Malta – Complementary and Alternative Medicine

What types of complementary and alternative medicine are available in Malta?

CAM continues to develop as a significant feature of Malta’s healthcare landscape, with an ever-wider range of traditional and contemporary therapies becoming available to island residents. This expansion is fuelled by growing demand from both native Maltese people and the sizeable international community that has made Malta its home.

The spectrum of CAM therapies offered in Malta is broad, encompassing acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and numerous other modalities. Acupuncture — which uses slender needles inserted at targeted points across the body to stimulate healing and alleviate discomfort — has gained notable traction, especially for addressing chronic pain. Practitioners frequently combine acupuncture with complementary elements of traditional Chinese medicine, such as cupping therapy or moxibustion.

Under Maltese law, the formally recognised CAM disciplines include acupuncture, chiropractic, osteopathy, audiology, dietetics, physiotherapy, nutrition, optometry, orthoptics, podiatry, radiography, and medical laboratory science, among others. Chiropractic and osteopathy are particularly sought after by expats, especially those dealing with musculoskeletal complaints. Both disciplines are well established across Malta and on the neighbouring island of Gozo.

Herbal medicine, which draws on the therapeutic properties of plants and plant-derived compounds to support health and prevent illness, is widely practised and has found a place alongside conventional treatment approaches in Malta. Homeopathy — based on the principle that highly diluted substances can activate the body’s own recuperative mechanisms — is attracting increasing interest among Maltese residents, particularly for persistent conditions including arthritis and allergies.

Certain clinics in Malta adopt integrative or holistic frameworks that blend conventional biomedical care with traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, holistic healing, acupuncture, and nutritional medicine. Ayurveda — the ancient Indian system of health and wellness — can be found at a select number of specialist centres. Hypnotherapy is also offered by trained practitioners on the island, some of whom hold backgrounds in psychology and neuro-linguistic programming.

Compared with larger countries such as Australia or the United States, the total number of CAM practitioners operating in Malta is modest, reflecting the island’s compact size and population of roughly 550,000. That said, the variety of therapies available is notably broad, and most well-known CAM modalities can be accessed — particularly in the more densely populated areas around Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s, and neighbouring towns. Niche therapies, including naturopathy and traditional Ayurvedic medicine, are present but harder to source, with fewer clinics offering them.

Is complementary and alternative medicine regulated in Malta?

Malta’s regulatory landscape for CAM is uneven: certain therapies are subject to rigorous statutory control, while others rely on voluntary self-governance. Understanding where a particular therapy sits within this landscape is essential for anyone seeking safe, competent care.

The Council for the Professions Complementary to Medicine (CPCM) serves as the central regulatory authority, protecting the public by overseeing 20 healthcare professions and maintaining a dedicated register for each, encompassing all individuals who satisfy the required standards. The CPCM derives its mandate from the Health Care Professions Act 2003. Among its core responsibilities is controlling entries into and removals from each professional register. The Council also establishes educational benchmarks, and every regulated profession under the CPCM operates according to a published Code of Practice designed to protect patients and encourage ongoing professional development.

Anyone wishing to practise a CPCM-regulated profession in Malta must have their qualifications recognised by the Council and subsequently have their name entered onto the appropriate register. This framework for regulated CAM professions is broadly comparable to statutory registration systems operating in countries such as the United Kingdom — where the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) maintains compulsory registers — although the precise list of covered professions differs between the two systems.

The CPCM is assisted by both statutory and non-statutory professionals who are appointed to sub-committee groups tasked with evaluating the qualifications of EU and non-EU applicants seeking to practise in Malta. Once the Council has reviewed and confirmed that all necessary criteria have been met, a formal registration certificate is issued to the applicant.

However, a number of widely used CAM therapies — among them homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, and naturopathy — are currently not subject to mandatory statutory regulation in Malta. One significant concern is the growing presence of unlicensed practitioners who deliver therapies without adequate training or professional credentials, posing potential risks to patient safety. For unregulated therapies, professional associations may establish their own membership requirements, but there is no legal obligation to affiliate with any such body or to meet defined competency standards. This situation mirrors the reality across much of the EU, where statutory and voluntary regulation coexist across a fragmented landscape.

Public health, healthcare providers, and practitioners are subject to oversight by Malta’s national competent authorities, principally the Superintendent of Public Health under the Ministry for Health. The Ministry for Health (health.gov.mt) and the CPCM (cpcm.gov.mt) remain the definitive reference points for understanding current regulatory obligations. Since requirements are subject to change, it is advisable to verify the regulatory status of any specific therapy directly with these bodies.

The Malta Medicines Authority is responsible for safeguarding public health through the regulation of medicinal products and pharmaceutical activities for human use, including herbal medicines and supplements that are classified as medicinal products. Its website (medicinesauthority.gov.mt) provides guidance on product classification and the criteria that determine whether something constitutes a regulated medicinal product.

Is CAM covered by health insurance or the public healthcare system in Malta?

Malta’s healthcare system enjoys an enviable international reputation, consistently appearing among the WHO’s top-ranked systems, and was placed 18th out of 196 countries in the Healthcare Index 2024. Both public and private health facilities are accessible to residents. Nevertheless, CAM therapies are broadly excluded from Malta’s public (state) health system, and the majority of people accessing complementary treatments should expect to bear the full cost personally.

The public healthcare network, centred on Mater Dei Hospital and a network of community health centres, is focused on conventional, evidence-based clinical medicine. Unlike, for example, Germany’s statutory health insurance system (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) — which includes specific provisions permitting reimbursement for certain homeopathic and naturopathic treatments — Malta’s public system does not currently provide any reimbursement pathways for CAM therapies.

Private health insurance in Malta opens the door to a broader range of services at private medical facilities, including specialist consultations, diagnostic procedures, and elective surgeries, while reducing waiting times. Certain private policies may extend cover to therapies such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, or chiropractic care — particularly when delivered by a CPCM-registered practitioner and supported by a medical referral. Coverage for therapies including homeopathy, aromatherapy, or reflexology is, however, uncommon in standard private policies.

Private health insurance in Malta comes in two broad forms: treatment-based and plan-based. Treatment-based policies target a specific type of care and are often more economical, though they may carry lower benefit limits. If you are evaluating a private insurance plan that might include any CAM therapies, request a written summary of exactly which treatments are covered, any applicable annual benefit caps, and whether a GP referral is a prerequisite. Always verify current figures and inclusions directly with your insurer, as policy terms and reimbursement thresholds are subject to revision.

As of August 2024, many expats applying for Maltese residency are required to hold health insurance with a minimum coverage of approximately USD 108,202 for medical treatment and hospitalisation. This condition relates specifically to residency applications and does not mandate any CAM-related coverage, so expats who anticipate regular use of complementary therapies should consider supplementary or enhanced insurance arrangements accordingly.

How much does complementary and alternative medicine cost in Malta?

The cost of CAM in Malta is broadly comparable to that in other Southern European countries, though fees differ considerably according to the therapy involved, the practitioner’s qualifications and experience, and the geographic location of the clinic. The figures below are indicative, based on market information available as of 2024–2025, and should be verified with individual practitioners or relevant professional associations before making any booking.

A single acupuncture appointment in Malta generally falls in the €40–€70 range (as of 2024–2025). Fees are typically set in advance but can vary depending on the area of the body being treated. Initial consultations, which are usually more time-intensive than follow-up visits, may carry a higher fee. Some practitioners offer discounted package rates for a planned course of treatment, which can reduce the overall cost compared with paying per individual session.

Chiropractic and osteopathy sessions in Malta typically cost somewhere between €50 and €90 per visit (as of 2024–2025), with initial assessments — which often include postural evaluation and the formulation of a treatment plan — frequently priced at or beyond the upper end of this range. Homeopathy and herbal medicine consultations, which commonly involve a comprehensive intake interview and the preparation of a personalised remedy, tend to fall in the €40–€80 bracket per session.

Therapies such as aromatherapy, reflexology, and massage are offered across a variety of settings — wellness centres, beauty clinics, spas, and dedicated therapeutic practices — and pricing can vary considerably, from approximately €30 for a basic treatment to upwards of €80 for a specialist therapeutic session. Prices on Gozo may differ from those found in Malta’s main urban areas.

For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, contact practitioners directly or consult relevant professional bodies such as the Malta Acupuncture Association or therapy-specific associations. Always confirm whether any quoted price includes VAT before proceeding.

How do I find a qualified CAM practitioner in Malta?

For therapies formally regulated by the CPCM, the most authoritative starting point is the Council’s own professional registers. The CPCM’s core function includes controlling additions to and removals from these registers of healthcare professionals. Separate registers are maintained for each regulated profession, and the Council can confirm whether a named individual holds valid current registration. Contact details and further information are available at cpcm.gov.mt.

The following step-by-step approach will assist you in locating a suitably qualified CAM practitioner in Malta:

1. Identify whether the therapy is regulated. Review the CPCM’s list of regulated professions at cpcm.gov.mt. If the therapy you are seeking appears there (e.g. acupuncture, chiropractic, osteopathy), prioritise practitioners who hold current CPCM registration.
2. Verify registration directly. Request the practitioner’s CPCM registration number and cross-check it with the Council if you have any doubts. The Council issues a formal registration certificate once it has assessed and confirmed that an individual satisfies all applicable criteria.
3. Check professional associations. For therapies that fall outside CPCM regulation, seek out practitioners who are affiliated with a recognised professional association. Bodies such as the Malta Acupuncture Association, the Malta Association of Homeopaths, and the Malta Herbal Institute each establish their own membership and training requirements.
4. Ask about qualifications and training. Whatever the regulatory status of the therapy, ask practitioners where they obtained their training, the duration of the programme, and whether their qualification is recognised at European level. A practitioner who has completed a degree-level course at an accredited institution provides stronger evidence of competence than one whose training lacks formal recognition.
5. Seek a referral from your GP. Your family doctor or general practitioner may be well placed to recommend or refer you to a reputable CAM practitioner, particularly for regulated disciplines such as physiotherapy or osteopathy.
6. Use reputable directories. Online directories such as pharmacy.mt list practitioners by therapy type across both Malta and Gozo, making it straightforward to identify providers in your vicinity.
7. Check for red flags. Exercise caution with practitioners who claim to cure serious or life-threatening conditions, demand substantial upfront payments for extended treatment courses, actively discourage you from consulting a conventional doctor, or cannot demonstrate their training or professional membership credentials.

Patients pursuing CAM therapies should satisfy themselves that they are consulting practitioners who have undergone appropriate training and hold relevant qualifications. If you have any uncertainty about a practitioner’s credentials or the legal standing of a particular therapy in Malta, contact the Ministry for Health or the CPCM for authoritative guidance.

Are there traditional or indigenous medicine systems practised in Malta?

Malta does not possess a discrete indigenous or folk medicine tradition in the way that certain larger nations do — such as Traditional Chinese Medicine in China or Ayurveda in India — yet the Maltese islands carry a rich legacy of folk healing rooted in their Mediterranean, Arab, and Southern European cultural heritage.

Herbal remedies have been woven into Maltese domestic life across many generations. The use of locally cultivated medicinal plants — including Maltese herbs such as ħabaq (basil), sagħtar (thyme), and a range of wild plants valued for their traditional healing properties — persists in everyday households, particularly among older members of the community. These practices are informal in character, transmitted through oral tradition rather than any codified system, and are neither officially regulated nor formally recognised by the state as a distinct therapeutic discipline.

Herbal medicine is widely used in Malta and has been gradually integrated into modern healthcare practice. The Malta Herbal Institute, established in 2010, is dedicated to advancing the study and practice of herbal medicine on the island. The Institute works to secure recognition for herbal medicine as a legitimate form of healthcare, serving as a bridge between inherited traditional knowledge and contemporary professional standards.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) — encompassing acupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion — has acquired a growing foothold in Malta, driven in part by the island’s cosmopolitan expat population and in part by rising local curiosity. Several integrative clinics now incorporate Chinese medicine assessments alongside nutritional, fitness, and Ayurvedic elements. Although TCM is not native to Malta, it has become a recognisable feature of the island’s wellness offering. Notably, acupuncture is formally regulated by the CPCM, lending it considerably more institutional standing than most other imported therapeutic systems.

Malta’s deeply rooted Catholic identity means that spiritual and faith-centred healing practices — including prayer, pilgrimage, and the blessing of the sick — hold genuine cultural significance for many island residents. These practices are distinct from CAM as a clinical category but reflect a meaningful dimension of the way in which health, healing, and spiritual wellbeing interact in Maltese society. They are not subject to regulation by health authorities and exist entirely outside the formal healthcare framework.

What should expats know about using CAM alongside conventional medicine in Malta?

Malta’s conventional healthcare system commands considerable respect, and the great majority of general practitioners and specialists operate within a biomedical framework. Doctors in Malta are free to practise in both public and private settings. Attitudes among conventional physicians toward CAM are varied: some GPs are receptive to discussing complementary approaches and may refer patients to CPCM-registered practitioners such as physiotherapists, osteopaths, or chiropractors, while others adopt a more cautious stance — particularly in relation to therapies with limited supporting clinical evidence, such as homeopathy or reflexology.

If you are contemplating CAM as an adjunct to prescribed medication or for managing a diagnosed condition, the single most important action is to inform your GP or specialist. This is especially critical in relation to herbal preparations and dietary supplements, which can interact adversely with prescription drugs. St John’s Wort, for example — a commonly used herbal remedy for mild depression — is well documented to reduce the efficacy of certain medications including anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, and antiretrovirals. The Malta Medicines Authority is responsible for safeguarding public health through the regulation of medicinal products, including herbal preparations classified as medicines. Its website contains guidance on product safety and classification.

Serenity Holistic Medical Clinic describes itself as Malta’s trusted destination for natural, holistic medicine and pursues an integrative model that brings together conventional and complementary treatment approaches. Such integrative settings — in which conventional and CAM practitioners collaborate within the same facility or maintain close working relationships — do exist in Malta but are not yet a widespread feature of the healthcare landscape. Most people accessing CAM in Malta do so through standalone practitioners operating independently of conventional clinical settings rather than through fully integrated care environments.

When purchasing herbal supplements or natural health products, obtain them from licensed pharmacies or well-established retailers. The Malta Medicines Authority’s Borderline Classification Committee distinguishes between medicinal and non-medicinal products, making case-by-case assessments and issuing borderline product classification guidelines. Products carrying medicinal claims must satisfy regulatory standards; products sold without a medicines licence should be used with care and only in consultation with a qualified practitioner.

Healthcare professionals and public health practitioners in Malta are subject to regulatory oversight by the Superintendent of Public Health under the Ministry for Health. The Ministry for Health is the appropriate first point of contact for any concerns regarding product safety or a practitioner’s legitimacy. Should you experience an adverse reaction to a CAM treatment or product, report the incident to your GP and, where relevant, to the Malta Medicines Authority.

Frequently asked questions about CAM in Malta

Are CAM practitioners in Malta able to communicate in languages other than Maltese?

Malta operates as a bilingual nation, with Maltese and English both holding official status. The overwhelming majority of healthcare providers — including those working in CAM — are entirely comfortable consulting in English. Many practitioners based in urban centres such as Sliema, St Julian’s, and Valletta speak additional languages, a reflection of Malta’s cosmopolitan character. If you need to be seen in a specific language such as Italian, French, or German, it is advisable to enquire with the practitioner before making an appointment, as language capabilities vary.

How do I check whether an acupuncturist or chiropractor in Malta is properly registered?

The CPCM maintains a register for each of the 20 regulated health professions in Malta, listing all individuals who have met the required standards. You can contact the CPCM directly at cpcm.gov.mt to confirm whether a specific practitioner holds current registration. Since registration with the CPCM is a legal requirement for practising acupuncture and chiropractic, you should always request a practitioner’s registration details before commencing any course of treatment.

Is homeopathy legal in Malta?

Yes, homeopathy is entirely legal in Malta and widely practised across the island. It is not, however, currently subject to mandatory statutory regulation through the CPCM, meaning there is no legal obligation for homeopaths to hold any particular qualification or to register with a government authority. Homeopathy is based on the use of highly diluted substances intended to stimulate the body’s own healing responses, and it is attracting a growing following in Malta, especially for chronic ailments. When choosing a homeopath, seek practitioners who hold membership of a professional association with clearly defined training requirements, such as the Malta Association of Homeopaths.

Will my private health insurance cover CAM treatments in Malta?

Whether your policy covers CAM treatments depends entirely on the specific plan you hold. Private health insurance in Malta can provide access to a wider range of private medical services, including specialist consultations. Some policies extend coverage to physiotherapy or osteopathy — particularly where the practitioner holds CPCM registration and a medical referral has been obtained — but coverage for therapies such as homeopathy, aromatherapy, or reflexology is unusual in standard policies. Review your policy documents thoroughly and contact your insurer directly to establish exactly what is covered and whether a GP referral is a precondition.

Can I bring herbal supplements or natural remedies into Malta?

As an EU member state, Malta applies EU regulations governing the importation of medicinal products and food supplements. The majority of commercially available herbal supplements sold within the EU may be brought in for personal use without difficulty. However, any product that makes medicinal claims must hold a valid marketing authorisation in order to be sold in Malta. The Malta Medicines Authority’s Borderline Classification Committee assesses products on an individual basis to determine whether they are medicinal or non-medicinal in nature. If you are uncertain about the admissibility of a particular product, consult the Malta Medicines Authority prior to travel.

Are there integrative clinics in Malta where conventional and CAM doctors work together?

Several clinics in Malta pursue an integrative philosophy, aiming to identify the root causes of health problems by combining conventional medical evaluation with nutritional, Ayurvedic, and Chinese medicine assessments, alongside individualised treatment approaches such as acupuncture, IV therapy, dietary planning, and herbal protocols. While fully integrated facilities of this kind remain relatively rare across the island, their numbers are increasing. Your GP may be able to advise on referral pathways, or you can independently search for integrative or holistic clinics in your locality.

Is CAM regulated the same way in Malta as in other EU countries?

No — regulatory frameworks for CAM differ substantially from one EU member state to another, and no unified EU-wide system currently exists. Germany, for instance, has long-established legal categories for Heilpraktiker (naturopathic practitioners), whereas other countries depend on voluntary self-regulation. In Malta, the CPCM regulates professions complementary to medicine as specified in the Health Care Professions Act 2003. Some CAM disciplines are subject to formal regulation; others are not. Practitioners relocating to Malta from elsewhere in the EU should contact the CPCM to establish whether their existing qualifications will be recognised and what steps are required to obtain registration.

What should I do if I have a complaint about a CAM practitioner in Malta?

Where your complaint concerns a CPCM-registered professional — such as a chiropractor, osteopath, or acupuncturist — you may submit a formal complaint directly to the CPCM, which holds disciplinary authority including the power to remove practitioners from the register. For complaints involving unregulated therapies, you can approach the Ministry for Health or the Office for Consumer Affairs. If harm has resulted from the use of a product, the matter should be reported to the Malta Medicines Authority. In all cases, retain thorough records of any treatment received, fees paid, and all communications with the practitioner.