Malta – Prescriptions and Medications

What are pharmacies called in Malta, and how do I recognise one?

The Maltese word for a pharmacy is spiżerija (plural: spiżeriji). In everyday conversation, both the Maltese term and the English word “pharmacy” are used freely and understood by everyone. On older or more traditional shopfronts you may occasionally encounter the word chemist — a holdover from the period of British administration on the islands.

As an EU member state, Malta follows the pan-European standard of displaying a green cross as the recognised pharmacy symbol. An illuminated green cross mounted above or outside the entrance is the most dependable way to identify a licensed pharmacy, whether you are in Valletta, Sliema, Gozo, or a small village. Many outlets also display the words “Pharmacy” or “Spiżerija” clearly on their frontage.

In Malta, medicinal products — including those sold without a prescription — may only be dispensed to patients from a licensed pharmacy. The principal legislative frameworks governing this are the Medicines Act (Chapter 458 of the Laws of Malta) and the Pharmacy Licence Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 458.16). Every legitimate dispensing outlet you visit will therefore be a formally authorised premises, offering a consistent standard of service regardless of location.

Pharmacies are legally required to meet defined standards covering their premises, stock, records, and registers. Legislation also places a cap on the total number of pharmacies permitted to operate in Malta. This regulated limit maintains quality but does mean you will not encounter the large chain-style superstores common in certain other countries. The majority of Maltese pharmacies are independent or small-group businesses with a distinctly local character.

What are pharmacy opening hours in Malta?

The majority of pharmacies across Malta and Gozo open on weekdays between 09:00 and 13:00, then again from 16:00 to 19:00, with Saturday hours running from 09:00 to 12:00, though exact times can vary from one pharmacy to the next. This split-day model — mornings and late afternoons — is characteristic of the traditional Mediterranean approach to business hours and is reflected across many sectors in Malta, so it is worth factoring into your plans when you need to collect medication.

A frequent concern for newcomers is whether pharmacies are open on Sundays or public holidays. Malta operates a duty roster system designed to ensure that at least one pharmacy in each area remains accessible for urgent needs at all times. To find out which pharmacy is open on any particular day, you can consult the daily duty roster. Pharmacies opening on Sundays or public holidays typically do so from 9am until noon, though some may extend their hours at their own discretion.

A duty pharmacy is one that remains open beyond standard trading hours to provide emergency medication and health support. These rotate on a scheduled basis, meaning only a handful will be open at any one time outside normal hours. You can identify which one is currently on duty by checking local newspapers, looking at notices posted in pharmacy windows, or visiting the pharmacy.mt roster page online.

The health centres in Mosta, Paola, and Floriana operate around the clock, seven days a week, providing an additional option if you are unable to locate a duty pharmacy after hours or during a holiday. In rural areas or on Gozo, choices can be limited and may involve travelling further than you would in the main towns — particularly outside business hours. If you live away from the major urban centres, it is well worth identifying both your nearest duty pharmacy and health centre before you need them.

Which medications can I buy over the counter in Malta, and which require a prescription?

In Malta, all medicines must be dispensed to patients from a licensed pharmacy. Products are categorised as either prescription-only medicines (POM) — dispensed by a pharmacist on the basis of a doctor’s prescription — or over-the-counter (OTC) products, which a pharmacist may supply without a prescription. This two-tier classification will be recognisable to anyone familiar with pharmacy systems elsewhere in Europe.

The designation of a medicine as prescription-only or over-the-counter forms part of the Marketing Authorisation process, which is designed to guarantee the quality, safety, and effectiveness of medicinal products. The criteria for POM classification are set out in the Medicines (Marketing Authorisation) Regulations (SL 458.34), which align with EU pharmaceutical directives. As a result, the classification of most medicines in Malta closely mirrors what you would find elsewhere across the European Union.

Commonly available OTC products in Malta include painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, antihistamines, antacids, and various topical preparations. That said, some medicines that can be purchased freely in other countries — certain antibiotic products or stronger anti-inflammatory drugs, for instance — do require a prescription in Malta. If you are uncertain about a particular product, the pharmacist is always able to advise you on what is available without a prescription and when a doctor’s visit may be necessary.

Medicinal products in Malta are regulated by the Licensing Authority (the Superintendent of Public Health) and the Medicines Authority, whose oversight spans all stages of manufacturing, wholesale dealing, pharmacy operations, and the selling and dispensing of medicines. A list of licensed pharmacies along with additional regulatory information can be found on the Medicines Authority website.

Online pharmacies operating in Malta must hold a valid licence and comply with all regulatory requirements. While some pharmacies do offer home delivery, medicines can only be legally dispensed by a licensed pharmacy. Exercise caution with unverified online sellers: purchasing medicines from unlicensed internet sources is illegal in Malta and carries genuine health risks. Before using any online pharmacy, always confirm that it is officially registered with the Medicines Authority.

How does the prescription system work in Malta?

Both general practitioners (GPs) and specialists in Malta are authorised to issue prescriptions, although the scope of prescribing authority varies by medicine and clinical context. For most conditions, initial applications for subsidised treatment must be made by a consultant. Health centre doctors may, however, apply for hypertension and cholesterol treatments, and private doctors who hold specialist qualifications in family medicine may apply for renewals of such treatments.

Prescriptions are typically issued on paper by a licensed medical practitioner. Malta is progressively moving towards electronic prescribing, but paper-based prescriptions remain standard in both public and private settings. A valid prescription must be presented to the pharmacist at the point of dispensing. Unlike the UK NHS model — where a GP can authorise several months’ supply in a single prescription — Malta’s system generally calls for more frequent clinical review when managing ongoing treatments.

Patients collecting medicines under the government scheme do so at intervals of 56 days (two months). Controlled drugs, which are issued on green prescriptions, are dispensed every 28 days. When collecting controlled drugs, patients must present a valid green prescription, which is only valid for one month from its date of issue. This level of supervision for controlled substances is more rigorous than in some other European countries, reflecting Malta’s carefully regulated approach to narcotic and psychotropic medications.

Controlled drugs fall under the Controlled Drugs Ordinance (Cap. 101). When a consultant prescribes a controlled substance, they will complete an application form for narcotic and psychotropic substances and issue a green prescription. Obtaining controlled drugs involves additional paperwork and submission to the Drug Control Unit, so you should allow extra time if this applies to your treatment.

How much do prescriptions and medications cost in Malta?

What you pay for medicines in Malta depends considerably on your status within the public health system. Residents who qualify for public entitlement can access free medicines for a broad range of chronic conditions through the government’s Pharmacy of Your Choice (POYC) scheme. Those without public entitlement pay the full retail price, which is determined by market conditions and varies from product to product.

The Pharmacy of Your Choice (POYC) scheme is a national pharmaceutical service that serves more than 170,000 outpatients — equivalent to around 33% of the Maltese population — who receive medicines and pharmaceutical devices free of charge under the provisions of Schedule V and Schedule II. The scope of this benefit is substantial for those who are eligible, broadly comparable in ambition to medicine subsidy arrangements such as Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) or the NHS in terms of covering chronic illness, though the eligibility criteria are specific to Malta.

Any patient suffering from a chronic condition included in the second part of the Fifth Schedule of the Social Security Act is entitled to receive medication for that condition at no cost. Entitlement is based entirely on the diagnosis and is independent of income, means, or age. The Fifth Schedule currently encompasses 83 conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, epilepsy, and asthma, among many others. Consult the Government Formulary List for the current complete listing, as it is subject to periodic revision.

Expats and residents who have not yet established public entitlement must purchase medicines at full cost from the pharmacy. Prices differ considerably depending on the product — basic OTC medicines such as paracetamol are inexpensive, while branded or specialist medications can cost significantly more. It is always worth asking the pharmacist about generic alternatives, which are usually far less costly and therapeutically equivalent. For up-to-date information on scheme eligibility and formulary items, visit the Department of Pharmaceutical Affairs, as these matters are reviewed on a regular basis.

Will my home-country prescription be accepted in Malta?

The legal classification and regulation of medicines can differ between Malta and other countries. Prescriptions issued in the UK, for example, are not recognised in Malta. If you require medication during your time in Malta, you will need to consult a Maltese medical practitioner. This principle applies equally to prescriptions from any other country — a prescription issued abroad does not automatically entitle you to have a medicine dispensed at a Maltese pharmacy.

In practical terms, this means that if you arrive in Malta with an ongoing prescription from your home country, you will need to visit a local GP or specialist to have your treatment assessed and a new Maltese prescription written. Private GPs are widely available throughout Malta and can generally be seen at fairly short notice. Most will be willing to review documentation from your home-country doctor and issue a local prescription where it is clinically appropriate to do so.

It is strongly advisable to arrive with enough of your regular medication to cover you while you register with a local doctor. Carrying a document or card — ideally in English — that lists your chronic conditions, serious allergies, and the generic names of the medicines you take, along with copies of your prescriptions, is a sensible precaution. Knowing the International Non-Proprietary Name (INN) — the standardised chemical name — for each of your medicines is particularly useful, as brand names differ between countries and your product may be sold under a different name in Malta.

If you are an EU citizen holding a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), this may facilitate access to emergency or temporary care through Malta’s public health system, but it does not replace the need for a locally issued prescription when it comes to ongoing medication requirements.

Can I bring my medications into Malta?

Anyone entering or leaving Malta carrying medicines for personal use is advised to bring a medical prescription or certificate from a registered medical practitioner that covers the duration of their stay in Malta or abroad. This is the official guidance from Malta’s Superintendent of Public Health, and it applies to prescription medicines as well as to quantities of medication that might otherwise draw attention at customs.

Bringing prescription medication into Malta is permitted provided it is in modest quantities and intended solely for personal use. Personal prescribed medication may be brought in without a problem as long as it does not include controlled substances and you carry a doctor’s prescription should further inspection be required. As a general principle, bring only as much as you need for your stay rather than large stockpiles, keep your medicines in their original labelled packaging, and always have supporting documentation from your prescribing doctor to hand.

Controlled substances — including opioids, benzodiazepines, and certain psychotropic drugs — are subject to considerably stricter rules. If you are resident in Malta and need to travel to or from another Schengen State while carrying a narcotic or psychotropic substance, your doctor will need to complete a Schengen Medical Certificate. If you are travelling to Malta with controlled substances, it is advisable to contact the Maltese Medicines Authority or your nearest Maltese consulate in advance to confirm the requirements in force at the time, as these can change.

Travelling with prescription medicines requires adequate documentation to satisfy both airline and customs requirements. You should carry your medications in their original, labelled containers showing your name, the prescribing doctor’s name, and dosage instructions, which helps establish that the medicines are for personal use. Always verify the most current requirements directly with Malta’s Superintendent of Public Health before you travel, especially where controlled substances are involved, as regulations may have been updated.

How do expats access prescription medications through health insurance in Malta?

Access to subsidised prescription medicines through Malta’s public health system is tied to social security contributions. Expats who are legally employed in Malta and paying social security contributions are entitled to the same healthcare benefits as Maltese nationals. This means that if you are working in Malta and contributing to the national insurance system, you may become eligible for the POYC free medicines scheme in respect of qualifying chronic conditions.

EU nationals visiting or residing in Malta for shorter periods can present a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access medical treatment. EU nationals who intend to remain in Malta for more than 90 days are required to obtain an S1 form in their home country and register it with the Maltese Entitlement Unit. This administrative step is important for securing continued access to public healthcare, including the prescription medicines system.

Certain categories of residents are required to hold private health insurance in Malta, including third-country nationals — visitors from outside the EU or Schengen Area — who are not entitled to free healthcare and must therefore take out a private health plan. Many non-EU expats applying for a Maltese residence permit will be required to demonstrate that they hold adequate private health insurance as part of their application.

Private health insurance plans in Malta vary considerably in the level of prescription coverage they provide. Some policies cover outpatient prescription costs up to a defined annual cap — for example, up to €400 per year for outpatient medications, with additional allowances linked to periods of inpatient or daycare treatment (figures current at the time that policy was issued; always consult your own policy documentation for current terms). Private health insurance is a common staff benefit offered by many employers in Malta, so it is worth confirming whether your employer provides coverage as part of your employment package. For those without employer-sponsored cover, a range of local and international insurers offer individual expatriate health plans — compare these carefully for prescription drug coverage limits and exclusions before making a decision.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I run out of medication in Malta?

If you find yourself without a prescription medicine, your first step should be to visit a local GP or health centre as promptly as possible so that your treatment can be reviewed and a new Maltese prescription issued. For urgent needs outside normal hours, use the online roster at pharmacy.mt to find your nearest duty pharmacy. Should you also need to see a doctor after hours, the health centres in Mosta, Paola, and Floriana are open for emergencies around the clock every day of the week. To avoid this situation in the first place, always try to keep a modest reserve supply of any essential medication.

Are brand-name medications available in Malta?

Stock varies from one pharmacy to another, and if you are looking for a specific international brand you may need to try more than one outlet. Where the branded product is not in stock, the pharmacist will generally be able to offer a generic equivalent containing the same active ingredient. The Government Formulary List records medicines primarily by their International Non-Proprietary Name (INN) or therapeutic class, which means the public system tends to dispense by generic name rather than brand. If your clinical needs require a particular branded formulation, discuss this specifically with your prescribing doctor.

Do pharmacists in Malta speak languages other than Maltese?

Malta’s two official languages are Maltese and English, and English is spoken throughout the islands, including in pharmacies. The vast majority of pharmacists in Malta are comfortable communicating in English, which makes it straightforward for most expats to ask questions and understand medication instructions. In larger towns and tourist-oriented areas, some pharmacists also speak Italian or other European languages. If you have a complex medical need to communicate, carrying a card listing your chronic conditions, any serious allergies, and the generic names of your medicines is a sensible practical measure.

What happens in a medical emergency involving medication?

In any life-threatening situation, call 112 immediately — this number connects you to police, ambulance, and fire services. Duty pharmacies exist for urgent medication requirements, not for medical emergencies. Malta’s primary public hospital, Mater Dei in Msida, operates a 24-hour emergency department and provides round-the-clock emergency pharmacy services after regular hours for both members of the public and hospital inpatients.

Can I use the POYC free medicines scheme as an expat?

The POYC scheme is available only to patients who are entitled to benefit from the government’s free pharmaceutical service under the applicable legislation or policy — specifically, those who have been issued a Schedule V (SCHV) document or who hold a Pink Card. Eligibility is generally linked to National Insurance contributions or a formally documented chronic illness. Expats who are employed in Malta and paying National Insurance should provide their most recent pay slip as evidence, while self-employed individuals should present a recent receipt confirming their NI contributions. For guidance specific to your circumstances, contact the POYC Department directly.

How do I find which pharmacy is on duty this weekend?

Malta’s pharmacy duty roster is designed to ensure that there is always at least one pharmacy accessible in your area for urgent needs. The most reliable official sources for checking which pharmacy is currently on duty are the pharmacy.mt roster and the listings published in local newspapers. Most pharmacies also display notices in their windows directing customers to the nearest pharmacy on duty when they are closed — a handy fallback if you do not have internet access at the time.

What documentation should I bring when collecting medication from a Maltese pharmacy?

To collect medicines under the government scheme, you will need to present your identity card, a valid prescription from a medical practitioner, a Schedule V document confirming your entitlement, and any other relevant permits. For a private prescription, your prescription and a form of photo identification will suffice. When collecting controlled drugs, you must also present a valid green prescription — which is only valid for one month from the date of issue — together with a valid control card that has been duly completed by the prescribing medical practitioner.

Is it possible to have medications delivered to my home in Malta?

A number of pharmacies in Malta offer home delivery of medications, alongside other services such as emergency and out-of-hours provision. Availability differs between pharmacies, so the best approach is to enquire directly with your chosen outlet. The POYC scheme is primarily set up around collection from a participating community pharmacy as the standard method of receiving free medicines. For private purchases, a growing number of pharmacies offer delivery or online ordering options — but always verify that any online pharmacy you use is duly licensed by the Medicines Authority before placing an order.