Medical in Malta: what to do in case of an emergency on the islands

Medical in Malta

David Bruce

It'll put many minds at rest to know that the both public and private healthcare in Malta is excellent. The islands have a long history of providing publicly funded health care, with the first hospital recorded in the country by 1372. Later, during wartime, Malta became known as the Nurse of the Mediterranean, and today, the islands continue to offer assuring medical care for both locals and visitors.

Even more comforting to know is that Malta was ranked number five in 2000 in the World Health Organization's ranking of the world's health systems, compared to the US (at 37), Australia (at 32), UK (at 18) and Canada (at 30).

The Cot Lift at Bighi hospital. Frank Vincentz

The Cot Lift at Bighi hospital / Frank Vincentz

Travellers do not normally require certificates of vaccination or immunisation to enter the Maltese islands, however, it's always best to check that you're up-to-date on all schedules defined in your country of residence before you travel. If you're a visitor from another EU member state, make sure that you have a European Health Insurance card. It's advisable that irrespective of their nationality, all visitors take out a personal medical insurance policy.

Also worthy of noting is the fact that Malta has reciprocal health agreements with Australia and the United Kingdom. Nationals of these countries visiting the islands are entitled to free medical and hospital care in both Malta and Gozo for up to one month.

Johan Pihlemark

Malta has a strong general practitioner-delivered primary care base, and the public hospitals provide secondary and tertiary care. There are seven public medical centres in Malta and one in Gozo. Opened in 2007, Malta's primary public hospital, Mater Dei Hospital, has one of the largest medical buildings in Europe and is an acute general teaching hospital, offering a full range of hospital and specialist services. Despite its smaller size, Gozo General Hospital is also renowned for its excellent services, and even includes a hyperbaric unit, which is mainly used to manage diving related conditions. Patients are admitted to Mater Dei Hospital through a referral by a doctor or through the emergency department.

St. James Capua Hospital

There are also various private hospitals throughout the islands, such as St James Capua Hospital, which has a network of hospitals and clinics throughout the island that provide a comprehensive range of healthcare services – from simple blood tests to diagnostic scans, cosmetic surgery to dental services and laser hair removal to complex surgery.

Meanwhile, if it's an emergency, you're in good hands. Malta has voluntary organisations such as Alpha Medical (Advanced Care), the Emergency Fire & Rescue Unit (E.F.R.U.), St John Ambulance and Red Cross Malta which provide first aid/nursing services during events involving crowds. Emergency care is provided free of cost to everyone, but once a patient’s condition is stabilised, proof of insurance status must be presented. Emergency treatment is offered at the emergency ward of all hospitals in Malta, and these are open throughout the year.

For specific information related to your needs and medical history, we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor. Visitors receiving special medical treatment should bring a medical prescription or a letter of introduction from their family doctor, in case they need to purchase particular medicines.

Pharmacies

Plenty of pharmacies can be found throughout the Maltese Islands and are open during normal shopping hours (9am-1pm, 4pm-7pm). On Sundays, they're open on a roster from 9am until 12:30pm in Malta and from 7:30am until 11am in Gozo. See pharmacy roster here for an open pharmacy in your area.