Overview of the Maltese Healthcare System
Malta provides a high standard of medical care through a dual system of public and private services. The public healthcare system is funded through Social Security contributions and general taxation, providing free or heavily subsidized services to eligible residents. The primary public facility is Mater Dei Hospital, located in Msida, which serves as the country's main acute general and teaching hospital.
Foreign nationals residing in Malta can access the public system based on their employment status, nationality, and residency permit type. While the public system is robust, many expatriates and locals opt for private healthcare to ensure faster access to specialists and shorter waiting times for elective procedures.
The Public Healthcare Sector
The public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry for Health. It includes a network of primary health centers (known as 'Bereġ') and specialized hospitals. Primary care is the first point of contact, where general practitioners (GPs) and nurses provide routine medical services, immunizations, and chronic disease management.
Eligibility and Costs
- EU/EEA/UK Nationals: Residents from these regions are generally entitled to public healthcare if they are employed in Malta or hold a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary stays.
- Third-Country Nationals (TCNs): Non-EU citizens who are legally employed and paying National Insurance (NI) in Malta are typically entitled to public healthcare services.
- Dependents: Spouses and children of eligible workers may also be covered, depending on the specific residency status.
For those eligible, most services at public hospitals and health centers are free at the point of use. However, some prescription medications and specific dental treatments may require a co-payment or be subject to means-testing.
Private Healthcare and Insurance
The private healthcare sector in Malta is extensive, consisting of independent clinics, specialized diagnostic centers, and full-scale hospitals like St. James Hospital. Private care is popular for its speed and convenience. Patients usually pay for services out-of-pocket or through private medical insurance.
Typical Costs for Private Care
- GP Consultation: A visit to a private GP typically costs between 15 EUR and 30 EUR ($16 USD to $32 USD, Jan 2026).
- Specialist Consultation: Initial visits to specialists range from 60 EUR to 100 EUR ($63 USD to $105 USD, Jan 2026).
- Health Insurance Premiums: Basic inpatient-only plans start at approximately 300 EUR ($315 USD, Jan 2026) per year, while comprehensive international plans can exceed 1,500 EUR ($1,575 USD, Jan 2026) annually.
It is important to note that most residence permit applications for non-EU nationals require proof of a comprehensive health insurance policy that covers inpatient and outpatient care in Malta.
Pharmacies and Medications
Pharmacies are widely available across Malta and Gozo and are usually the first stop for minor ailments. In Malta, pharmacies are the only authorized retailers for prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Most pharmacies also host private GP clinics during specific hours, which do not require prior registration.
For medications on the government's formulary, eligible patients may receive them for free via the Schedule V (Yellow Card) system for chronic conditions or Schedule II (Pink Card) for low-income individuals. You can find the list of pharmacies and their Sunday opening hours on the official Ministry for Health website.
Emergency Services
In the event of a medical emergency, the national emergency number is 112. This number is toll-free and accessible from any mobile or landline. Ambulances transport patients to the Emergency Department at Mater Dei Hospital (Malta) or Gozo General Hospital (Gozo).
Emergency medical treatment is provided to everyone regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status at the point of delivery. However, non-eligible individuals may be invoiced for services rendered after stabilization.
Practical Steps: How to Register
To access the public system as a resident, you should follow these steps:
- Obtain your e-Residency card from Identità.
- Ensure your employer has registered you for Social Security and that NI contributions are being deducted from your salary.
- For certain nationalities, visit the Entitlement Unit at St. Luke's Hospital (Gwardamangia) to obtain a Certificate of Entitlement.
- Locate your local Health Centre based on your residential address for primary care services.
More information regarding entitlement can be found at the Entitlement Unit Official Portal.