One of the first questions most expats ask after moving to Malta — once the boxes are unpacked and the paperwork begins, is how the healthcare system works. Malta offers both a strong public healthcare system and a well-developed private sector, and many expats end up using a mix of both.. Gozo, Malta’s smaller sister island, mirrors this model on a smaller scale, with its own general hospital and clinics supported by medical links to Malta’s main facilities.
For anyone planning to relocate, retire, or work in Malta or Gozo, understanding how both systems operate can help you decide which fits your needs best.
The Public Healthcare System
Malta’s public healthcare operates on the principle of free care at the point of use for those who qualify. It is funded through social security contributions and taxes.
Who is entitled?
- Residents contributing to Malta’s Social Security system (employed or self-employed)
- EU/EEA and Swiss citizens using their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary stays
- UK nationals under the GHIC/EHIC scheme or those registered with an S1 form
- Third-country nationals (TCNs) with a valid work permit and who pay national insurance
Non-EU workers applying for a residence or work permit must also provide proof of private health insurance that covers at least their first year of residence.
What’s Included
- Primary Care: Health Centres across Malta and the main Victoria Health Centre in Gozo handle everyday needs: GP visits, chronic condition follow-ups, blood tests, immunisations, and pharmacy prescriptions.
- Hospitals:
- Mater Dei Hospital in Msida: the main public hospital in Malta, equipped for emergencies, surgeries, and specialist treatments.
- Gozo General Hospital in Victoria: handles general medicine, surgery, and emergency services, with 24/7 air or sea transfers to Mater Dei for specialised care.
- Pharmacy of Your Choice (POYC): Eligible patients receive free medicines for chronic conditions from their registered pharmacy.
Public healthcare in Malta consistently ranks high for accessibility, offering nearly universal coverage and free care at the point of delivery under the national system and Malta has even ranked among the top countries in historical WHO assessments of overall health systems. But many residents still experience longer waiting times for non-urgent appointments and specialist consultations, which is one reason private care is a popular complement.
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The Private Healthcare System
Private healthcare in Malta complements the public system by offering faster access, broader specialist choice, and shorter waiting times.
Why Expats Choose Private
- Faster specialist appointments and diagnostic tests
- Greater comfort and flexibility (some hospitals offer private suites and multilingual staff)
- No need for referrals — you can book directly
Main private hospitals and clinics
- Saint James Hospital Group – located in Sliema, Zabbar (Tal-Barrani), and Burmarrad, this private hospital offers a wide range of services including specialist consultations, diagnostic imaging, outpatient surgery, emergency care and day-case procedures.
- St Thomas Hospital – Qormi, provides private healthcare services including specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, minor surgery, inpatient care and emergency medical services, with a focus on personalised treatment.
- DaVinci Hospital – Birkirkara, offers private medical services including specialist clinics, diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation, elective procedures and personalised inpatient care in a modern hospital setting.
- Gozo: Most residents use private GP clinics for minor issues, while hospital-level private treatment usually requires travel to Malta
Private healthcare is not covered by EHIC or GHIC, so insurance or direct payment is required.
Approximate Private Visit Costs in Malta
Prices vary depending on location, provider, and the type of service, but the ranges below reflect average costs across the islands.
| Type of Service | Typical Cost (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private GP (clinic visit) | €20 – €30 | Standard consultation fee at private clinics. |
| Private GP (home visit or after-hours) | €30 – €45 | Usually available evenings and weekends; includes travel fee. |
| Specialist consultation | €50 – €100 | Varies by specialty; cardiology, dermatology, and paediatrics often at the higher end. |
| Diagnostic scans or tests | €50 – €200 + | Ultrasounds, X-rays, and blood tests start around €50; MRIs typically from €150 upwards. |
| Private hospital day ward | From €200 / day | Depending on room type and medical complexity; single rooms cost more. |
Healthcare in Gozo
Gozo offers a calmer, smaller-scale healthcare environment with most essential services locally available.
- Gozo General Hospital (GGH): The island’s main hospital with emergency, inpatient, and outpatient care. Patients needing advanced treatment (e.g., oncology or complex surgeries) are transferred to Mater Dei in Malta.
- Victoria Health Centre: Offers GP appointments, laboratory services, physiotherapy, and chronic care management.
- Community Clinics: Smaller local “bereġ” (clinics) provide vaccinations, blood pressure monitoring, and health check-ups.
- Private Care: Several independent doctors and dentists operate in Victoria and surrounding towns. For major private procedures, residents typically travel to Malta.
For retirees or those seeking a peaceful lifestyle, Gozo’s system provides accessibility and reliability — with Malta’s hospitals always within reach.
Deciding Between Public and Private Care
| Scenario | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Routine GP visits, vaccinations, or chronic conditions | Public (Health Centre) | Free and accessible if you’re a registered resident |
| Fast specialist consultation or diagnostic scan | Private | No referral needed and shorter waiting times |
| Long-term treatment for chronic illness | Public (POYC + specialists) | Medication and follow-up are covered |
| Expats or retirees new to Malta | Both | Public for general care, private for convenience or while waiting for entitlement |
| Living in Gozo full-time | Public for everyday needs; Private for flexibility | GGH covers most care, but complex cases referred to Mater Dei |
Costs and Insurance
- Public system: Free for residents with social security contributions or valid EHIC/S1/GHIC coverage.
- Private system: Prices vary — GP visits start at €20–€30, specialist consultations €60–€120, and private hospital stays from €200/day (depending on room type).
- Health insurance: Annual premiums for private coverage typically start around €400–€700, depending on age and benefits.
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Key Takeaways
Combining both systems, public healthcare for long-term security and private healthcare for speed, offers most residents the best balance in Malta and Gozo. Public healthcare is reliable, comprehensive, and free for eligible residents, providing strong coverage for ongoing and complex medical needs. Waiting times can be long for non-urgent cases — I can vouch for this myself, having spent several hours in A&E — but once you are seen, the standard of care is excellent and reassuringly thorough.
Private healthcare, on the other hand, is valued for its convenience, shorter waiting times, and flexibility. This makes it particularly popular with expats, especially during the first year of residence, before public healthcare entitlement is fully secured. In Gozo, residents benefit from efficient local medical services for everyday care, supported by fast and well-established referral routes to Malta for more specialised treatment when needed.
Whether you are planning a permanent move or a short stay in Malta or Gozo, understanding the healthcare system makes daily life easier. Public healthcare offers reliable, affordable care for residents, while private services provide speed and flexibility when needed. Many expats find that combining both delivers the best balance of security, quality and choice.
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For an initial consultation on this topic or if you have any other inquiries, fill out the Expatax Malta contact form. A member of our team will get in touch with you promptly.
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