Malta’s healthcare system – Impressively affordable and still leading in the world?
The Maltese healthcare system (National Insurance) interlinks a small number of institutions and players. They guarantee:
- Free medical care for every resident
- Public hospital and acute treatments free of charge
- People on low incomes are exempt from co-payments
- Ten health centres for primary care and emergencies
The state has a major influence on the British-style healthcare system. The healthcare system is average by European standards and astonishing for one of the smallest countries in Europe.
This is how Malta’s healthcare system works:
National Insurance covers health insurance and pension payments. Medical care is supported by ten health centres. They offer treatment, prevention and early intervention. The health centres are complemented by medical practices, hospitals and specialist clinics.
- Ten health centres
- Over 20 community clinics
- Three centres of excellence for primary eye screening, speech pathology and podiatry
- National screening centre for breast, bowel and cervical screening programmes
- Public and private hospitals, clinics and other facilities
Additional medical services such as dental services or medical aids are not covered by the free healthcare system. Treatment in a private hospital is not covered by social health insurance. For areas not covered, you either need supplementary health insurance or pay for the services yourself. Innovative employers offer private supplementary insurance as part of your salary after the probationary period at the latest.
All private health and care facilities require a licence from the health authorities. Medical practitioners and doctors are allowed to practise in both public and private healthcare facilities in Malta. Doctors in public hospitals, health centres and social health care are employed by the state.
How do tourists receive medical care in Malta?
On presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you will receive urgent or medically necessary care during your temporary stay in Malta. The EHIC gives you access to public healthcare services.
If you have any questions about your healthcare during your stay in Malta, please contact:
Department for Policy in Health – Health Care Funding
Ground Floor
Ex-Outpatients’ Block
St Luke’s Hospital
G’Mangia PTA 1010
Phone: +356 2595 2400
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ehic.gov.mt
Financing of the Maltese healthcare system
The social benefits system and therefore the state healthcare system in Malta is financed by tax revenue and contributions from employers, employees and the self-employed. Employers and employees pay half of the contributions for salaried employees (dependent employees). The level of contributions depends on income. The Ministry of Health is responsible for financing and providing state healthcare services. The Maltese government compensates for deficits. Healthcare in Malta dates back to 1372, when the first hospital was opened in Malta. The Order of Malta, the Knights of St John, have been steadily developing it since the 16th century.
What benefits does Malta National Insurance offer?
This excerpt from the catalogue of benefits is available to entitled persons with their habitual residence in Malta. Low-income residents and families are entitled to free medicines and medical aids. Important medicines and named medical aids are listed in the Social Security Act for this group of people.
Pharmacy (POYC)
The national Pharmacy of Your Choice (POYC) programme offers free medical products and related services. The Pharmacy of Your Choice programme accepts online prescriptions (ePrescription system).
Pharmaceuticals
Medication is free of charge during hospital treatment and for the first three days after discharge from hospital.
Chronic illness
The chronic illnesses on a list in the Social Insurance Act are treated with free medicines.
Electronic appointment booking, e-consultation
Electronic consultations allow Maltese nationals and foreigners to book an appointment for an online consultation with a (family) doctor from the comfort of their own home/office. These consultations eliminate the need to visit the doctor’s surgery or a primary healthcare centre. An e-consultation is possible if the patient does not require a face-to-face consultation or examination. Teleconsultations with a GP can have a whole range of reasons. These include
- Requests for or interpretation of blood tests,
- Discussion of simple X-ray images (x-ray),
- Counselling on relevant health problems.
Electronic consultations are not intended for emergencies. If it is a life-threatening situation, call the emergency number 112. For urgent (non-emergency) health problems, contact 0356 21 231 231 or 0356 21 222 444, the primary health care centre. Alternatively, visit one of the health centres. Filling in the online form takes a few minutes. You will need your ID card, mobile phone number and email address.
ePrescription system
The web-based ePrescription is a paperless system for free medical products, anaesthetics and psychotropic drugs. Prescriptions are issued by consultants and doctors.
Aids
Aids such as hearing aids or prostheses are not covered by National Insurance.
Vaccination
Vaccinations are free of charge for persons insured in Malta.
Sickness benefit
Sickness benefit for employees and the self-employed is paid for an insurance period of 50 weeks. Sickness benefit from National Insurance is paid from the fourth day of incapacity for work. The duration of benefits is limited to 156 days per year. In the event of a surgical procedure or serious injury, the benefit period can be extended to 312 days. Up to 468 days of sickness benefit are paid within two years. The The amount paid out may not exceed the social security contributions paid by the insured person. For employees, the employer pays the difference between the agreed remuneration and the sick pay benefit. The basis is the 6-day week.
Hospital
The state hospitals offer free care. Stays in private hospitals are paid for by the patient. You can reschedule doctor’s appointments electronically / online. You will receive a confirmation by e-mail. After about three days you will receive an appointment proposal by e-mail and post.
Massages
Massages are not covered by National Insurance.
Maternity protection
An expectant mother is entitled to maternity benefit and paid maternity leave from the eighth month of pregnancy. The prerequisite is employment subject to compulsory insurance or self-employment with a working week of at least eight hours. The lump-sum benefits are paid weekly for 14 weeks, regardless of income. After the birth of the child, at least six weeks of maternity leave are compulsory. Maternity benefits are paid in up to two instalments after the birth of the child. After the 14 weeks of maternity leave, employed or self-employed women receive four weeks of paid maternity leave from the state amounting to EUR 181.08 per week.
Further information on maternity protection:
Department of Social Security
38, Ordnance Street
Valletta VLT 1021
Emergency care
Eligible persons receive emergency medical services free of charge in public hospitals and the ten health centres. EU citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) receive the same services.
Nursing, long-term and part-time care
The concept of dependency does not exist in the Maltese Health Act. These community services are for example
- Communal care services (Commcare)
- Care and welfare services
- Social care
- Dementia intervention team
- Night accommodation
- Meals on wheels
- Craft services
- Home care and nursing services
- Care in assisted living facilities or long-term care facilities
This service is used by senior citizens aged 60 and over and citizens with a disability card.
Recipe
see ePrescription system
Telephone and video diagnosis (telemedicine 24/7)
Via Telemedicine 24/7 Client Support Centre, patients’ medical information is converted into electronic records. The patient provides this information to Primary HealthCare’s Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system via telephone, video or teleconference. It is available to healthcare professionals at the point of care in real time.
Postpone appointment
See hospital
Dental care
Emergency dental treatment is free of charge. General dental treatment is not included in the benefits catalogue.
World of Malta insider tip for employees working in Malta:
If you are posted to Malta by your EU, EEA or Swiss employer based outside Malta (Posting of Workers Directive, (EC) 883/2004), Maltese social security legislation applies. There is an exception in the case of habitual employment in several EU member states. If the social security standard of the posting country is higher than in Malta, it is possible to conclude an exemption agreement for the continuation of social security between your country and Malta. This regulation applies within the EU, the EEA and Switzerland. It is therefore possible to choose the favourable legislation of your country and Malta. The competent authority is the:
Ministry of Health – Health Policy Department
Phone: +356 25952400
E-mail: [email protected]
Where are Malta’s hospitals located?
Malta has state and privately run hospitals and clinics. The best known and perhaps the most modern is the Mater Dei in Msida. Visitors wear masks in healthcare facilities in Malta (as of 10.2022).
Mater Dei Hospital (MDH), University Hospital
Triq Dun Karm, L-Imsida, MSD2090
Phone: +356 2545 0000
Gozo General Hospital (GGH)
Triq Id-Donaturi Tad-Demm, Victoria-Gozo
Phone: +356 23 446
E-mail: [email protected]
Mount Carmel Hospital (MCH)
Notabile Road, Attard, ATD 9033
Phone: +356 2141 5183 and +356 2330 0000
E-mail: [email protected]
Rehabilitation Karin Grech Hospital (RHKG)
Guardamangia Hill, Pieta PTA 1312
Phone: +356 2344 1000 and +356 2344 1002
Child Development Assessment Unit (CDAU)
Triq Dun Karm, L-Imsida, MSD2090
Phone: +356 2595 1770
For illnesses and difficulties in children up to the age of 16, such as autism, global developmental difficulties, learning difficulties, ADHD or head injuries.
Private hospitals
- DaVinci Health in Birkikara
- Saint James Eye Clinic in Birkikara
- Saint James Clinic, Burmarrad
- St. Luke’s Hospitalin Pieta
- The Royal Navy Hospital (RNH) in Mtarfa
- St. Thomas Hospital in Quormi
- Saint James Capua Hospital in Sliema
- Zammit Clapp Hospital in St. Julian’s
- Saint James Capua Hospital in Zetjun
World of Malta insider tip: What do you take with you to a Maltese hospital?
- Nightwear
- Personal toiletries
- Hairbrush or comb
- Slippers and dressing gown (if you want yours)
- Comfortable clothing (loose-fitting)
- Books, magazines, games
- Glasses, contact lenses, dentures and hearing aids (including protective cases)
- Existing medication, dietary supplements and vitamins
- All relevant medical documents provided to you (laboratory results, X-rays, pre-operative test results)
- Health insurance documents (if applicable)
- Identity document such as identity card, passport or driving licence
The hospital provides towels, shampoo, soap and bathrobes
The ten health centres in Malta at a glance
Please visit the health centre (HCs) responsible for your place of residence. These HCs (Ċentru tas-Saħħa in Maltese) are open 24 hours a day from Monday to Sunday.
Birkirkara Health Centre
Triq Tumas Fenech, Birkirkara. BKR-2527
Phone: +356 2149 4960 and +356 2277 400
For residents of Birkirkara, Iklin, Lija and Balzan.
If the B’Kara Health Centre is closed, please visit the HC in Mosta
Cospicua Health Centre
Floriana Health Centre
Gzira Health Centre
Mosta Health Centre
Paola Health Centre
Qormi Health Centre
Triq il-Vitorja, Qormi
Phone: +356 2148 4450
For residents of Qormi, Zebbug, Mriehel (towards Qormi) and Siggiewi.
Rabat Health Centre
Victoria Hospital and Health Centre (Gozo)
Do you have general questions about the health centres?
Primary HealthCare Customer Care: +356 2123 1231 and +356 2122 2444
A large number of community clinics support the HCs
General practitioners hold regular consultation hours in the community clinics. Consultation hours take place in the mornings, between Monday and Friday. The opening hours are displayed at the community clinics. Some community clinics have branch offices for better accessibility.
Cospicua Health Centre
Floriana Health Centre (and Hamrun)
Valletta Community Clinic
Old Theatre Street
Phone: +356 2167 2816
Hamrun Community Clinic
Daniel’s Shopping Mall
Phone: +356 2326 8488
Gzira Health Centre (and Sliema, Ta' Xbiex)
Kirkop Health Centre (and Zurrieq)
Safi Community Clinic
Safi Local Council, 40, ‘Dar il-Kunsill, School Street
Phone: +356 2168 9168
Zurrieq Community Clinic
105, Mattia Preti Street
Phone: +356 2164 2470
Mosta Health Centre (Mellieha)
Paola Health Centre (Fgura, Ghaxaq, Gudja, Marsaskala, M'Xlokk, Tarxien, Zabbar, Zejtun)
Rabat Health Centre (Attard, Dingli)
Attard Community Clinic
B’Kara Street
Phone: +356 2143 6862
Dingli Community Clinic
76, Guze Ellul Mercer Street
Phone: +356 2145 3113
Gozo - Victoria Health Centre
Phone: + 356 2215 6820
Ghajnsielem
Triq J F De Chambray, GSM1051
Phone: +356 2156 1515
Gharb
Triq il-Visitazzjoni, GRB1044
Phone: +356 2156 0556
Ghasri
Pjazza s-Salvatur, GSR1011
Phone: +356 2156 2040
Kercem
Pjazza Orvieto, KCM1420
Phone: +356 2156 3666
Munxar
Triq Prof Guze Aquilina, MXR1012
Phone: +356 2155 8755
Nadur
Pjazza San Pietru u San Pawl, NDR1011
Phone: +356 2155 6424
Qala
Triq l-Isqof Mikiel Buttigieg, QLA1041
Phone: +356 2156 4551
Sannat
Triq Sannat, SNT9020
Phone: +356 2155 6423
St Lawrence
Triq id-Duluri, SLZ1261
Phone: +356 2156 3556
Xaghra
Vjal it-Tmienja ta’ Settembru, XRA9021
Phone: +356 2155 6426
Xewkija
Triq l-Indipendenza, XWK1026
Phone: +356 2155 6403
Zebbug
Pjazza l-Assunta, ZBB1240
Phone: +356 21556429
Where does the statement ‘Malta has one of the best healthcare systems in the world’ come from?
Don’t trust any statistics that ‘you’ haven’t falsified yourself. A distinction must certainly be made between the perspective of the citizen and the economy. Some of these perspectives are important to many citizens when it comes to supply:
- Qualification of medical staff
- Adequate capacities (number of doctors and hospital beds)
- Waiting times at doctors’ surgeries and hospitals
- Level of care for the population (distance to medical facilities)
- Supply of medication and medical aids
- Costs and co-payments
- Treatment successes
- Patients’ rights
- Life expectancy
Simplified: Who heals is right. Economists and global health authorities also or primarily look at financing and cost-effectiveness. Some studies look at per capita healthcare costs and what the state ultimately has to pay in addition. In other words, the expenditure per patient, per citizen and what percentage of the gross national product this is. The question arises as to how Malta’s private hospitals are included in the studies.
The former President of the World Medical Association, Professor Frank Ulrich Montgomery, announced the World Population Report study at the beginning of the millennium. France, followed by Italy, San Marino, Andorra and Malta were the best healthcare systems. In 2020, the US News found Canada, Denmark and Sweden, followed by Norway, to be the best healthcare systems in the world. The American news and stock exchange channel Bloomberg found that after Covid-19
Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Israel and Ireland ahead of Australia and New Zealand.
Different studies prove everything and nothing
There are few long-term statistics and calculations according to which Malta is the world leader in a sub-sector of medical care. In the large number of studies by the EU, WHO, World Bank or OECD, with the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, Malta ranks in the middle of the pack both globally and in the EU. Malta is ranked 83rd out of 195 countries in the GHS Index at the end of 2021. The WHO ranked Malta in 11th place for the first time after the Covid pandemic with 81.7 points. This can be explained by the closure of the island during the pandemic and the high vaccination rate of over 90 per cent. Will it be possible to defend this position for several years without another pandemic? The World Population Review even downgraded Malta from 24th to 25th place in 2021.
In no long-term study is Malta among the world leaders in terms of all criteria. This statement seems to be an outsider’s opinion. However, it is true that Malta has one of the highest life expectancies in Europe, at over 82.5 years. During the Covid pandemic, Malta’s healthcare system was one of the fastest and most efficient in the world. By ordering vaccines early, over 92 per cent of the Maltese population was vaccinated. As a result, the mortality rate due to deaths from Covid-19 fell only minimally in 2020 and 2021. Life expectancy is essential for many studies. This will continue to provide positive impetus.
Conclusion on Malta’s healthcare system within the framework of national insurance
We found no sustainable evidence for the comparisons often cited by the WHO, GHS or other organisations for Malta’s leading role or exemplary function worldwide or throughout Europe. However, it should be borne in mind that many studies consider a healthcare system to be particularly valuable if as much as possible is privatised. This is because sponsors of studies such as manufacturers of pharmaceuticals or medical equipment then earn well.
Individual points can be drawn from each statistic in which Malta performs well.
- Free basic care
- High degree of digitalisation in the healthcare sector
- Second highest life expectancy among EU countries, among the top five in Europe
- Highest vaccination rate and rapid, voluntary vaccination for Covid-19 in 2021
- Lower decline in mortality than in most other European countries during the Covid pandemic
On the other hand, there are long waiting times, no cost coverage for dental treatment and high co-payments for medical aids. This is because Malta spends less per capita on all healthcare functions than the EU average. The healthcare system in Malta is satisfactory to good for the majority of residents. Care for citizens is guaranteed. The pharmaceutical industry, lobby groups and privatisation advocates have not yet found a way to destroy the healthcare system from within.
