Healthcare in Malta: Your Complete Expat Guide

Let's be honest - when you're thinking about moving to a new country, healthcare is probably keeping you up at night. Will you be covered? What if there's an emergency? How much will it cost?

Here's some great news: Malta has one of the world's best healthcare systems, ranking 5th globally by the World Health Organization. That puts it ahead of the US, UK, and Sweden. Not bad for a tiny Mediterranean island!

But rankings are one thing - what really matters is how it works for you as an expat. After talking to dozens of expats who've navigated Malta's healthcare system, here's everything you need to know.

The Two-Lane Highway: Public vs Private Healthcare

Picture Malta's healthcare like a two-lane highway. Both lanes get you to your destination, but they offer different experiences.

Lane 1: Public Healthcare (The Free Lane) This is Malta's tax-funded system. Once you're in, most things are completely free - GP visits, hospital stays, even major surgeries. The catch? Sometimes you'll wait longer for non-urgent procedures.

Lane 2: Private Healthcare (The Express Lane) Pay for faster service, more comfortable rooms, and shorter queues. Many expats jump between both lanes depending on what they need.

Here's what surprised most expats we spoke to: you don't have to choose one or the other. Many use public for emergencies and routine care, then go private for specific procedures or when they want to skip the wait.

Your Access Pass: It Depends Where You're From

If You're From the EU

Just visiting Malta for a few months? Bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) - it's your golden ticket to free emergency and necessary medical care. Lost your wallet at a beach bar in Sliema and need stitches? The EHIC has you covered.

Planning to stay longer? Once you've been here 3 months and have your residence sorted, you'll need to register with social security. The good news? You'll get a Certificate of Entitlement that gives you the same healthcare access as locals.

Pro tip from Sarah, a British expat in Valletta: "Register early! I waited 5 months and ended up paying out of pocket for a specialist visit I could have gotten for free."

If You're From Outside the EU

The rules are stricter, but not impossible. You'll need private health insurance to get your residence permit - it's mandatory, not optional.

But here's the silver lining: once you're working and paying into Malta's system, you can access public healthcare too. Think of the private insurance as your bridge until you're fully in the system.

Special Rules for UK Citizens (Post-Brexit)

Brexit made things more complicated, but Malta has your back. UK citizens can:

Use their UK passport for emergency care during short visits
Apply for Reciprocal Health Agreement (RHA) cards
Register S1 forms if you're a retiree or posted worker

What's Actually Covered in Public Healthcare?

This might surprise you - Malta's public system is incredibly comprehensive:

The Basics:

GP visits and consultations
Hospital stays and surgeries
Emergency care (24/7, no questions asked)
Prescription medications (heavily subsidized)
Specialist appointments (with GP referral)

The Extras That Impressed Us:

Complete maternity care from pregnancy to birth
All childhood vaccinations and check-ups
Mental health services and counseling
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
Even dental emergencies

The Reality Check: Marco, an Italian software developer in St. Julian's, told us: "I had kidney stones last year. Emergency care was immediate and free, surgery was scheduled within a week, and I paid maybe €20 total for medications. Back in Milan, I would have paid thousands."

Where to Go: Hospitals and Health Centers

Mater Dei Hospital (Msida) - This is the big one. One of Europe's largest medical buildings, handling everything from heart surgery to emergency care. It's massive, modern, and the staff speak excellent English.

Gozo General Hospital - If you're living on Gozo, this is your main hub. Smaller than Mater Dei but well-equipped.

8 Health Centers Around Malta - These are your local clinics for routine stuff. Think of them as your neighborhood GP practice, but with extra services like diabetes clinics and physiotherapy.

Here's a practical tip: Register with the health center closest to where you live. They'll be your first point of contact for most medical needs.

Private Healthcare: When Speed Matters

Sometimes you just don't want to wait. Or you want that extra level of comfort. Malta's private healthcare scene is excellent.

Saint James Hospital is the big player - multiple locations, English-speaking staff, and pretty much every specialty you could need.

What You'll Actually Pay:

GP consultation: €10-15 (about the cost of a decent lunch)
Specialist visit: €50-60 (still cheaper than most European capitals)
Private room upgrade: €100-200 per night

Lisa, an American marketing manager in Sliema, shared: "I needed an MRI for a sports injury. Public system said 3 months wait, private clinic had me in that afternoon for €300. Sometimes it's worth it."

Insurance: Your Safety Net Options

For Short-Term Stays: Your EHIC card (if you're EU) or travel insurance should cover you. Just make sure it includes emergency evacuation - you don't want to find out the hard way that your policy won't fly you home if something serious happens.

For Long-Term Expats: Most people go with international health insurance. Yes, it's more expensive (€800-3,000+ annually), but it covers you globally, not just in Malta.

Top Picks from Our Expat Community:

Cigna Global (most popular choice)
Allianz Care (good European coverage)
William Russell (UK-friendly)
Bupa Global (comprehensive but pricey)

Budget Option:Local Maltese insurance starts around €160-250 annually. It's basic, but covers the essentials if you're trying to keep costs down.

Emergency Situations: What You Need to Know

Call 112 - This is Malta's emergency number. Ambulance service is free for everyone, locals and tourists alike.

Emergency Care is NEVER Refused - This is huge. Whether you have insurance or not, whether you're legal or not, emergency care is always provided first, payment discussions happen later.

Where to Go:

Mater Dei Hospital (main island)
Gozo General Hospital (if you're on Gozo)

Real Emergency Story: James, a Canadian retiree, had a heart attack while visiting the Blue Lagoon. "I was rushed to Mater Dei, had surgery the same day, stayed a week, and never saw a bill. The care was world-class, and everyone spoke perfect English."

The Language Factor: You're in Luck

This is where Malta really shines for expats. English is an official language, and virtually every medical professional speaks it fluently.

Hospital signs are in English and Maltese. Medical records are kept in English. You can call any hospital or clinic and have a full conversation in English.

After dealing with language barriers in other EU countries, this alone is worth the move for many expats.

Getting Started: Your First Steps

Week 1: Find your local health center and pharmacy. Download the health center phone numbers to your phone.

Month 1: If you're staying long-term, start your residency paperwork. Don't wait - the sooner you're in the system, the sooner you can access free care. Our detailed guide on getting your Malta residence card will walk you through the entire process.

Month 3: Complete your healthcare registration and get your Certificate of Entitlement. Celebrate with a proper Maltese pastizzi!

Practical Tips from Expats Who've Been There

Document Everything: Keep copies of your EHIC, insurance cards, and any medical records. Malta's healthcare system requires you to manage your own records.

Build Relationships: Find a GP you like and stick with them. Personal relationships matter here, just like anywhere else.

Mix and Match: Don't be dogmatic about public vs private. Use what makes sense for your situation and budget.

Emergency Contacts: Program 112 into your phone, but also save the direct numbers for Mater Dei (+356 2545 0000) and your local health center.

The Bottom Line

Malta's healthcare system is genuinely excellent. You'll get world-class care whether you choose public or private options. The key is understanding your options and getting set up properly from day one.

Is it perfect? No system is. You might wait longer for non-urgent procedures in the public system. Private care, while excellent, can be pricey for major procedures.

But here's what matters: when you're sick, injured, or need medical care, Malta has you covered. The combination of high-quality care, English-speaking staff, and reasonable costs makes it one of the better places in the world to need medical attention.

One Final Tip: Don't overthink it. Malta's healthcare system is designed to work for residents and visitors alike. Get your paperwork sorted, choose insurance that fits your budget and needs, and then relax. You're in good hands.

Sources

Related guides for expats in Malta:

Getting your Malta residence card - Essential for accessing public healthcare
Where to live in Malta - Choose your neighborhood and find local health centers
Personal banking in Malta - You'll need a bank account for insurance payments
Education system in Malta - If you're moving with children

Questions about healthcare in Malta? Our expat community is here to help. Drop us a line and we'll connect you with someone who's been through exactly what you're facing.