Malta Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance for Expats in Malta

Expats moving to Malta will need to secure private health insurance before entering the country. International health insurance plans will serve expats in Malta best as their portable care will give access to care not just in Malta but in other countries as well.

The Ministry for Health and Active Ageing runs the healthcare system in the Mediterranean island country of Malta. While most healthcare is free to those covered by social security and to EU nationals with a certificate of entitlement, incoming expats should purchase a private health insurance plan.

Are you considering a move to Malta and are looking for international health insurance? Or perhaps you’re curious about healthcare in the country. This guide will outline Malta’s healthcare system, help you choose a health insurance plan that’s right for expats, and offer useful travel advice.

International Health Insurance for Expats in Malta

Non-EU nationals must prove they have health insurance to live in Malta. Malta’s free public healthcare is only available to long-term residents paying social security and EU nationals who have received a Certificate of Entitlement, also known as a Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement (RHA) certificate.

As of August 1, 2024, many expats applying to live in Malta are required to have health insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 108,202.86 which covers medical treatment and hospitalization, sometimes even outside of Malta. As such, comprehensive international health insurance is advisable.

Because health insurance is required to move to Malta, finding the right private insurer should be a top priority as you prepare for your move. While Malta boasts an excellent healthcare system, international plans open you to a global network of doctors and medical professionals.

International health insurance caters to the needs of expats and travelers of all kinds who spend a large amount of time outside their country of citizenship. What plans offer is variable, but most cover:

• Medical emergencies
• Medical evacuation and repatriation
• Inpatient and outpatient care
• Care worldwide, including options for your country of origin

International plans also generally offer direct billing and renewable policies, making them flexible no matter where you’re visiting or moving.

If you already purchased health insurance and live in Malta but hope to transition to Malta’s free healthcare soon, note that you must first register as a resident. All EEA and EU expats who move to Malta for longer than three months must register their residence through Identità.

The Healthcare System in Malta, Explained for Expats

Malta’s healthcare system includes both private and public sectors, which work alongside one another.

Public Healthcare in Malta

Malta’s publicly funded healthcare is broken into three tiers: primary care, secondary care, and tertiary care. Malta follows stringent EU healthcare guidelines and offers free care at the point of delivery for citizens and long-term residents.

Primary care in Malta is usually provided through a general practitioner, who gives the care necessary or refers the work to a specialist. The private sector is heavily involved in Malta’s primary care. In contrast, secondary and tertiary care are often provided by Malta’s public hospitals.

Malta’s exceptional public healthcare dates back to 1372, when the first hospital was opened. Those entitled to public healthcare enjoy a full range of medical services, with public hospitals providing specialist treatment, hospitalization, prescriptions, pregnancy, childbirth, and rehabilitation.

How Expats Can Register as Residents to Receive State Healthcare

If you are planning to live in Malta for more than three months, you must register as a resident.

To apply for your residency permit, you need to go to the:

Department for Citizenship and Expatriates Affairs
Identity Malta
Evans Building
St Elmo's Square
Valletta
Tel: 2590 4600

Email: [email protected]

How to Use Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for Healthcare in Malta

If you are an EU national with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you may be entitled to free healthcare in Malta. Depending on which EU state you are a citizen of, some restrictions may apply. Check with your local authority prior to traveling to Malta.

If you are a non-EU national planning to stay in Malta for a longer period, purchase comprehensive travel insurance or international medical insurance. This will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation in the event of a serious illness or accident.

You can only submit residency applications in person in Valletta, or you must apply by post. To apply by post, send authenticated photocopies of your passport or ID card, then present your passport or ID card when collecting your registration certificate or residence card.

Private Healthcare in Malta

For private healthcare in Malta, patients pay for all services out of pocket or through private health insurance. Some Maltese residents purchase private health insurance to ensure they are covered for a wider range of services, shorter waiting times, and a higher standard of care.

Most of the medical staff in Malta speak English, but in the unlikely event that the healthcare provider is unable to communicate in English, an interpreter or translator is normally stationed in the hospitals or clinics to facilitate communication.

Public Hospitals in Malta

Some of the top public hospitals in Malta include Mater Dei, Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre, Karen Grech, Mount Carmel, and Gozo General. Nonresidents can generally receive care at these hospitals, but only with a valid health insurance policy.

Mater Dei Hospital

Mater Dei is Malta’s primary hospital located on the main island, Msida. Mater Dei not only functions as a hospital but also as a medical school and training facility for resident doctors.

Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre

Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre offers both inpatient and outpatient care, specializing in oncology and hematology. Adjacent to Mater Dei Hospital, it boasts 74 beds over 22,000 square meters.

Karin Grech Hospital

Karin Grech, along with St. Vincent de Paule Residence, provides most of Malta’s geriatric care. Karin Grech focuses on geriatric rehabilitation but also offers rehabilitation care for younger patients.

Mount Carmel Hospital

Mount Carmel is Malta’s inpatient facility for psychiatric care. The teams at Mount Carmel aim to help those experiencing mental health deterioration by treating them in the least restrictive setting available.

Gozo General Hospital

Gozo General Hospital is the only hospital on Malta’s sister island, Gozo. It provides long-term and psychiatric care but also provides services in emergency care, inpatient and outpatient care, and acute and complex health issues.

Private Hospitals in Malta

The three top private hospitals on the main island are St. James, St. Thomas, and DaVinci Hospital. Like most of Malta’s public hospitals, they’re easy to access because of Malta’s small size, and they accept private health insurance.

St. James Hospital

St. James is Malta’s largest private hospital network, with four locations around Malta and 25 years of experience.

St. Thomas Hospital

St. Thomas delivers care across a variety of specialties, from cardiology and pediatrics to general surgery and urology.

DaVinci Hospital

DaVinci Hospital offers free doctor’s advice and a range of services, whether you want cosmetic surgery or dental services. They also offer walk-in clinics.

Health Insurance Options in Malta for Expats

All expats moving to Malta are required to purchase private health insurance before they enter the country, with the possible exception of those with a European Health Insurance Card or those from Australia or the United Kingdom, with whom Malta has a reciprocal health agreement.

Best International Insurance Providers in Malta for Expats

The best private health insurance for those living in Malta is a comprehensive international health insurance plan, like those offered by Allianz Care, Bupa Global, and Cigna Global. These plans offer globally portable, flexible coverage for your health needs.

Allianz Care

Allianz’s plans for expats include three options: the Allianz Care plan, the Allianz Care Plus plan, and the Allianz Care Pro plan. Check out the table below for more details on what each plan offers.

Allianz Care Expat Health Insurance Plans Comparison
Benefits Coverage	Care Plan	Care Plus Plan	Care Pro Plan
Maximum Plan Limit	$2,500,000	$4,000,000	$5,000,000
Type of Room	Semi-Private	Private	Private
Inpatient / Day-Care	✓	✓	✓
Oncology	✓	✓	✓
Medical Evacuation	✓	✓	✓
Nursing at Home	$2,025	$3,375	$5,740
Rehabilitation Treatment	$2,700	$3,375	$5,970
Preventive Surgery	✗	✗	$40,500
Laser Eye Treatment	✗	✗	$1,350
Emergency Out-Patient Treatment	$338	$1,015	$1,015
Emergency Out-Patient Dental Treatment	✗	$400	$1,015

Cigna Global

Cigna offers three core international health plans for expats in Malta—their Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans—as well as their Close Care plan, which offers care only in the country of residence and nationality. Across their Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans, they cover:

Beyond these benefits, each plan offers extra coverage, with the Silver plan as the most basic coverage and Platinum as premium coverage.

The Silver plan has an annual limit of USD $1,000,000, covering care from pandemics, epidemics, outbreaks of infectious diseases, transplants, palliative care, and even out-of-area emergency hospitalization.

The Gold plan offers higher coverage, with a USD $2,000,000 limit. It covers everything the Silver plan does plus some maternity and newborn care, palliative care, advanced imaging, and more.

The Platinum Plan boasts the highest benefits with unlimited annual coverage and comprehensive coverage. All inpatient, cancer, and mental and behavioral health care are covered in full, as are many of their other benefits.

Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Malta

Malta is generally a safe place to travel to, but always follow standard safety tips, such as being aware of your surroundings and carrying belongings close to your body. Night clubs in Malta tend to be rowdy, so petty crimes occur more frequently there.

Read below for more health-related tips for your time in Malta:

What to Bring to a Pharmacy in Malta

Primary healthcare department pharmacies are found throughout the Maltese Islands. Visitors receiving or planning to receive special medical treatment should bring a medical prescription or a letter of introduction from their family doctor in case they need to purchase particular medicines.

Secure Health Insurance for Private Healthcare in Malta

Should you desire to receive immediate treatment with a private doctor or at a private clinic, an expat medical insurance plan will be the optimal solution for you. This will give you peace of mind knowing that medical costs will be covered in case of an accident or illness.

Add On Medical Evacuation Coverage

When getting a private health insurance quote, consider medical evacuation coverage. Having coverage prepares you for the possible event of needing rapid medical response and transportation to the nearest well-equipped hospital.

To learn more about this coverage, download our free medical evacuation guide or contact our experts for more information.

Pacific Prime has over two decades of experience matching expats and travelers with optimal health insurance solutions.

Contact Pacific Prime today for free, no-obligation assistance to find the right health insurance for you. Our consultants provide impartial advice and support to find the best plans for expats and can even give you a personalized quote based on your needs and requirements.