment with a specialist or be admitted by a GP.

There are no costs for healthcare in Maltese public hospitals if you are eligible for the public healthcare system. If you are using private facilities, costs will be incurred. These can range from €20 for a GP consultation to €500 per day for inpatient care. Additional charges will be added for advanced treatments and specialist care.

The facilities in Maltese hospitals are generally of a high standard. All public hospitals adhere to EU standards and offer clean, well-equipped services. At times, facilities can be over-stretched and therefore a little crowded. In contrast, private hospitals in Malta provide single rooms, added features like en-suite bathrooms, guest sleeping spaces, and more bespoke levels of care.

In many cases, private hospitals in Malta accept health insurance, with many billing the insurer directly. In some cases, you may be required to pay up front and claim afterwards. It would be advisable to check with the hospital in advance so you know whether you need to make any payments before or after your stay.

In public hospitals, where treatments require payment, all fees are paid in advance.

There are currently no specific vaccination requirements for entering Malta; however, it is recommended you keep up to date with routine immunisations like MMR, DTP, COVID-19, Hepatitis A & B and Influenza.

With global health advice frequently changing, it is advisable to visit a health professional before your departure. New health issues are appearing all the time, and if you are entering Malta from a country where Dengue Fever or Malaria are common, you will be required to have additional vaccinations before travel.

There are not a large number of health risks in Malta, but expats should be wary of heat-related illness. Dehydration and heatstroke can be common in summer months, and prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to serious health problems without the correct protection.

Mosquito-borne illnesses are rare, but it is suggested that all visitors to Malta remain vigilant and take appropriate care.