Malta
In emergencies, call 112 for help.
Sudden illness and access to treatment in Malta
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to medically necessary treatment whilst staying temporarily in Malta.
Medically necessary treatment refers to treatment that cannot wait for your return home.
You can receive medically necessary treatment, for example, for:
- a sudden illness
- an accident
- pregnancy and childbirth
- a chronic illness
If your medical condition requires regular treatment while abroad, please contact the healthcare provider in advance to arrange your treatment.
Please note the following:
- The European Health Insurance Card does not guarantee treatment free of charge, but gives you the right to medically necessary treatment on the same terms and at the same cost as for local residents.
- It is also advisable to carry a paper copy of the card with you.
- If you do not have a card or it is not accepted, you will have to pay the costs of treatment yourself. In this case, you can apply for reimbursement from Kela afterwards.
- By presenting your European Health Insurance Card, you can obtain necessary medical care usually free of charge. If you use private services, you must pay the cost of treatment in full yourself. Private services operate independently of the public sector.
Doctor in Malta
You can receive treatment from a doctor by going directly to a Government Health Centre. There are ten 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 in Malta
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 in Malta
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 in Malta
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.
Patient data in Malta
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.
How do I find a place of treatment in Malta?
You can find information about health services and contact details on the website of the Maltese Ministry of Health.
If you plan to travel to Malta for healthcare services, please visit our website for general information about seeking treatment abroad. For questions regarding healthcare in Malta, contact the Maltese National Contact Point.
How much does treatment cost in Malta?
Medical treatment provided by public healthcare providers is free of charge when you present your European Health Insurance Card at the doctor’s clinic.
If you use private healthcare providers, you will have to pay the costs of your treatment yourself.