Malta – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in Malta?

Cardiovascular disease is the foremost cause of death in Malta among both men and women, with ischaemic heart disease — a condition in which blood supply to the heart is reduced — being the most prevalent form, responsible for one in five deaths recorded in 2016. This trend has continued in more recent data: according to Eurostat figures covering 2022, cardiovascular diseases and cancer together account for one in every two deaths in Malta.

Diabetes mellitus represents a major and growing health burden for the island. Approximately 10% of adults aged over 18 are estimated to have the condition, and a substantial proportion of these cases are thought to go undiagnosed. Projections suggest the number of people living with diabetes in Malta will continue to climb. The country’s diabetes-related death toll ranked third highest in the EU, a figure closely tied to Malta’s elevated obesity prevalence.

Cancer patterns differ by sex: among men, the most commonly affected sites are the prostate (26%), lungs (16%), and colon and rectum (13%), whereas among women, breast cancer predominates (36%), followed by colorectal cancer (11%) and cancer of the uterus (7%). Malta achieves five-year survival rates for breast and prostate cancers that exceed the EU average, reflecting the strength of its oncology services.

Despite broadly positive health indicators, rates of infectious diseases including HIV and tuberculosis have increased in Malta, with most cases occurring among people born outside the country. Adult alcohol consumption falls within the European average range, but binge drinking and alcohol use disorder are disproportionately common among teenagers.

Is Malta considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

Although the pandemic shaved more than half a year from Malta’s life expectancy, it subsequently recovered, reaching 83.4 years in 2023 before easing slightly to 83.3 years in 2024 — a figure that places Malta near the top of the EU rankings. For comparison, the global average life expectancy stands at around 73.7 years, highlighting just how favourably Malta performs on this measure relative to the wider world.

Women in Malta can expect 70.3 years of healthy life, and men 70.1 years — a metric that captures not merely longevity but the proportion of life spent in good health, which is arguably a more meaningful gauge of wellbeing. Health coverage is nearly universal, and older Maltese residents are less likely to be managing chronic conditions than their counterparts in many other EU member states.

Deaths from cardiovascular disease and cancer have fallen considerably over recent decades, though diabetes-related mortality remains elevated. Self-assessed health is generally positive among the population, but meaningful inequalities in health status along income lines persist.

Public health efforts in Malta have concentrated on reducing tobacco and alcohol use, and the country has achieved the third lowest rate of preventable disease deaths in the EU. Nevertheless, ischaemic heart disease drives some of the highest treatable mortality rates in the bloc — a situation largely attributed to the widespread prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Maltese population.

Always check the WHO Malta country profile and the National Statistics Office of Malta for the most current figures, as statistics are updated regularly.

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in Malta?

As a stable, developed EU nation, Malta imposes no vaccination requirements for entry. That said, standard immunisations recommended for travel across Europe — including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and all routine jabs — are sensible to have in place. Before relocating, consult the official travel health authority in your home country for tailored advice; relevant bodies include the UK’s NHS Travel Health, the US CDC Traveler’s Health programme, and their equivalents elsewhere.

The mortality rate associated with ambient air pollution in Malta is 20 per 100,000, a figure that places the country in the WHO’s ‘Very High Human Development’ category. Deaths linked to unsafe water or inadequate sanitation stand at just 0.1 per 100,000 — again among the best outcomes globally. Tap water is technically safe to drink under EU standards, though many residents opt for bottled water because the predominant desalination process can impart a distinct taste.

The Aedes albopictus mosquito — a known vector for illnesses such as dengue fever — has been identified on the island. In practice, however, the risk of dengue transmission within Malta is very low, since the mosquito’s presence alone does not mean the disease is actively circulating. Expats arriving from regions unaccustomed to mosquito-borne illness should nonetheless take sensible precautions in summer, including using insect repellent and wearing cover-up clothing around dawn and dusk.

In the more built-up areas of the main island, traffic congestion and construction activity can have a noticeable effect on air quality. The European Environment Agency produces annual air quality fact sheets covering Malta; consulting the EEA website will provide the most up-to-date readings. Anyone managing asthma, COPD, or another respiratory condition should keep an eye on air quality alerts.

Hospital admission rates in Malta for conditions including asthma, COPD, chronic heart failure, and diabetes are higher than in many comparable EU countries — a reminder that while the broader environment is generally safe, several chronic conditions place a significant and ongoing demand on the health system.

Is smoking common in Malta, and what are the laws around it?

Roughly 20.1% of the Maltese population aged 15 and over smoke on a daily basis. Breaking this down by gender, 23.3% of males over 15 are daily smokers, compared with 17% of females over 18. While daily smoking among men is on a downward trend, the figure for women is moving in the opposite direction.

Europe records the highest proportion of smokers of any world region, with around 28% of adults classified as smokers continent-wide — meaning Malta’s rate of approximately 20%, while still a public health concern, sits noticeably below the broader European benchmark.

Smoking was banned from all enclosed public spaces in January 2013. An earlier piece of legislation from 2004 — the second of its kind anywhere in Europe — had already confined smoking to designated, separately ventilated sections of venues. As a result, indoor smoking restrictions in bars, restaurants, and workplaces have been robustly in place for well over a decade, with consistent enforcement.

E-cigarettes are prohibited in all public locations, with the exception of designated smoking areas in casinos and certain hotel bedrooms, and are also banned on public transport and in private vehicles when minors are present. The sale of tobacco products to anyone under 18 is illegal.

The government provides Tobacco Dependence Support Classes at clinics across the island, alongside a Quit Line and free phone support service for those seeking to give up smoking. Childhood exposure to passive smoking is a recognised concern, with 31% of children aged 5–8 classified as passive smokers.

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in Malta?

Malta records the highest obesity rates in the EU for both adults and adolescents, and addressing this has become a central focus of public health policy. This stands out as one of the most striking statistics associated with Malta’s health profile and carries significant knock-on consequences for rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions.

Both childhood and adult obesity have increased over the past decade. The unusually high prevalence has been attributed to a predominantly sedentary way of life — physical activity levels in children and adults alike fall well below EU averages — combined with a broad shift away from traditional eating patterns towards processed and packaged foods.

Historically, the Maltese diet aligned closely with the classic Mediterranean model, rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and fish. Today’s diet incorporates significantly more sugar, fat, and meat-based products, with cheeses and sweet desserts representing two categories where consumption has grown noticeably. This dietary transformation echoes trends across many developed countries and is compounded by the island’s limited land area, which restricts opportunities for outdoor physical activity.

The Maltese Government issued updated dietary guidelines in 2016, aligned with the Food and Nutrition Action Plan for Malta. More recently, the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing unveiled a Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Framework in 2024, covering the decade from 2025 to 2035. This framework sets out national action across eight priority areas, targeting behavioural risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity, while also incorporating mental health, environmental health, and early diagnosis as core themes.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in Malta?

Historically, detailed data on mental health in Malta has been limited, but available figures show that in 2014, mental health and behavioural disorders accounted for 4.3% of all deaths. As in many predominantly Catholic, family-oriented societies, mental health conditions have carried a degree of social stigma in Malta — though attitudes are gradually evolving, particularly among younger people and the expanding expat community.

Depression is the most frequently reported mental health condition, and it is diagnosed more often among women and those on lower incomes. Encouragingly, suicide rates for both men and women have remained persistently below EU averages.

Both outpatient and inpatient mental health services are available through the public and private sectors, and community-based mental health clinics have been expanding in number. Malta also maintains a notably high ratio of psychiatric beds per 100,000 of population — a contrast to several other EU countries that have moved sharply toward deinstitutionalisation, though Malta too has been developing community-oriented care models.

The Mental Health Act of 2014 set out plans to strengthen existing facilities while supporting the development of community-centred outpatient clinics. Mental health is embedded as a thematic priority in the Maltese National Health Strategy Framework 2020–30, and a dedicated Mental Health Strategy for Malta covering the same period was published in July 2019.

For expats, finding mental health support in a preferred language can be challenging. Private psychologists and therapists offering services in several languages do operate, most visibly in urban centres such as Valletta, Sliema, and St Julian’s. Public mental health services often involve lengthy waiting periods — a pressure common to many universal healthcare systems. Private practitioners tend to be more readily accessible but come at additional cost. If mental health support is likely to be a priority for you, researching private options before you move is a worthwhile step.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in Malta?

Malta’s Mediterranean climate — characterised by hot, dry summers and mild winters — is widely regarded as beneficial to health and ranks among the most attractive features of life on the island. However, summer temperatures regularly climb above 35°C, creating genuine risks of heat-related illness, dehydration, and sunburn, especially for those relocating from cooler countries who may misjudge the intensity of the Maltese sun. Applying sunscreen, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding demanding physical exertion during the hottest part of the afternoon in summer are habits worth building quickly.

Expats transitioning to a Mediterranean-style diet may experience a brief period of digestive adjustment, although Malta’s food safety standards are high. With a mortality rate from unsafe water and sanitation of just 0.1 per 100,000, the island ranks among the world’s safest in this regard. Even so, food hygiene standards in informal or seasonal settings can vary, and exercising standard caution around shellfish and raw foods is always sensible.

One of the most practical steps any expat can take shortly after arrival is to register with a local general practitioner. EU and EEA nationals holding a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to use Malta’s public healthcare services, though formally registering through the residency process is advisable for anyone planning a long-term stay. Non-EU nationals will typically need private health insurance or to enrol in the public system via their residency pathway. Mater Dei Hospital in Msida is the principal public hospital and offers a comprehensive range of secondary and tertiary services.

Malta’s elevated rates of passive smoking have been associated with higher asthma diagnoses in children, which is a relevant consideration for expat families. Parents of children with pre-existing respiratory conditions should factor this into their planning and seek guidance from a local GP or paediatrician on appropriate management approaches.

Expats should also give thought to the emotional dimensions of moving abroad. Adapting to a new country, unfamiliar culture, and fresh social landscape can bring real mental health pressures. Malta’s expat community is large and well-organised, and platforms such as InterNations Malta can provide a valuable social foundation while you find your feet.

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in Malta?

The principal official source for health-related information is the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing, which publishes public health guidelines, strategic frameworks, and policy updates. The Directorate for Health Information and Research (DHIR) produces annual mortality and health statistics and serves as a key reference for current data.

Malta’s myHealth portal, introduced in 2012, enables users to upload health documents, track symptoms, and review medical histories; parents can also access their children’s records through the platform. By March 2025, more than 217,000 people had registered. Once you are integrated into the Maltese healthcare system, this digital tool becomes a practical means of managing your health interactions.

For international health comparisons and Malta-specific disease data, the WHO Malta country page and the WHO European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies — which issues regular Country Health Profiles for Malta — are both authoritative starting points. The most recent Malta Country Health Profile was published in 2025 and incorporates data through 2024.

For vaccination recommendations and travel health guidance prior to your move, refer to your home country’s designated travel health authority — such as the CDC in the United States, NHS Travel Health in the United Kingdom, or the equivalent body in your country. Once in Malta, the Public Health Department of Malta is the relevant authority for communicable disease surveillance and information about any outbreaks.

Health data, vaccination guidance, and public health rules are subject to change. Always verify the most current information with official sources before relocating, and continue to do so periodically once you are settled. The National Statistics Office of Malta is also a useful resource for demographic and population health statistics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in Malta

Is tap water safe to drink in Malta?

Tap water in Malta complies with EU safety standards and is safe to drink. The mortality rate attributable to unsafe water and sanitation in Malta is just 0.1 per 100,000 — one of the lowest rates recorded anywhere in the world. Despite this, many residents and expats choose bottled water, as Malta’s largely desalinated water supply can have a distinctive flavour. If your digestive system tends to be sensitive during periods of adjustment, starting with bottled water when you first arrive may be a prudent approach.

Do I need any vaccinations before moving to Malta?

No vaccinations are mandatory for entry into Malta. It is nonetheless wise to ensure all routine immunisations are current, including those for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and influenza. Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B are also broadly recommended. Consult your home country’s official travel health authority before relocating, as guidance can be updated.

How serious is the obesity problem in Malta?

Obesity rates in Malta are the highest in the EU for both adults and adolescents as of 2025. This is a well-established public health challenge with direct connections to the island’s elevated rates of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The government launched a Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Framework covering 2025–35 to tackle this, but the figures remain a persistent concern. Expats committed to regular physical activity and nutritious eating will be working against broader trends, although cultural attitudes are gradually shifting.

Is there stigma around mental health in Malta?

Mental health stigma does still exist in Malta, as it does in many societies with strong conservative and family-centred traditions. That said, public awareness is growing, and the government has embedded mental health as a strategic priority within its National Health Strategy Framework 2020–30. Suicide rates for both men and women have consistently remained below EU averages. Expats who prefer private therapy will find practitioners offering services in multiple languages.

What is the leading cause of death in Malta?

Cardiovascular diseases and cancer together account for one in every two deaths in Malta, with ischaemic heart disease representing the single largest individual cause. Death rates from this condition remain markedly above the EU average, which is in part linked to the high prevalence of overweight and obesity among the Maltese population. Diabetes-related mortality is also notably elevated relative to EU peers.

Can I smoke indoors in Malta?

Smoking in all enclosed public spaces has been prohibited since January 2013, encompassing bars, restaurants, workplaces, and other indoor venues. E-cigarettes are similarly banned in all public spaces, with limited exceptions for designated smoking areas in casinos and specific hotel guestrooms. Enforcement is generally consistent, and expats accustomed to strict smoke-free environments in other countries will find conditions in Malta broadly familiar.

How do I access healthcare as an expat in Malta?

EU and EEA nationals are entitled to use Malta’s public healthcare system through their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), though formally registering via your residency application is the recommended approach for longer-term stays. Non-EU nationals will generally need either private health insurance or to enrol in the public system through their residency pathway. Mater Dei Hospital is the primary public hospital. Many expats choose to supplement public care with private insurance in order to access specialists more quickly and have greater choice of provider.

Is Malta’s air quality a health concern?

Malta’s mortality rate attributable to ambient air pollution stands at 20 per 100,000 — a figure that places the country in the WHO’s ‘Very High Human Development’ category. Air quality is broadly acceptable by European standards, though busier urban roads and construction zones can produce elevated levels of particulate matter. People managing asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions should monitor local air quality alerts, particularly in summer when ground-level ozone can increase. Current air quality data for Malta is available through the European Environment Agency at eea.europa.eu.