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Navigating the Maltese Healthcare System

Written by Nathalie Galea | Jun 1 2023

If you're a new resident in Malta or considering Malta Citizenship by Investment or other residency options,  it's important to know how the healthcare system works in Malta. Malta has a warm climate in the Mediterranean, a population that speaks English, and high standards of Education. But what really makes it stand out is its healthcare system, which is known all over the world. The World Health Organization ranked Malta's healthcare as the fifth best in the world in 2000, which shows how good healthcare in Malta really is.

How does healthcare work in Malta? 

The healthcare system, here, is a dual system, which means that people can get both state and private care. This makes sure that all people can get the care they need, whether they are working or retired. 

Public health care services for Maltese residents.

  • Taxes pay for Malta's public healthcare system, which offers a wide range of medical services. But this service is mostly only for people who live in Malta, have a job, pay into social security, and have a valid social security card. This system gives people access to a large network of healthcare services. For many people, their primary care doctor is the first place they go for help.
  • Public healthcare covers many different types of services, such as:
  • Primary care is available all over the island at hospitals and health centres.
  • Mater Dei Hospital is the largest public hospital that provides a wide range of medical care.
  • Health Centres: 10 health centres are carefully placed to serve the residents.
  • Community Clinics: There are 54 clinics in Malta that provide basic services.
  • Specialised Care: The Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre treats cancer, Saint Vincent De Paule takes care of the elderly, and Mount Carmel offers mental health services.
  • Malta's health system also has Centres of Excellence for Primary Eye Screening, Speech and Language Pathology, and Podiatry, for people who need specialised care.
  • Personalised care and shorter wait times in Malta's private health care system

  • Even though state healthcare is great, a lot of foreign residents and people who need more care choose private healthcare instead. People in Malta who get private health care are known to get more personalised care, faster wait times, and access to specialised treatments that may not be easy to find in the public sector.
  • Private hospitals like Saint James Hospital, Saint Thomas Hospital, and Da Vinci Health provide excellent care in a range of medical fields. Many expats and locals choose private healthcare because they can get elective treatments faster and get more personalised care from medical experts.
  • Some private clinics in Malta, like St. Anne's Clinic and Remedies Clinic, do advanced medical work. Other clinics, like Saint James Eye Clinic, Persona Med-Aesthetic Centre, and Transforma, focus on things like eye care, skin care, and cosmetic surgery.
  • Health insurance is required in Malta to cover everything.
  • People who live in Malta, have jobs, and pay into social security can use the state healthcare system. Private health insurance is required if you are a foreigner or if you want to live in the country through investment schemes like Residency by Investment. Those who want to apply must show proof that they have legal health insurance. This insurance can be customised to fit different needs, ranging from basic coverage to full medical plans.
  • Several health insurance companies in the area offer a range of plans, giving all people options and broad coverage. For instance, foreigners who want to live in Malta or become citizens by investing can pick from different types of health insurance based on their personal needs and medical conditions. To make sure you get the best plan for your needs, you should talk to a neighbourhood advisor or healthcare professional.
  • What Makes Malta's Health Care System Unique
  • The healthcare system in Malta is renowned for its effectiveness, high standards, and wide range of services. It is one of the best healthcare systems in the world because it covers a lot of people, has modern medical facilities, and is dedicated to quality. Training the next generation of healthcare workers is a big job for the University of Malta. This helps make sure that the workforce keeps growing and getting better.
  • Malta also has some of the best mental health services in the world. The country offers strong help for mental health issues, eating disorders, and handling crises, with hospitals like Mount Carmel and many rehabilitation sites spread out across the island. The mental health services in Malta are some of the best in the Mediterranean, so people who live there can get good care when they need it.
  • Access to Health Care for Foreign Residents
  • People who live in Malta or want to live there can get medical care, but they have to meet certain requirements. Anyone in Malta who is not working or who does not pay into social security must get private health insurance. This makes sure that everyone living in Malta, whether they are from there or are visiting, can get the medical care they need.
  • As part of the application process for getting residency or citizenship by investment, you need to show proof that you have health insurance. Because of this, healthcare is an important thing to think about when deciding to move to Malta.
  • Malta's healthcare system is set up to meet the needs of a wide range of people, including those who live in Malta, work abroad, or want to become a citizen by investing. Residents can be sure that they can get world-class medical care because there are a good mix of public and private healthcare choices.
  • If you want to learn more about how to use Malta's healthcare system, you can talk to professionals at DZ Advisory. They can help you understand your choices, such as discovering the best health insurance plans for your needs.
  • Our multilingual professionals at DZ Advisory would be glad to assist you with your enquiries. If you would like to receive more information, please provide us with your contact details and one of our team members shall be in contact with you promptly.