Q: When is the best time to go to Malta?
A: Malta is a stunning island and a very appealing year-round destination. To avoid the crowds, very hot temperatures and the most expensive fares try to plan your trip outside the summer months (July, August and September).
Q: How much am I likely to save on health treatments in Malta?
A: Elective and cosmetic surgery and dentistry is very competitively priced in Malta. Costs are much lower than in the UK, US and other European countries even with cost for accommodation, flights etc. Patients are known to save between 30% and 70% compared with prices at home.
Q: Can I choose my doctor/surgeon for private procedures?
A: This will depend on the provider's facilities, the procedure you wish to have done, and when you wish to have it. It is unlikely that a hospital or dental office will refuse the request for a specific practitioner but if the medical condition warrants a particular specialist, or if the preferred doctor is unavailable for the procedure, you might have to go with their own recommendation.
Q: How do I find out about a medical professional's qualifications?
A: See our section about qualifications and checking credentials. Look on the provider's website and verify their details with the Maltese Medical Council and the Association of Surgeons of Malta.
Q: How do I check the safety records of the hospital/clinic/medical professional?
A: A good hospital/professional will be proud of their success rates and safety records so ask to see them. Inspections, safety records, success rates, and other important statistics should be published on their websites. Additionally, you could try searching a hospital’s name along with search terms like 'success rate', 'mortality rate', 'safety inspections', 'malpractice', 'error rates', 'legal action', 'settlements'. See our section on how to check out a hospital.
Q: What number do I call for an emergency in Malta / Gozo?
A: Dial 112 for Emergency
A: Dial 196 for Ambulance
A: Dial 191 for Police
A: Dial 199 for Fire
Q: Should I take my own medication with me, or will I be able to get most medicines in Malta?
A: Most medicines are available in Malta, but if you have a very specific prescription it is advisable to take it with you to Malta, rather than relying on obtaining it there.
Q: What are the opening times for pharmacies in Malta?
A: Pharmacies are generally open between 8.30am till 1pm and from 3.30 till 7pm Monday to Saturday and between 4pm and 7pm on a Sunday. You can locate a pharmacy by its bright green neon sign.
Q: Do I need to take out insurance for my medical treatment abroad?
A: Yes, it is very important to have some sort of cover for your trip. Ask your hospital or broker for their recommendations as at present there are few travel insurance companies offering policies specifically for medical tourists. See our section on Travel Insurance.
Q: I'm from an EU country so can I get free elective surgery abroad under European legislation?
A: If you have a painful condition and are facing unacceptable queues in your home country for treatment in the public services you can travel to another EU member country to have the operation/treatment but you must get the go-ahead from your consultant and obtain Form E-112 from the Department of Health for entitlement.
Q: I've got health insurance - will I be covered for my procedure on this policy?
A: You will need to check with your insurance company.
Q: I've got a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) - will this cover my health needs in Malta?
A: The EHIC is NOT a substitute for medical or travel insurance. It entitles the visitor to emergency medical treatment in Malta on the same terms as the locals but medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature is not included. If you are a becoming a resident of Malta the EHIC is a good back-up until you are registered with the Maltese Social Security, or until you have health insurance in place.
Q: Where do I get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
A: All European citizens covered by a public sickness insurance scheme of one of the EEA States (or Switzerland), are entitled to the EHIC. Apply via your country's Department of Health.
Q: What happens if I (or one of my travelling companions) need to see a doctor in Malta?
A: Ask your hotel or check in the local pharmacy for the number of a recommended doctor (many hotels have a doctor on call). If you (or your companion) are not covered by travel insurance but are from an EEA country and have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you will be entitled to see a doctor who works within the state health service. Alternatively, you can pay to see a private practice GP. If you do have travel insurance, keep all the receipts and make a claim when you return home.
Q: Can I use my EHIC to see a private doctor?
A: No. If you prefer to be seen privately then you must be prepared to settle your own bills, or ensure you have travel insurance in place.
Featured healthcare services
If you want to know more about the healthcare services in Malta, take a look at our featured hospitals, clinics, doctors, dentists and other healthcare providers.
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