Healthcare and insurance for international students in Malta

What healthcare access do students get in Malta?

Healthcare for international students in Malta works differently depending on whether you're an EU or non-EU national. Understanding your entitlements before you arrive saves both money and stress.

EU/EEA students: EHIC card coverage

If you hold a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you're entitled to public healthcare in Malta on the same terms as Maltese residents — which means access to state hospitals (Mater Dei Hospital in Msida is the main public hospital) at no direct cost for emergency and medically necessary treatment. Your EHIC is issued by your home country's health authority before you leave.

Important: the EHIC covers emergency and medically necessary treatment, not routine GP appointments or elective care. EU students who plan to stay longer than a few months should consider supplementary private insurance for GP access, dental, and optical cover.

Non-EU students: private health insurance is required

Non-EU students applying for a Malta student visa and residence permit are required to show proof of health insurance covering their full period of study. This is a mandatory document in the visa application process. Insurance must include:

• Medical emergencies and hospitalisation
• Repatriation cover
• Minimum coverage of €30,000 (required by Maltese immigration authorities)

Outreach Recruitment Agency Malta can guide you on obtaining appropriate insurance coverage as part of your visa preparation process.

Mater Dei Hospital: public emergency care

Mater Dei Hospital is Malta's main public hospital and handles all emergency cases. Emergency treatment at Mater Dei is available to anyone regardless of insurance status. The Accident & Emergency (A&E) department operates 24/7. For non-emergencies, public patients may face waiting times; private clinics offer faster access.

GP and primary care access

Malta has both public health centres (free for eligible patients) and private GP clinics. A private GP consultation typically costs €25–€50. Health centres run by the government (like Mosta Health Centre or Floriana Health Centre) offer subsidised or free care for residents with a valid health entitlement — you'll need to register after arriving.

Private health insurance options and typical costs

A basic student private health insurance policy in Malta typically costs €30–€80 per month depending on coverage level. Local providers include GlobalHealth Malta and GasanMamo Insurance. International policies from providers like Allianz Care or CIGNA Global are also widely accepted.

Policies that cover GP visits, specialist referrals, hospitalisation, dental, and repatriation are usually in the €60–€100/month range. Given that a single hospitalisation can cost several thousand euros without insurance, this is money well spent.

Pharmacies in Malta

Malta has an excellent network of pharmacies. Many common medications available only by prescription in other countries (including some antibiotics and antifungals) can be obtained over the counter in Maltese pharmacies. Pharmacy staff are well-trained and English-speaking. There's usually a 24-hour pharmacy within easy reach of main student areas.

Mental health support

Mental health services in Malta include the Richmond Foundation (English-speaking counselling and crisis support) and Mount Carmel Hospital's outpatient psychiatry services. Private psychologists charge approximately €50–€80 per session. Some student-focused practices offer reduced rates for enrolled students — ask your institution's student support office.

Summary: what to arrange before you arrive

• EU students: Apply for your EHIC from your home country before departure. Consider supplementary private insurance for GP and dental cover.
• Non-EU students: Obtain private health insurance with at least €30,000 coverage before applying for your visa — it's a mandatory document.
• All students: Register at a local health centre within your first few weeks to access subsidised primary care.

Outreach Recruitment Agency Malta handles visa documentation including health insurance guidance as part of our standard enrolment support. Contact us at hr@outreachrecruitment.net to discuss your specific situation.