How to find a General Practitioner, doctor, physician in Valletta, Healthcare in Malta

How to find a General Practitioner, doctor, physician in Valletta

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The Healthcare System

Healthcare in Malta is of very high quality (ranked among the best in the world by the World Health Organization), and is available through both private and public systems.

The main difference between public and private clinics is wait times, and increased quality of service and amenities. However, that is not to say that public clinics are deficient in these areas.

Public system

Public healthcare is funded through general taxation by the state. Employers and employees pay weekly National Insurance contributions, which fund social services such as healthcare. The unemployed, old age pensioners, and those on long-term sickness benefit or maternity leave do not have to pay healthcare contributions. This state fund covers most medical services including specialist, hospitalization, pregnancy and childbirth, and rehabilitation services.

Maltese nationals must pay for prescriptions, with the exception of elderly and low-income Maltese nationals, and Maltese nationals suffering from particular chronic illnesses. EU and non-EU nationals must also pay for prescriptions. Prescription and over-the-counter medications can be purchased at pharmacies for reasonable fees. For example, a round of standard antibiotics costs less than €10.

Temporary visitors from EU member states have direct access to the health care from publicly funded health care services in Malta upon presentation of an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) together with an identification document. Non-EU temporary visitors to Malta must pay up front for non-emergency health services.

General Practitioner/Doctor

How to Find a Doctor

You can find a doctor in Malta through a referral from a friend, by inquiring at a pharmacy, or by visiting a regional Health Centre.

All physicians in Malta speak English. You can visit a physician at a pharmacy, health clinic, private clinic, and/or some physicians also make house calls. General practitioners in Malta do not keep their patient's health records or test results. The patient is responsible for storing and transporting this information to medical appointments and visits.

If you are not covered by Malta's national health plan, payment is generally made in cash (a receipt is provided).

Health Centres

For non-emergency services you can visit your local Health Centre. Wait times are generally shorter at health centres than at Malta's main hospital's Emergency Room (ER).

Public Health Centres in Malta:

Be advised that in both public and private facilities, although numbered tickets are issued at clinics, queue jumping is not uncommon.

Dentist

Dental care in Malta is of excellent quality and is available for reasonable prices. All dentists in Malta speak English. Payment is available in cash or credit card.

Dental clinics in Malta include:

Demajo Dental (Gzira)
Regional Dental (Swieqi)
My Smile Dental (Luqa)
The Dental Clinic (Msida)
Thames Dental (St. Julian's)
Medical Plaza Dental (San Gwann)
Southgate Dental (Zabbar)
Savina Clinic (Gozo)

Prices range from:

Extraction: €40-€50
Fillings: €45-€55
Crowns: €280
Whitening: €240
Polishing/scaling: €35-€40
Full mouth radiograph: €40

Update 25/05/2013

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Expatriate health insurance in Malta

With so much to deal with before leaving your home country, (taxes, moving house, paperwork etc.) the careful planning of your expatriation to Valletta is an essential step. As far as healthcare is concerned, your local social security scheme won’t be accompanying you to your host country and, once abroad, you might be surprised by the care system you find in Malta So, before leaving, make sure you have appropriate cover!

Cigna is one of the world's biggest international insurers with more than 30 years' experience in providing global health insurance across 200 countries and territories. They have access to more than 1.65 million hospitals, physicians, clinics and specialists worldwide.

Cigna Global's flexible plans are specifically designed for expats and globally mobile individuals who move to Malta. All their plans can be tailored to your individual requirements in Malta, always finding the right healthcare solution, whatever the situation and budget.