Malta – Doctors

How does the healthcare system in Malta work, and does it cover expats?

Malta’s healthcare framework encompasses both a public and a private sector, each operating alongside the other. The state-funded side is structured around three tiers: primary care, secondary care, and tertiary care. Rather than following a fully centralised model — such as the NHS, where registration is largely automatic upon moving to the country — Malta’s public system ties entitlement directly to legal residency status and ongoing social security contributions.

The system is financed primarily through taxes and social security payments, and delivers many services at no direct cost for eligible residents. However, certain services — including some prescription medications, adult dental treatment, or procedures not covered under the public scheme — may attract fees or co-payments.

Expats who are legally employed in Malta make social security contributions and, as a result, can access the same healthcare entitlements as Maltese citizens. Long-term residents who hold a valid residence permit and actively contribute to social security are able to use public healthcare services on this basis.

Care is organised across three principal levels: primary care, delivered by general practitioners and family physicians; secondary care, provided by medical specialists; and tertiary care, reserved for patients who need advanced interventions such as oncological treatment, neurosurgery, or cardiac procedures.

State hospitals offer a full spectrum of services covering outpatient and inpatient care, specialist consultations, immunisation programmes, emergency dental treatment, surgery, cancer care, and maternity services both before and after birth.

Accident and Emergency departments at public hospitals — including Mater Dei in Msida and Gozo General Hospital — accept anyone who presents in person requiring urgent treatment. For those without residency entitlement or who lack qualifying status, follow-up or non-emergency treatment may carry associated charges.

The Ministry for Health and Active Ageing holds responsibility for public health policy, regulation, and service delivery across Malta. This includes acute care at Mater Dei Hospital, primary healthcare services, mental health provision, and the supply of medications listed on the Government formulary. You should always verify your current eligibility through the Ministry’s official channels or through Identità (formerly Identity Malta).

How do you find and register with a doctor in Malta?

General practitioners serve as the cornerstone of primary care in Malta, either treating patients directly or channelling them to appropriate specialists. The private sector plays a substantial role in primary care provision, and unlike certain European countries where a specific GP is assigned to each patient, Malta operates a more flexible model — the route you follow depends on whether you opt for public or private care.

Under the public healthcare framework, eight government-run health centres across Malta provide primary care services. Public hospitals tend to operate on a walk-in basis for residents, while private facilities typically offer bookable appointments.

Waiting times at public clinics are generally reasonable, as residents are allocated to a health centre based on where they live. This catchment-area approach means your designated centre is determined by your registered home address, making it important to ensure your address is accurately recorded on official documents.

To access the public system as a long-term resident, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Obtain a residence permit: Submit your application through Identità (Identity Malta), providing documents such as proof of income, accommodation, and private insurance if required during the initial period.
2. Register with Social Security: After receiving your residence permit, enrol with Malta’s Department of Social Security to contribute to the system.
3. Obtain a Certificate of Entitlement: If you are in Malta on a long-term basis — for example as a posted worker or pensioner — you should register an S1 form with the competent institution in Malta, which will then issue a Certificate of Entitlement. This document confirms your right to publicly funded healthcare.
4. Register with your local health centre: Register with the health centre closest to where you live — they will be your first point of contact for most medical needs.
5. For private care: Contact a private clinic or GP directly to book an appointment. No catchment area rules apply in the private sector.

EU nationals who remain in Malta beyond 90 days must obtain an S1 form from their home country and register it with Malta’s Entitlement Unit in order to access healthcare without charge. For current registration guidance, consult the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing and Identità.

How do you pay for a doctor’s appointment in Malta?

What you pay for healthcare in Malta depends chiefly on whether you use public or private services. Eligible residents contributing to the social security system receive public healthcare at no direct cost at the point of use, whereas private healthcare requires payment upfront, with costs varying considerably between providers.

Expats who pay taxes and contribute to the Department of Social Security are entitled to free medical treatment through the public system. Employed individuals and their employers each contribute 10% of weekly earnings, while those who are self-employed or self-occupied contribute 15% (as of 2025). These payments underpin eligibility for the public healthcare system.

Those who opt for private primary care generally settle costs themselves or reclaim them through a private insurance policy. Consultation fees at private medical facilities in Malta begin at approximately €15 per GP visit (as of 2024–2025), though the cost of specific procedures can run into hundreds of euros.

Across Malta and Gozo, the majority of pharmacies provide GP services during set hours. Seeing a GP at a pharmacy is classified as private healthcare and typically costs around €10 (as of available data), though patients are encouraged to check current fees directly with each pharmacy. Consultation charges can change, and it is always advisable to confirm pricing before your visit.

Because routine healthcare in Malta is relatively affordable, some expats choose to hold only basic hospital cover and manage everyday medical costs — such as GP visits and prescription fees — from their own funds. This can be a sensible option for those in good health who feel comfortable meeting day-to-day costs directly. For the latest information on public health centre charges, refer to the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing.

Do you need private health insurance to see a doctor in Malta?

Whether you need private health insurance in Malta hinges on your residency category, the length of your intended stay, and your employment situation. Malta does not operate a single-payer model, and private insurance fulfils an important complementary function for a significant portion of the resident population.

For those already entitled to the public system, paid private insurance is largely optional. However, investors participating in the Malta Permanent Residence Programme are obliged to hold a policy.

Non-EU expats living in Malta are required to hold a private healthcare policy as a condition of accessing the healthcare system. It is equally important to be aware that non-EU nationals must produce a valid health insurance document when applying to obtain or renew their residency permit.

As of 2024, updated minimum coverage requirements apply to residency applicants. Newly applying and still-abroad applicants seeking residency for employment purposes, along with family members applying under both regulations and policy, must hold a health insurance policy providing a minimum of €100,000 in coverage. You should always confirm the current figure directly with Identità, as requirements are subject to change.

A number of residents opt for private health insurance to broaden the scope of services available to them, reduce waiting times, and enjoy more individualised care. The private sector complements public provision by offering swifter specialist access, more flexibility in choosing providers, and a wider range of treatments.

For expats, an international or worldwide health insurance plan — rather than a purely Maltese policy — can offer considerable advantages, as it provides coverage at hospitals and clinics of your choosing and remains valid in other countries where you may travel or spend time. For the most up-to-date visa and residency-related insurance requirements, consult Identità.

How do you transfer your medical records to a doctor in Malta?

Relocating to a new country inevitably means building a medical history with an unfamiliar doctor from the beginning — unless you arrive with your existing records in hand. Malta has invested in a digital health infrastructure that simplifies the management of your records once you are registered within the system.

Before departing your home country, ask your current doctor or healthcare provider for a thorough summary of your medical history. Ideally, this should cover existing diagnoses, current medications, vaccination history, known allergies, and relevant test results or imaging. Request that these documents be issued in English, which is Malta’s co-official language and the primary language used in medical settings throughout the country.

Malta runs a national digital health portal called myHealth. This interactive platform allows both patients and doctors to view medical records in one place. Using a Maltese e-ID, you can log in to access case summaries, appointment schedules, laboratory results, medical images, vaccination records, and more.

As a patient, you can use the portal to connect your account to your doctor, who will receive a notification when your information becomes available. A Personal Health Journal function also allows you to record and manage your own health data independently. Doctors linked to you through myHealth can view your results and reports as soon as they are uploaded.

Records imported from abroad do not generally need to be formally translated unless your doctor requests this — since Malta’s medical system operates in English, records in that language are ordinarily accepted without issue. If your documents are in another language, obtaining a certified translation beforehand is advisable. The use of English throughout Malta’s healthcare administration means the handover of imported records tends to be relatively straightforward.

The National Contact Point, hosted within the Office of the Chief Medical Officer at the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing, provides guidance on accessing medical treatment across borders. It functions under Directive 2011/24/EU and the Maltese Cross-Border Healthcare Regulations, supporting patients in navigating cross-border healthcare rights. Their website at crossborderhealth.gov.mt is a valuable resource for information on medical records and cross-border healthcare entitlements.

What should expats know about language barriers and finding a doctor in Malta?

Maltese and English are both official languages in Malta, which places the country among the most accessible in Europe for English-speaking expats. This is a considerable advantage in healthcare settings, where language barriers can otherwise present serious difficulties.

Virtually every medical professional in Malta speaks fluent English. Hospital signage appears in both English and Maltese. Medical records are maintained in English, and you can contact any hospital or clinic and conduct a full conversation in English without difficulty.

In the rare circumstance that a healthcare provider is unable to communicate comfortably in English, hospitals and clinics typically have an interpreter or translator available to support the consultation.

For patients who need to be seen in languages other than English or Maltese, private clinics — particularly those located in larger population centres such as Sliema, St Julian’s, and Valletta — are more likely to have multilingual staff or access to interpretation services. Calling ahead to check availability is always a sensible precaution. The emergency line 112 is staffed by operators fluent in both Maltese and English and grants access to all emergency services.

There are several ways to locate a specific doctor or specialist in Malta. Private hospitals such as St James Hospital and DaVinci Health publish their specialist directories online. Expat community groups and resident forums are a practical source of personal recommendations. Your home country’s embassy in Malta may also maintain a list of recommended local practitioners for its citizens. The Ministry for Health and Active Ageing website lists public health centre locations and the services each provides.

What do expats need to know about prescriptions and medication in Malta?

In Malta, only consultants and registered doctors are authorised to issue prescriptions. This means that prescriptions obtained in another country will generally need to be reissued by a locally registered practitioner before a Maltese pharmacy can dispense the medication. If you depend on regular medicines, arrange a GP appointment promptly after arriving so that your prescriptions can be reviewed and reissued under the Maltese system.

Every village in Malta has at least one pharmacy, and many localities have several. Pharmacies not only dispense medication but also provide GP consultations, and some host specialist practitioners during designated hours. Standard opening hours are typically Monday to Friday from 8am or 9am to 6pm or 7pm, with some closing briefly at midday. Saturday hours are generally 8am or 9am to noon. On Sundays and public holidays, pharmacies operate according to a rotating duty schedule.

Residents entitled to publicly funded care benefit from a government-subsidised pharmaceutical scheme. Under the public system, prescription drug costs are reimbursed by the National Health Service. Malta also administers the Pick Up Your Choice (POYC) Scheme, which enables eligible patients to collect government-funded medications free of charge from a pharmacy of their own selection. Patients must register with a participating pharmacy to become eligible and begin using the scheme.

If you are employed in Malta and contributing National Insurance, you will need to bring your most recent pay slip when registering. If you are self-employed, you must present the most recent receipt of NI contributions, which should not be more than six months old.

Patients hospitalised under the public system receive their medications free of charge throughout their stay and for three days following discharge. Outside the public scheme, medications purchased over the counter or on a private prescription are paid for directly by the patient. Non-prescription medicines can sometimes cost more than their prescription equivalents, so it is worth discussing with your doctor whether a subsidised alternative is available. For current information on the government formulary and eligibility for subsidised medications, consult the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing and the POYC Scheme website.

Frequently asked questions

What do I do in a medical emergency in Malta?

Call 112 in any emergency situation — this number connects you instantly to ambulance, police, and fire services and is free to use around the clock. Malta’s emergency response is well-organised, and public hospitals such as Mater Dei Hospital in Msida are fully equipped to manage acute medical situations. Emergency treatment at public hospitals is available to anyone physically on Maltese soil, irrespective of residency status or insurance coverage.

Will my pre-existing conditions be covered when I move to Malta?

Within the public system, entitlement is not ordinarily affected by pre-existing conditions — once you satisfy the residency and social security contribution requirements, you are entitled to publicly funded treatment for ongoing health conditions. Social assistance programmes are also available for low-income individuals and patients managing chronic illnesses. Private insurance is a different matter: many policies carry exclusions for pre-existing conditions, so it is essential to read the terms of any policy carefully before signing up. Always confirm current public entitlement rules with the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing.

How long does it take to register with the public healthcare system in Malta?

No single published processing timeframe exists for healthcare registration, as it is connected to your residency permit and social security enrolment — each of which follows its own timeline. When applying for a residence permit through Identità, you will be required to submit supporting documents including proof of income, evidence of accommodation, and private insurance documentation where applicable. Beginning the residency and social security registration process as early as possible is strongly recommended, in order to reduce any gaps in your access to public healthcare.

Can I still use private healthcare once I am entitled to the public system?

There is no obligation to choose exclusively between the two. A large number of residents make use of public facilities for emergencies and routine consultations, while opting for private care when they wish to avoid waiting times or access a particular procedure. Many expats also carry private insurance to supplement their public entitlement. This combined approach is well established and widely practised in Malta.

Does my healthcare access change if I stop working in Malta?

Your entitlement to publicly funded healthcare is directly linked to your social security contribution history and your legal residency status. Ceasing employment while remaining a legal resident may affect your entitlement in ways that depend on your individual circumstances — for instance, transitioning to self-employment, becoming self-occupied, or being economically inactive each carries distinct rules. The precise entitlements applicable will depend on your registration status, contribution record, and the nature of the service required. Always inform the Department of Social Security of any change in your employment situation and verify your ongoing entitlement accordingly.

Is dental care covered under the public system in Malta?

Adult dental care under the public system may attract charges or co-payments for certain treatments. Emergency dental work does fall within the range of services offered by state hospitals. Routine dental care for adults is not comprehensively covered by the public system, and many residents turn to private dental clinics for this purpose. Check the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing for up-to-date details on dental entitlements.

Can I see a specialist directly, or do I need a referral from a GP in Malta?

Within the public system, access to specialist services at public hospitals is granted through a referral from a doctor or via the emergency department. A GP referral is therefore generally required before you can see a specialist through public channels. The private sector operates differently: faster specialist access is one of its main advantages, and patients can typically book directly with a specialist without requiring a referral from a GP first.

What if I am only staying in Malta for a few months — do I need to do anything differently?

Stays of fewer than three months do not qualify for access to Malta’s public healthcare system. Comprehensive private health insurance is therefore essential during a short stay to cover both emergencies and routine care. Visitors from EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom who hold a valid EHIC or GHIC card should be able to access a range of state-provided healthcare services. Those arriving from outside these arrangements must ensure that adequate travel or health insurance is in place before departing for Malta.