Malta Health Insurance

The Republic of Malta is an archipelago located in the Mediterranean Sea to the south of Sicily and to the east of Tunisia. Malta comprises five islands in total, three of which are inhabited – Malta, Gozo and Comino. These three islands lie in close proximity to each other and make up a total of 122 sq miles. The combined population of the island is approximately 410,000 people, making it one of the world’s smallest and most densely populated countries. Malta has an illustrious history and many international powers have ruled the islands, the most recent being the British. Independence from Britain was achieved in 1964 and English remains one of the countries official languages, Maltese being the national language. Malta has a well developed and advanced economy with shipping, manufacturing and tourism being its main sectors. Malta is internationally renowned as a major tourist destination and it has numerous national monuments and attractions, including nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Malta Health Care and Insurance

Malta is a well governed and efficiently functioning country with an excellent record in the delivery of public services; its health care sector is no exception. A number of international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) rate Malta’s health care system very high. Public health facilities offer services in close cooperation with private health facilities and each sector has numerous health clinics, centers and hospitals. Maltese citizens and legal residents are required by law to participate in the national health insurance scheme which enables them and their dependents to receive health care free of charge at public health facilities. Expatriates and tourists, particularly non-EU nationals, are required to pay in cash for any medical treatment received. Purchasing a Malta international health insurance policy is therefore strongly recommended.

The public health care system, or government health care as it is known locally, consists of primary, secondary and tertiary health services. Primary health care is offered at a local level by doctors and physicians. Maltese citizens are not restricted to visiting their local doctor and can in effect choose which doctor they wish to visit, provided the doctor operates his practice as part of the government health care scheme. Doctors and physicians can refer patients requiring further treatment to one of the referral hospitals. The Mater Dei hospital, opened in 2007, is Malta’s main medical facility and is one of the largest hospitals in Europe. It has an 825 bed capacity, 25 operating theaters and it is capable of providing a full and comprehensive range of medical treatments.

Private health facilities offer treatments and services to a similar standard as those in the government health care sector although the range of treatments is not as broad. In many cases, private hospitals will refer a patient to a public health facility such as the Mater Dei if they are unable to adequately treat the patient’s condition. Specialist services are generally available at private clinics while large facilities such as the St. Philips and the St. James hospitals provide high quality and attentive health care. Private health facilities are popular with expatriates and tourists as the patient can schedule appointments at a convenient time and date while also reducing the waiting times experienced at public health facilities. Individuals seeking swift access to medical assistance and who possess a Malta international health insurance policy are advised to use private health facilities where possible.

The Maltese Ministry of Health (MOH) has bilateral agreements in place with other European states which entitle their respective citizens who hold the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive emergency or primary consultative health services should they be required. Holders of the EHIC can receive a general consultation on the same basis as a Maltese citizen although it should be noted that citizens requiring multiple or prolonged treatment are required to pay the relevant medical charges in full.

Malta Travel Insurance Concerns

The Maltese health service is based on the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) and both systems deliver services free of charge at the point of delivery. Many of the complaints that blight the NHS can also be found in Malta although to a lesser degree. Long waiting times for consultations at both clinics and hospitals are common. Prescription medicine is also issued free of charge and this has resulted in large numbers of people seeking medical advice and medicines for routine or everyday illnesses. Increasing numbers of medical tourists are visiting Malta each year and these individuals are advised to contact the health facility in question prior to their arrival in the country to ensure their Malta international health insurance policy will cover the treatment being sought.

Malta experiences a subtropical Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild winters. It receives abundant sunlight throughout the year making it a popular year round travel destination. Malta’s developed infrastructure and excellent health care system mean that there are few health risks associated with a visit to the country. All travelers are advised by the Maltese MOH to update the diphtheria/tetanus vaccination prior to their arrival in the country. Crime levels are low and while there are occasional reports of petty street crime targeting tourists, the majority of visits remain trouble free. The clear and strong sunlight Malta receives during the summer months can quickly cause sunburn, dehydration and even sunstroke in some severe cases. Tourists are advised to use a high factor sun block and avoid long-term exposure to the sun when partaking in outdoor activities.

Malta Expat Health Insurance

Expatriates, tourists and other short term visitors to Malta can rest assured that should they require medical assistance while visiting the country, they will be able to access a health care system internationally recognized as being one of the best in the world. Maltese health care services are not cheap and to ensure you are sufficiently protected against medical costs, investing in a Malta international health insurance policy is advised. Expat Medical Insurance can assist you and your family members in choosing which product or policy is best suited to your particular needs. For more information on Malta health insurance, global health insurance policies or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our advisors today.