Healthcare System in Malta: everything you need to know

How does the healthcare system work in Malta?

Malta, a member of the European Union, has a health system with both a public and private sector. It is considered one of the best health systems in the world according to the World Health Organization. The National Health Service provides all citizens and members of European Union countries with free health services, financed by taxes on employees and employers.

Due to the small size of the country, it is very easy to access health services. Mater Dei Hospital is the best known hospital on the island and offers all levels of care, from emergency to complex procedures. There are 8 health care centers which also include maternity, outpatient services, hospitalization, medical examinations, therapy and rehabilitation, among others.

The increasingly popular private system offers coverage in private clinics, with doctors of choice, many of whom also work in the public system. Citizens who do not pay for the private system may attend private clinics but must pay for the service. 

How does the system work for foreigners?

Foreigners moving to Malta to work have access to the public system by paying the corresponding tax, which is usually 10% of their salary. They can also hire additional private insurance by paying the cost directly out of pocket. Anyone living in Malta for more than three months must register as a citizen and pay health taxes.

All foreigners with a European passport who have a European Health Insurance Card can use the public system free of charge. Likewise, residents of England and Australia who are in the country for less than one month have access to the public system free of charge thanks to a reciprocal health agreement between the countries.

If you are not a member of an EU country, you are not covered for hospital care. Therefore, you must hire private health insurance with coverage in Malta in order to be reimbursed in case you use health services.

To purchase insurance for your trip to Malta, visit InternationalHealth.com to compare and quote the best health insurance with coverage throughout the European Union. 

How do pharmacies work in Malta?

Pharmacies operate during business hours, and you can find prescription and non-prescription drugs. For persons with a European Health Insurance Card, prescription drugs required during hospitalization are free of charge. Also those purchased up to three days after discharge.

If you want to travel with medication into the country, you must have a letter from your doctor stating why you require the medication, otherwise you will not be able to bring it in. For those people who are not from EU member countries, they will have to pay the full price of the medicine. Unusually, over-the-counter drugs tend to be more expensive than those that require a prescription. 

What do I do if I have an emergency in Malta?

Emergency care cannot be denied to anyone, regardless of whether or not they have medical insurance. Once the patient is stable, they will be asked for medical insurance to perform the required procedure.

As in the rest of Europe, the emergency number is 112. 

Entry Requirements

There are no restrictions to enter Malta because of Covid-19.

It is an EU country, therefore, in terms of visas it has the same requirements as all other EU member countries.