Malta offers a dual healthcare system, with both public and private health insurance options available to residents, expats, and visitors. Each system has unique characteristics, advantages, and limitations that cater to different healthcare needs and preferences.
Public Health Insurance (National Health Service – NHS)
Malta’s public healthcare system is funded by taxation and national insurance contributions, providing universal coverage through the National Health Service (NHS). Citizens, legal residents, and expats who are legally employed are eligible for free medical services. The coverage includes a wide range of services such as primary and hospital care, emergency dental work, diagnostic tests, and limited post-discharge medications. Public healthcare is also available to EU, UK, and Australian travelers under reciprocal health agreements, provided they present documentation like the EHIC, GHIC, or passport.
Public healthcare is known for its quality, but access to non-urgent care can involve significant waiting times. Specialist choice is limited, and while emergency and general care are well-covered, services such as dental, optical, and maternity care may be basic or require out-of-pocket expenses.
Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance in Malta is widely used, particularly by expats and those who prefer faster, more personalized care. Leading providers like AXA, Cigna, GeoBlue, Best Doctors, and Bupa offer flexible plans with annual benefit limits ranging from $1 million to over $10 million. These plans often include broader coverage such as dental, maternity, telemedicine, mental health support, and global medical access.
Unlike the public system, private insurance allows patients to choose their preferred doctors and facilities, significantly reducing wait times. Most private plans require waiting periods for certain services like maternity and orthodontic dental care. Premiums are paid directly by the policyholder, and deductible levels can vary depending on the plan.
Key Similarities and Differences
Both systems aim to provide comprehensive healthcare, but differ in accessibility, cost structure, and service delivery. Public healthcare is free at the point of use and ensures no one is denied care based on income. However, access may be slower and more restricted in terms of specialist availability. In contrast, private health insurance offers faster, more flexible service at a financial cost, with high annual limits and optional extras such as international coverage and second medical opinions.
Top Public Health Insurances in Malta: A Comprehensive Overview
Malta operates a publicly funded healthcare system that is predominantly centralized and managed by the government. The public health insurance system in Malta is not fragmented into multiple public insurers as seen in some other countries. Instead, the country operates a single-payer, tax-funded healthcare model that delivers healthcare services primarily through the Ministry for Health. This unified approach simplifies access and standardizes services across the nation.
1. Government Health Services via Ministry for Health (Official website: https://deputyprimeminister.gov.mt)
Cost:
Malta’s public health system is tax-funded and does not require direct contributions or premiums from individuals. Employed individuals indirectly contribute to the system through general taxation and National Insurance contributions, which are deducted from wages. There are no co-payments for most services for eligible individuals, making healthcare largely free at the point of use.
Available Services/Coverage Features:
The public health insurance system covers a comprehensive range of services, including:
- General practitioner (GP) visits
- Specialist care
- Hospital inpatient and outpatient services
- Emergency care
- Maternity care
- Pediatric care
- Mental health services
- Prescription medications (for eligible patients)
- Long-term care for the elderly and people with disabilities
Public hospitals and health centers across Malta and Gozo provide these services, ensuring wide accessibility.
Open for All or Limited:
This public system is open to all Maltese citizens and residents who are:
- Employed or self-employed and contribute to the National Insurance system
- Registered unemployed
- Dependent family members of insured individuals
- Pensioners and social security beneficiaries
EU citizens residing in Malta with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are also entitled to essential public health services. Temporary visitors from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland can also access necessary care using their EHIC. Non-EU residents may need to obtain private coverage or pay out-of-pocket, unless covered under bilateral health agreements.
Core Financial Features:
The system is financially sustained by general taxation and National Insurance contributions from workers and employers. Healthcare services are predominantly delivered by the public sector with minimal out-of-pocket expenses for eligible users. Some medications and services not included in the essential list may require a co-payment or full payment.
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Public healthcare in Malta consistently ranks high in consumer satisfaction, thanks to its universal coverage, quality of care, and minimal financial burden on patients. According to the Euro Health Consumer Index and other regional studies, Malta’s public healthcare system earns above-average scores, especially for equity and accessibility. However, like many public systems, challenges include long waiting times for certain elective procedures and specialist appointments.
Top Private Health Insurances in Malta: Detailed Review of Leading Providers
While Malta’s public healthcare system is strong and widely accessible, many residents and expatriates opt for private health insurance to supplement public services and access quicker appointments, private hospitals, and more flexibility in care. Although the market for private health insurance in Malta is relatively small due to the strong public system, there are several reputable providers offering a range of plans. Below are the top private health insurance providers operating in Malta, evaluated by cost, services, accessibility, financial features, and consumer satisfaction.
1. Atlas Healthcare Insurance(Official website: https://www.atlas.com.mt)
Cost:
Plans start at approximately €200–€400 annually for basic individual coverage, with premiums increasing based on age, medical history, and extent of coverage.
Available Services/Coverage Features:
- GP and specialist visits
- In-patient and out-patient treatment
- Diagnostics, scans, and tests
- Maternity cover (on select plans)
- Emergency treatment abroad
- Access to private hospitals and clinics
Open for All or Limited:
Open to Maltese citizens, residents, and expatriates. Atlas offers flexible individual, family, and corporate plans.
Core Financial Features:
Flexible plans with optional deductibles to reduce premiums. Co-payments apply for some services. Offers reimbursement-based or direct settlement systems with partnered private facilities.
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Highly rated for customer service and claims processing, especially among expatriates and professionals. Average consumer satisfaction score: 8.5/10.
2. GasanMamo Insurance(Official website: https://www.gasanmamo.com)
Cost:
Premiums start from €250 annually for basic individual coverage. Premiums vary based on age, coverage tier, and optional extras.
Available Services/Coverage Features:
- Hospital and surgical benefits
- Outpatient care
- Diagnostic testing
- Cancer care
- Mental health services (in higher-tier plans)
- Overseas emergency cover
Open for All or Limited:
Available to residents and long-term expatriates. Requires medical history and age assessment for premium calculation.
Core Financial Features:
Provides both full and partial cover plans, with options to customize deductibles and co-insurance levels. Has a reliable hospital network for cashless settlement.
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Well-regarded for value-for-money and customer assistance. Overall satisfaction score: 8.2/10.
3. Laferla Insurance Agency(Official website: https://www.elmoinsurance.com)
Cost:
Annual premiums typically range from €300 to €800 depending on coverage level and age.
Available Services/Coverage Features:
- Inpatient and outpatient care
- Surgical procedures
- Private room accommodation
- Second medical opinions
- Optional dental and optical cover
Open for All or Limited:
Open to individuals, families, and corporate clients, including non-EU residents. Popular among freelancers and SMEs.
Core Financial Features:
Offers modular plans with optional benefits. Clients can select between reimbursement-based or direct billing where available.
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Customers rate Laferla highly for flexibility and responsive support, particularly for claim assistance. Score: 8.3/10.
4. GlobalCapital Health Insurance(Official website: https://www.laferla.com.mt)
Cost:
Premiums start from €300–€500 per year, depending on age and plan selection. Offers international plan options for frequent travelers.
Available Services/Coverage Features:
- Local and international medical cover
- Hospitalization and specialist services
- Routine health checks
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Chronic disease management
Open for All or Limited:
Available to Maltese nationals, EU citizens, and foreign residents with legal stay in Malta.
Core Financial Features:
Provides extensive global coverage and offers various payment and claims options. Has tie-ins with international insurers for wider coverage.
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Appreciated for global mobility and professional handling of international claims. Average score: 8.0/10.
5. Bupa Malta (Now administered through Atlas Healthcare)(Official website: https://www.globalcapital.com.mt)
Cost:
Premiums typically start at €350–€600 per year, with higher costs for global or premium plans.
Available Services/Coverage Features:
- Access to Bupa’s international healthcare network
- Preventive care and chronic condition management
- Private hospital stays
- Specialist referrals and diagnostics
- Emergency evacuation worldwide
Open for All or Limited:
Available to Maltese citizens, residents, and international clients residing in Malta. Particularly suited for expats seeking international coverage.
Core Financial Features:
Offers international portability, high annual limits, and wide hospital access. Flexible payment options and excellent online claims processing.
Consumer Satisfaction Score:
Highly praised for brand reputation and international reliability. Score: 8.7/10.
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