Malta
In emergencies, call 112 for help.
Accessing care in Malta
With a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you are entitled to medically necessary treatment during a temporary stay in Malta. Medically necessary treatment refers to treatment that cannot wait until you return home. You may need such treatment, for example, in the event of a sudden illness or an accident.
You can also receive treatment for pregnancy, childbirth, or chronic conditions. If you have a medical condition that requires regular treatment during your stay abroad, contact a healthcare provider in advance to make the necessary arrangements for your care. If you do not have a European Health Insurance Card, or if it is not accepted, you will have to pay for the treatment yourself. You can then apply for reimbursement from Kela.
The European Health Insurance Card does not guarantee free treatment; you will pay the same cost for healthcare as local residents. We recommend carrying additional copies of your card with you.
In Malta, you can use public health services in health centres and hospitals. By presenting your European Health Insurance Card, you can obtain necessary medical care usually free of charge. Information about services as well contact information can be obtained from the Maltese Ministry for Health and Active Ageing.
There are a large number of private health services available. These operate separately from the public sector. When using private healthcare services, you are responsible for the full cost of treatment.
Sudden illness in Malta
Doctor
You can receive treatment from a doctor by going directly to a Government Health Centre. There are nine public health centres in Malta. You can find their contact information on the website of the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing. When you present your European Health Insurance Card and valid ID, treatment is free of charge. Please note that you must present the original document – a paper copy of the card is not sufficient. If you do not have a European Health Insurance Card with you, you will be required to pay the full cost of the doctor’s appointment. The fee must be paid (in cash or by credit card) before leaving the premises.
Dentist
Emergency dental treatment is provided free of charge at Mater Dei Hospital in Msida and at health centres. However, treatment is only available on a limited basis. Most dental care in Malta is provided by the private sector.
Medication
Prescription medicines prescribed by a doctor are not reimbursable in Malta. non-reimbursable. The only exception is medication prescribed during a hospital stay, which is provided free of charge to inpatients and for the first three days after discharge. In all other cases, you must pay the full cost of medicines yourself. In Malta, prescriptions are generally valid for two months.
Hospital treatment
Treatment in public hospitals is free of charge when you present your European Health Insurance Card and ID. Emergency care provided by hospitals is also free of charge. In general, access to hospital treatment requires a doctor’s referral.
In an emergency, showing your European Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to free ambulance transport to the hospital.
Read also: Falling ill abroad.
Patient data
Remember to ensure that your patient data is transferred between countries. You can provide those responsible for your follow-up care or your healthcare provider with the patient records related to the treatment you received abroad. If the patient records need to be translated, you will be responsible for arranging the translation yourself.
Quality and safety of treatment in Malta
In the event of treatment injuries, the legislation and patient insurance of the country providing the treatment is always applied. In case you are unhappy with the treatment you received, you should primarily try to sort the matter out with the treatment provider. If you want to file a complaint, the National Contact Point of Malta can help you find the right authority.
Healthcare system in Malta
Healthcare in Malta is divided into public and private sectors. The Ministry for Health and Active Ageing oversees public healthcare and regulates private healthcare services. Public healthcare is funded through general taxation. The state covers most medical services, including treatment by general practitioners and specialists, hospital care, medicines, maternity care, childbirth, and rehabilitation.
Useful websites
If you plant to travel to Malta to use healthcare services there, we recommend that you read our website for general information about seeking treatment abroad. For questions regarding healthcare in Malta, please contact the Maltese National Contact Point.