When I first moved to Valletta from Canada for a gaming job, Malta's healthcare system was nowhere on my list of priorities. I was focused on my new role, an apartment, and finding decent coffee. But after a nasty bout of food poisoning in my second week (note to self: don't eat street food in 35°C heat), suddenly I had to navigate local healthcare fast.

Three years later, I've experienced both public and private healthcare in Malta and helped many expats understand their options. Whether you're arriving for a tech job, retiring, or planning an extended stay, understanding the healthcare system is key to your peace of mind and your wallet.

Malta operates a dual healthcare system that includes both public and private options. Coming from Canada's single-payer system, this took some getting used to, but it actually offers considerable flexibility once you understand how it works.

The public healthcare system is funded by social security contributions and taxes, providing free or heavily subsidized care to Maltese citizens, EU nationals, and legal residents. The private sector offers faster access and specialized services, which many expats are willing to pay for.

Most expats I know, especially those in the tech and gaming sectors, end up using both systems. We'll register with the public system for compliance and emergencies, but maintain private insurance for routine care, specialists, and dental work.

If you're legally working in Malta, you'll be contributing to the social security system, which entitles you to access public healthcare. The main public hospital is Mater Dei Hospital in Msida, a modern facility that opened in 2007. It's one of the largest buildings in Malta and handles everything from routine procedures to major emergencies.

To access public healthcare, you'll need to obtain a Maltese ID card from Identity Malta. This process typically takes a few weeks after you've registered your residence. With this ID, you can register at a local health center and get assigned a family doctor.

Here's what the public system covers:

• General practitioner visits at health centers (free)

• Emergency treatment at Mater Dei Hospital (free)

• Specialist consultations (with referral, free or minimal fee)

• Hospital stays and major procedures (free)

• Prescription medications (heavily subsidized, usually $2-$5 per prescription)

The catch? Wait times can be substantial. I once waited four hours in the emergency department for a non-urgent issue on a Saturday evening. For specialist appointments, you might wait several weeks or even months. This is where the private system becomes very attractive for working professionals who can't afford to take entire mornings off for medical appointments.

Malta's private healthcare sector is expanding as the expat population grows. Major hospitals include St. James Hospital in Sliema and Barts Medical School Hospital, affiliated with Queen Mary University of London.

I switched primarily to private care after my first year, and honestly, it's made life significantly easier. I can usually get a same-day or next-day appointment with a general practitioner, and specialist referrals happen within days rather than weeks. The facilities are modern, the staff often speak excellent English, and you're in and out efficiently.

Here's what you can expect to pay for common private services (as of 2026):

• General practitioner visit: $45-$75

• Specialist consultation: $110-$220

• Dental cleaning: $70-$100

• Basic blood work: $55-$90

• X-ray: $65-$110

• Emergency room visit (private hospital): $220-$440

These prices are roughly 10-20% higher than you'd pay in many EU countries, but significantly less than what you'd pay in the United States. For context, I recently had an MRI scan at a private clinic for $440. The same procedure would have cost me over $2,500 back home without insurance.

While public healthcare is available, most expats opt for private health insurance. In fact, if you're applying for certain residence permits, you'll need to provide proof of adequate health insurance coverage.

There are two main types of health insurance in Malta:

Local Health Insurance: Companies such as GasanMamo, Elmo Insurance, and Globalcare offer comprehensive plans tailored to the Maltese market. These typically cost between $110 and $220 per month for an individual, depending on your age and coverage level. They're familiar with the local healthcare system and have established relationships with private clinics and hospitals.

International Health Insurance: Providers such as Cigna, Allianz, and Bupa offer global coverage valid in Malta and abroad. Plans start around $220-$330 per month, offering comprehensive coverage and flexibility across Europe and beyond. I chose Insured Nomads due to frequent work travel and the need for consistent protection.

My current plan costs about $275 per month and covers outpatient care, hospitalization, limited dental care, and emergency evacuation. Having this coverage gives me peace of mind, especially since a colleague's insurance paid his entire $18,000 emergency surgery bill last year.

Pharmacies are everywhere in Malta; you'll find them in every town and village. They're easily identified by the green cross sign and are generally well-stocked with both local and international medications.

Most medications require a prescription, which you can obtain from any licensed doctor. The good news is that many common medications are available and relatively affordable. Generic versions of popular drugs are widely available, and even name-brand medications cost less than in North America.

Pharmacists in Malta are highly knowledgeable and can often provide advice for minor ailments. I've had pharmacists recommend over-the-counter treatments that worked perfectly, saving me a doctor's visit. Most speak excellent English, though knowing a few basic Maltese phrases never hurts.

There's always at least one pharmacy open 24/7 in each district, rotating on a duty roster. The schedule is posted on pharmacy doors and available online through the Department of Health website.

Dental care in Malta operates almost entirely in the private sector. Public dental services are limited and primarily available to children and those with financial hardship. As an expat professional, you'll be looking at private dentists.

The quality of dental care is excellent. Malta has numerous modern dental clinics, many run by dentists trained in the UK or elsewhere in Europe. Costs are reasonable by international standards:

• Routine checkup and cleaning: $70-$110

• Filling: $90-$180

• Root canal: $440-$770

• Crown: $550-$990

Optical care is similarly privatized. You can get comprehensive eye exams at optician shops for $35-$65, and quality prescription glasses typically cost $220-$440, depending on the frames and lenses. Many opticians are located in Sliema and Valletta's shopping areas.

Mental health services in Malta have improved significantly in recent years, though they still lag behind some other EU countries. The public system offers mental health support through the Department of Mental Health, but waiting times can be long, and resources are stretched.

The private sector offers better access to mental health professionals. You can find psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors in private practice, though they're concentrated in Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian's. Expect to pay $90-$165 per session for a psychologist and $140-$220 per session for a psychiatrist if they are not covered by your private insurance.

Many expats, myself included, have found it helpful to access online therapy platforms that connect you with licensed therapists from your home country. This can be particularly valuable if you're dealing with culture shock or homesickness, as having someone who understands your cultural context makes a big difference.

In Malta, the emergency number is 112 (the standard EU emergency number). Ambulance services are operated by the Civil Protection Department and are free for everyone, regardless of insurance status.

Response times are generally good, though Malta's notorious traffic can occasionally slow things down, particularly during rush hour or in the summer tourist season. The main emergency department at Mater Dei Hospital is well-equipped and staffed, though as mentioned earlier, wait times for non-urgent cases can be long.

For serious emergencies, Malta has good air ambulance connections to specialized facilities in Italy and other nearby countries. Your health insurance should cover medical evacuation if you have an international plan.

Malta's Mediterranean climate is generally healthy, but there are some seasonal considerations to keep in mind. The summer months (June through September) can be brutally hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C (86°F) and often reaching 35°C (95°F) or higher. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are real risks, especially for newcomers.

I learned this the hard way during my first summer when I tried to maintain my Canadian jogging routine in August. A concerned local woman literally stopped me on the street and told me I was being ridiculous. She was right. Now I exercise early in the morning or late in the evening, stay hydrated, and embrace the Mediterranean siesta concept during the hottest part of the day.

Air quality can be a concern, particularly in spring when warm winds from North Africa bring dust. Those with respiratory conditions should be aware and prepared. The pollen season is also different from North America, so if you have allergies, you might experience symptoms at unexpected times.

The good news: the warm, dry climate is excellent for conditions like arthritis, and the abundance of sunshine means Vitamin D deficiency is rarely an issue. Just remember to use sunscreen. The Mediterranean sun is stronger than you think.

One of the challenges I faced when I first arrived was simply finding healthcare providers. Unlike some countries, Malta doesn't have a centralized, easily searchable database of doctors.

However, there are several effective ways to find quality healthcare providers:

• Word of mouth: The expat community in Malta is tight-knit, particularly in the tech sector. Ask your colleagues for recommendations. I found my current GP, dentist, and even my dermatologist through recommendations from other expats who understood what we need in terms of English-language communication and modern approaches to care.

• Your insurance provider: Most health insurance companies maintain lists of approved healthcare providers and can recommend doctors based on your needs.

• Online expat groups: Facebook groups like "Expats in Malta" and "Malta Digital Nomads" regularly have members asking for and sharing healthcare provider recommendations.

• Your employer: Many larger companies, especially in the gaming and tech sectors, have relationships with specific clinics or can provide recommendations.

Most private clinics and hospitals have websites with English-language information. You can usually book appointments online or via WhatsApp, which is widely used in Malta for business communication.

Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. The good news for English-speaking expats is that virtually all healthcare professionals speak excellent English. Medical records are typically maintained in English, and all hospital and clinic signage is bilingual.

In private healthcare facilities, English is the primary working language, especially in areas frequented by expats such as Sliema and St. Julian's. In public healthcare settings, you'll find that while all medical staff speak English, some administrative staff may be more comfortable in Maltese. This has never been a barrier for me, but it's something to be aware of.

Let me share a real-world example to illustrate the cost difference. Last year, I developed a persistent shoulder problem from too many hours at my desk (a common gaming industry occupational hazard).

Public System Route:

• Health center GP visit: Free

• Specialist referral wait time: 6 weeks

• Specialist consultation: $6

• MRI wait time: 8 weeks

• MRI cost: Free

• Physical therapy sessions: Free

• Total cost: $6

• Total time to complete treatment: 4-5 months

Private System Route (What I Actually Did):

• Private GP visit: $60 (next-day appointment)

• Specialist consultation: $165 (3 days later)

• MRI: $440 (scheduled within a week)

• Physical therapy sessions (8 sessions): $880

• Total cost: $1,545

• Total time to complete treatment: 6 weeks

My insurance covered 80% of the costs, so I paid about $310 out of pocket. For me, the speed and convenience were absolutely worth it. I couldn't afford to wait months while dealing with chronic pain that was affecting my work.

After three years of navigating Malta's healthcare system, here's my hard-won advice:

• Get health insurance immediately: Don't wait until you need it. Shop around and get coverage in place before you move or within your first week of arrival.

• Register with the public system anyway: Even if you plan to use private healthcare primarily, register with a public health center. It's free, covers you for emergencies, and some residence permits require it.

• Bring medical records: If you have any chronic conditions or important medical history, bring documentation. Malta's healthcare providers won't have access to your records from home.

• Stock up on prescriptions: If you take regular medications, bring a few months' supply while you establish care in Malta. Some medications have different brand names, and getting new prescriptions can take time.

• Build a healthcare team: Find a GP you like and stick with them. They'll get to know your health history and can provide continuity of care.

• Take sun protection seriously: Skin cancer rates in Malta are significant. Use a high SPF sunscreen, wear a hat, and have any suspicious moles checked.

• Stay hydrated: The Mediterranean climate can be dehydrating, especially in summer. I keep a water bottle on my desk at all times and make a conscious effort to drink regularly.

• Know your rights: As an EU resident, you have specific healthcare rights. Familiarize yourself with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you're an EU citizen, or the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if you're British.

While I'm currently single, many of my expat colleagues have families, and I've learned quite a bit about pediatric healthcare through their experiences.

Malta's public healthcare system provides good pediatric care, and children receive free healthcare until age 16. The main pediatric department is at Mater Dei Hospital, and there are well-child clinics throughout Malta for regular checkups and vaccinations.

Private pediatricians are also widely available and popular with expat families. Expect to pay $55-$90 for a consultation. Many pediatricians have trained abroad and speak excellent English.

One colleague with two young children told me they budget about $220 monthly for family health insurance through a local provider, which covers both public and private care. They primarily use private pediatricians for convenience but feel secure knowing they have access to public services for emergencies or serious conditions.

Malta's healthcare system is evolving to meet the needs of its growing expat population. The government has been investing in the public healthcare system, and plans are in place to build additional healthcare facilities to reduce pressure on Mater Dei Hospital.

The private sector continues to expand, with new clinics and specialist centers opening regularly, particularly in areas with high expat populations. Telemedicine is also becoming more common, which is great for minor issues and follow-up appointments.

The tech sector's growth, which brought me here in the first place, is indirectly improving healthcare. Many gaming and tech companies offer excellent health benefits to attract talent, which has driven improvements in the quality and accessibility of private healthcare.

Navigating a new country's healthcare system is just one aspect of relocating abroad, but it's crucial. At Global Citizen Life, we understand that the logistics of moving to a new country can be overwhelming. That's why we offer comprehensive Moving Abroad Programs designed to help you transition smoothly to life in Malta or any destination worldwide.

Our programs include one-time strategy calls for personalized guidance on your specific situation, six country-specific Moving Abroad Masterclasses that cover everything from visa requirements to healthcare navigation, and private coaching and consulting for those who want dedicated support throughout their relocation journey. Visit https://www.globalcitizenlife.org/programs to learn more about how we can help make your international move successful.

Three years into my Malta adventure, I can honestly say that while the healthcare system took some getting used to, it's never been a significant source of stress. The combination of accessible public healthcare for emergencies and affordable private care for routine needs works well for most expats.

Yes, you'll need to be more proactive than in some countries. You'll need to invest in insurance, build relationships with healthcare providers, and sometimes advocate for yourself. But the system is functional, the quality of care is good, and the costs are reasonable, especially compared to countries like the United States.

The biggest lesson I've learned? Don't wait until you're sick to figure out the healthcare system. Set everything up when you first arrive: get your ID card, register with a health center, purchase insurance, and find a GP. Having these pieces in place before you need them will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on enjoying everything else Malta has to offer.

From someone who once nearly passed out from food poisoning while trying to figure out where the nearest hospital was, trust me on this one: preparation is everything.

Written by Jeff Wright

Jeff is a gaming industry professional from Canada who relocated to Valletta, Malta, following career opportunities in the island's thriving tech sector. With years of experience in the gaming industry, Jeff brings an insider's perspective to Malta's burgeoning digital economy. He writes about the expat experience, professional networking opportunities, and the unique challenges and rewards of adapting to Mediterranean island life while building a career in one of Europe's fastest-growing tech hubs.

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