Thinking of studying in Malta? Excellent decision. Malta combines a Mediterranean climate, English-speaking universities, and a vibrant cultural history, offering both academic excellence and lifestyle benefits. However, before you go, securing health insurance is essential.
International students, whether from the EU or outside the EEA, must have proper health insurance. Malta enforces strict insurance requirements, particularly for visa applicants. Navigating the numerous insurance options can be daunting.
Discover the top 10 health insurance providers for international students in Malta. Learn about legal requirements, essential benefits, and selecting a plan that suits your needs.
Key Health Insurance Requirements in Malta
Let’s set the stage with the basics.
Non-EU/EEA students must secure private health insurance with a minimum coverage of €100,000. This must cover hospitalization and emergency services and stay valid throughout your stay. It cannot be cancelled or shortened in the first year. No exceptions.
Source: Identity Malta – Government guidelines
EU/EEA students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for Malta’s public healthcare. Yet, EHIC doesn’t cover everything. It usually excludes repatriation, optical, dental, and private care. Therefore, getting additional private insurance is highly advised.
No matter where you’re from, you must provide proof of insurance for your student visa and university registration. Without it, your academic path might be over before it starts.
The Top 10 Health Insurance Options for International Students in Malta
Here are the most reputable and widely used providers, carefully reviewed for their relevance to students, coverage scope, price, and reliability.
1. Swisscare
Simple, affordable, and fast. That’s why Swisscare ranks high for both EU and non-EU students in Malta.
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- Who it’s for: Non-EU/EEA and EU/EEA students alike.
- Coverage: Hospitalization, repatriation, outpatient care. Minimum €30,000—enough to meet basic visa needs.
- Premium: Competitive; starts low and scales based on your stay.
- Advantages:
- Instant digital policy.
- Meets Maltese visa rules.
- Renew online easily.
- English-language documentation.
- Instant digital policy.
🟢 Especially good for students who need a fast, straightforward policy.
👉https://swisscare.com/en/country/malta
2. Guard.me
Highly trusted by language schools and short-term program providers in Malta.
- Target Audience: Language students, short-term or seasonal international students.
- Coverage: Medical, travel, personal accident, and liability.
- Cost: Approximately €12 per week.
- Highlights:
- Quick online registration.
- Multilingual support.
- Easy claims process.
- Quick online registration.
🟢 Ideal for students on shorter-term courses or study abroad programs.
👉https://english-malta.com/student-life/student-insurance/
3. Aon Student Insurance
A well-established brand offering broad coverage tailored to international students.
- For: Students from all countries.
- Benefits:
- Hospital and outpatient care.
- Emergency repatriation.
- Liability, baggage, and accident protection.
- Hospital and outpatient care.
- Extras:
- Tuition reimbursement options.
- Strong customer support.
- Tuition reimbursement options.
🟢 Suitable for students looking for an all-in-one package with global reliability.
👉https://studentinsuranceportal.com/to/malta
4. Bupa Global
Bupa Global is a premium player—but you get what you pay for.
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- Who it’s for: Students who want comprehensive, high-end coverage.
- Plan Levels: Local (Malta and UK only), European, and Worldwide.
- Coverage Includes:
- Hospital and doctor visits.
- Dental and optical.
- Mental health and maternity.
- Hospital and doctor visits.
- Key Perks:
- Direct billing.
- Multilingual customer service.
- Direct billing.
🟢 Best for students looking for full-featured health coverage and who can invest in premium plans.
👉https://www.bupaglobal.com/en/private-health-insurance/mt
5. Cigna Global
Cigna gives you a global footprint with fully customizable coverage.
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- Flexibility: Choose from modular add-ons (dental, outpatient, repatriation).
- Features:
- Access to a worldwide hospital network.
- 24/7 customer care in multiple languages.
- Emergency care, diagnostics, chronic condition management.
- Access to a worldwide hospital network.
- Pricing: Scales based on your chosen benefits.
🟢 Perfect for students who want to tailor their policy and may travel beyond Malta.
👉 https://www.pacificprime.com/blog/top-malta-insurance-companies-expats.html
6. HealthCare International (HCI)
This is a lesser-known gem for those who want customization with premium benefits.
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- Plan Types: Basic (€1.5 million) and Advanced (€2.5 million).
- Covers:
- Hospitalization.
- Dental, maternity, mental health.
- Health checks and even some traditional therapies.
- Hospitalization.
- Options:
- Add co-pays to reduce premiums.
- Add co-pays to reduce premiums.
🟢 Great for graduate students or those staying more than one year.
👉https://www.pacificprime.com/blog/top-malta-insurance-companies-expats.html
7. Allianz Care
Allianz is globally recognized and offers specialized plans for students.
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- Designed For: Overseas students and young professionals.
- Benefits:
- Repatriation and emergency evacuation.
- Short-term contracts (3 to 12 months).
- Telehealth, outpatient, and dental.
- Repatriation and emergency evacuation.
- Customer Support: 24/7 multilingual helpline.
🟢 A good choice for students who want shorter-term, flexible coverage with strong support.
👉 https://www.allianzcare.com/en/personal-international-health-insurance/who-we-help/students.html
8. International Student Insurance (ISI)
Tailored specifically for international students, with budget-friendly tiers.
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- Plans: Smart, Budget, Select, and Elite.
- Coverage:
- Mental health.
- Sports injuries.
- Maternity and prescription drugs.
- Mental health.
- Extras:
- Telemedicine access.
- Renewable for up to 4 years.
- Telemedicine access.
🟢 Best for undergraduates and language school students seeking cost-efficient, visa-compliant plans.
👉https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com
9. International Medical Group (IMG)
IMG is a strong contender for flexible, student-focused global insurance.
- Plans: Student Journey Lite, Plus, and Platinum.
- Coverage:
- Up to $500,000 in medical costs.
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation.
- 24/7 telehealth access.
- Up to $500,000 in medical costs.
- Custom Options:
- Choose deductibles and coverage levels.
- Choose deductibles and coverage levels.
🟢 Good for those seeking robust support and worldwide flexibility.
👉 https://www.imglobal.com/international-student-insurance
10. Atlas Healthcare Malta
The only local Maltese provider on this list—and it’s a solid one.
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- What’s Offered:
- Access to Malta’s top private clinics.
- English-language policies and customer service.
- Group and individual plans.
- Access to Malta’s top private clinics.
- Strengths:
- Tailored for Maltese regulations.
- Efficient local claims support.
- Tailored for Maltese regulations.
🟢 Ideal if you want a provider with a strong in-country presence and local knowledge.
👉https://www.atlas.com.mt/insurance/health/malta/
Comparison Table: Health Insurance for Students in Malta
| Provider | Coverage Scope | Starting Premium | Visa-Compliant | Repatriation/Emergency | Unique Perks |
| Swisscare | Medical, hospitalization, repatriation | Affordable | ✅ | ✅ | Instant online certificate |
| Guard.me | Multirisk incl. travel + liability | €12/week | ✅ | ✅ | Language school preferred |
| Aon | Health, legal, baggage, accident | Competitive | ✅ | ✅ | Tuition refund support |
| Bupa Global | Comprehensive + dental, maternity | Variable | ✅ | ✅ | Premium global support |
| Cigna Global | Modular plans, global hospital access | Variable | ✅ | ✅ | Tailored benefits |
| HealthCare International | Basic to premium + alternative care | Variable | ✅ | ✅ | Traditional medicine options |
| Allianz Care | Full + short-term flexibility | Variable | ✅ | ✅ | Contracts from 3 months |
| ISI | Budget-friendly tiered plans | From $29/month | ✅ | ✅ | Telemedicine, sports, mental |
| IMG | Up to $500k, mental health | Variable | ✅ | ✅ | 24/7 virtual care |
| Atlas Malta | Local private care access | Variable | ✅ | ✅ | Maltese compliance, local help |
Final Tips for Students
- Double-check your university’s requirements: Some institutions in Malta (like the University of Malta) may recommend or mandate specific providers.
- Start early: Many visa delays are due to incomplete or non-compliant insurance documentation.
- Think beyond the basics: Policies that include dental, mental health, or outpatient coverage will be more valuable in the long run.
- Always read the fine print: Some insurers have age limits, regional exclusions, or limitations on pre-existing conditions.
In Summary
Investing in your future includes prioritizing your health. Health insurance is more than a visa requirement; it’s your safety net. It guarantees access to necessary care when it’s crucial. Whether opting for a global leader like Bupa or a local specialist like Atlas Malta, the essential task is to select a plan that fulfills both legal obligations and personal preferences.
Need help choosing the right option? Contact us anytime. Your academic experience in Malta should be secure, stress-free, and well-supported.
Sources:
[1] https://identita.gov.mt/new-healthcare-insurance-requirements/
[2] https://swisscare.com/en/country/malta
[3] https://studentinsuranceportal.com/to/malta
[4] https://www.um.edu.mt/international/students/healthandsupportservices/
[5] https://swisscare.com/en/product/international-student-health-insurance-europe
[6] https://english-malta.com/student-life/student-insurance/
[7] https://www.bupaglobal.com/en/private-health-insurance/mt
[8] https://www.pacificprime.com/blog/top-malta-insurance-companies-expats.html
[9] https://www.allianzcare.com/en/personal-international-health-insurance/who-we-help/students.html
[10] https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com
[11] https://www.imglobal.com/international-student-insurance
[12] https://www.imglobal.com/international-student-health-insurance
[13] https://www.atlas.com.mt/insurance/health/malta/
