Malta — Healthcare: Public Healthcare

Why this matters

Understanding the public healthcare system in Malta is essential for relocating individuals to navigate healthcare services and make informed decisions about their health.

Key facts

• Current health expenditure: 8.8 % of GDP (2023)
• Government share of current health expenditure: 66 % (2023)
• Out-of-pocket share of current health expenditure: 31 % (2023)
• Physicians: 4.5 per 1,000 people (2022)
• Hospital beds: 4.1 per 1,000 people (2022)
• Life expectancy at birth: 83.0 years (2024)

Steps

1. Understanding Eligibility — Relocating individuals should verify their eligibility for public healthcare with the MNHS and may need to register with a local doctor to access services.
2. Accessing Public Healthcare — Public healthcare services can be accessed through the MNHS website, by phone, or at local health centers.

Costs

• Private health insurance: varies by provider and policy

Timelines

• Accessing public healthcare services: varies by service and waiting time

Required documents

• ID card or residence permit
• Proof of employment or income
• Private health insurance policy (for specialist services)

Common mistakes

• Assuming public healthcare is instantly available upon arrival
• Not verifying eligibility and registration requirements
• Not having private health insurance for specialist services

What these figures do not cover

These are national statistics. Who is eligible for the public system, how a foreign resident enrols, what it costs and waiting times are not covered here.