Concerned in case you need medical care while in Malta? Here are the facts.
From its first publicly funded hospital dating back to 1372, and its history hosting the Knights Hospitallers of St John in the 16th century, all the way to today’s Government Healthcare Service, Malta’s public health care is second to none. Indeed, the 2000 World Health Organization ranked it fifth best of all healthcare systems around the world. That’s impressive for such a small country! (as a point of reference, the United Kingdom ranked 18th). So rest assured you’ll be in good hands.
Public & private healthcare in Malta
Malta offers free public medical services as well as private healthcare and general practitioners offering primary care.
The Mater Dei Hospital (MDH) in Msida is one of the largest medical buildings in Europe serving as an acute general and teaching hospital. Patients are admitted to the hospital by a doctor’s referral or via the emergency department. There are also several specialised hospitals, public health centres and specialised clinics ranging from gynaecology clinics and psychiatric clinics to diabetes clinics and speech therapy.
All kinds of testing, treatment, hospitalisation, surgery, childbirth and rehabilitation costs within the free local public health care system are covered through social security contributions collected as a form of taxation. Acute emergency dental treatment is also available free of charge at the public hospital. However, more commonly, one would visit a dentist at a private practice.
While the number of private healthcare clinics and hospitals in Malta is on the rise, many will argue that none can compare to the level of investigation and facilities provided by the public healthcare system. Having said that, for less serious issues, queues and waiting lists will invariably be shorter so private healthcare is a welcome option, if you have insurance.
If you need a doctor
If you need drugs or medical treatment, your first port of call will be a private GP at the nearest pharmacy.
Pharmacies in Malta open during shop hours daily and by rotation on Sundays. For a prescription, you can see a doctor at the same pharmacy during consultation hours; you can also get many drugs over-the-counter.
Whole private healthcare comes at a (not-so-steep) price, a GP visit will rarely cost more than 10 euro. You can usually drop in within consultation hours and only occasionally will an appointment be required. Many GPs also do home visits. Any doctor on duty can see and treat a patient at the same time of their visit. GPs in Malta diagnose acute and chronic illnesses, prescribe medication and offer health education and preventive care. They also give referrals to a specialist or the hospital if you require further tests or treatment.
Access to the public healthcare services
If you are using the public health care services, you will be asked for a document of identification and you should have your European Health Insurance Card or Certificate of Entitlement at the ready.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers EU nationals on temporary visits to Malta for necessary and emergency medical treatment from public hospitals and clinics. This can be obtained for free in your home country but note that this does not substitute insurance in the case of serious conditions, injuries and death. Remember that the EHIC does not cover private healthcare costs or medication that is prescribed beyond inpatient treatment or the initial three days after a patient’s discharge.
The UK and Australia have a bilateral agreement with Malta qualifying residents for free medical and hospital care for stays up to one month.
The E121 form allows access to free public healthcare for expats staying in Malta for more than three months. The form, available in your home country, is registered with the Malta Health Department Entitlement Unit which will issue a Certificate of Entitlement.
Expats living and working in Malta pay national insurance contributions to the social security fund like all locals do; this is about 10% of the gross salary. This entitles them to the same rights to free medical treatment as residents. Non-EU nationals are advised to obtain travel insurance to cover medical costs. If using medical insurance, be sure that you are covered for medical treatment in Malta.
In case of an emergency
You will not be turned away in an emergency, even without health insurance. But once your condition is stabilised, you will be required to offer proof of insurance. The emergency number for ambulance is 112; calling is free of charge and calls are answered in Maltese and English.