Introduction to Student Healthcare in Malta
Malta requires all international students to have valid health insurance coverage for the duration of their studies. This requirement is strictly enforced by Identità (the national agency responsible for residence permits) during the visa application and renewal process. The type of coverage required depends primarily on the student's nationality and the length of their stay on the islands.
While Malta has a high-quality public healthcare system, access for foreign students is not universal. Depending on your status, you may rely on reciprocal agreements or private policies to cover medical expenses, hospital stays, and emergency services.
EU, EEA, and Swiss Nationals
Students from European Union (EU) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are entitled to use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card allows holders to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay under the same conditions and at the same cost as Maltese citizens.
Limitations of the EHIC
- It is not an alternative to travel insurance.
- It does not cover private healthcare costs or costs such as mountain rescue or being flown back to your home country (repatriation).
- It only covers medically necessary treatment that cannot wait until you return home.
EU students planning to stay long-term or those who prefer access to private clinics often choose to supplement their EHIC with a basic private insurance policy. For more information on EHIC usage, visit the European Commission’s official health portal.
Non-EU Third Country Nationals (TCNs)
Students from outside the EU/EEA must obtain comprehensive private health insurance to secure a student visa or a residence permit. This policy must be issued by a recognized insurance provider and should be valid for the entire duration of the academic year.
Mandatory Coverage Requirements
For a residence permit to be approved by Identità, the insurance policy must typically meet the following criteria:
- Minimum Coverage: A minimum limit of 30,000 EUR ($31,500 USD, Jan 2026) for medical expenses.
- Inpatient & Outpatient: Coverage for both hospital stays and general practitioner visits.
- Repatriation: Full coverage for the cost of medical evacuation or repatriation of remains to the home country.
- Validity: The policy must explicitly state it is valid in Malta (or the entire Schengen Area).
The average cost for a basic student health insurance policy in Malta ranges from 100 EUR to 180 EUR ($105 to $189 USD, Jan 2026) per year, depending on the student's age and specific medical history.
Working Students and Social Security
In Malta, international students with a valid residence permit are often allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week after their first 90 days in the country. If a student is legally employed, they and their employer are required to pay Class 1 Social Security Contributions (NI).
Paying social security contributions may grant the student access to the Maltese public healthcare system. However, this does not exempt Third Country Nationals from the requirement to maintain a private health insurance policy for the purposes of their residence permit renewal. Detailed information on social security can be found on the Department of Social Security website.
Accessing Care in Malta
The main public general hospital is Mater Dei, located in Msida. For non-emergencies, students often visit local Health Centres (Berġa) or private pharmacies that host general practitioners (GPs). A private GP consultation typically costs between 15 EUR and 25 EUR ($16 and $26 USD, Jan 2026).
Note: Always keep all receipts, medical reports, and prescriptions to facilitate claims with your insurance provider.
