Healthcare In Malta

expat network

Malta’s state healthcare system is of a high standard (ranked recently as 5th in the world) and is available to all residents of Malta, including foreigners who have moved to Malta, free at the point of delivery. EU citizens can get free healthcare with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The public heath services are funded through national insurance and taxation.

The state fund provides most medical services including specialist treatments, hospitalisation, prescriptions, pregnancy, childbirth and rehabilitation. Those on lower incomes can get free prescriptions, subject to means-testing. People with long-term or multiple ailments may also qualify for free treatment. Doctors are well-qualified with many trained overseas and almost all speak English.

There is also a thriving private healthcare system and this can offer a wider range of services and shorter waiting times. Private health services are licensed and monitored by Malta’s public health authorities to maintain standards. Doctors in Malta are able to practice in both the public and private sectors. Malta has a high reputation for plastic surgery and dental treatments and this reputation together with the lower cost than in many parts of Europe attract people travelling specially for these treatments.

Private health insurance is advised for expats in Malta. It will generally be necessary to pay for medical care at the time of service or on release from hospital and then claim from your personal health insurance for reimbursement.
Good dental care is available in Malta and is covered by private health insurance or is paid for out-of-pocket.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.