Medicine & Veterinary Malta

In Malta, the medical insurance system includes several types providing access to medical services for different population categories:

Public medical insurance: All residents of Malta are entitled to free medical care in public healthcare institutions. This system is funded by tax revenue and social security contributions. Public hospitals and clinics offer a wide range of services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient treatment. However, patients in public institutions are attended by on-duty doctors, and there is no provision for choosing a specific doctor for ongoing care. Additionally, there may be long waits for some tests, and expedited examinations are only possible in emergency cases.

Private medical insurance: To access private medical services, Malta residents can obtain additional medical insurance. Private medical institutions accept patients with such insurance, offering the option to choose a doctor and shorter waiting times for appointments. In most cases, employers provide additional medical insurance for employees, with the option to include relatives in the policy—such as parents, a spouse, or a partner—for an additional fee. However, employees pay the insurance costs for family members independently.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): Citizens of European Union countries residing or temporarily staying in Malta can use the EHIC to receive necessary medical care in public institutions under the same conditions as local residents. The EHIC provides access to emergency and necessary medical care during temporary stays in another EU country. However, it does not replace private medical insurance and does not cover private medical services costs.

International medical insurance: Foreign nationals who are not EU residents visiting Malta must have valid medical insurance covering their entire stay. Having medical insurance is a mandatory condition for obtaining a Schengen visa, which includes Malta. The policy must cover the costs of emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation on medical grounds.

In Malta, medical services are provided by both public and private healthcare institutions. Public hospitals and clinics offer free medical care to citizens of Malta and European Union residents, while private medical centers provide services on a paid basis or via private insurance.

Public Medical Institutions

Mater Dei Hospital: Located in Msida, this is the largest public hospital in Malta, equipped with modern facilities and offering a wide range of medical services.

Gozo General Hospital: Serves the residents and visitors of the island of Gozo, providing both emergency and planned medical care.

Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Center: Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

St. Luke's Hospital: Previously the main hospital in Malta, it now functions as a rehabilitation center and provides some specialized services.

Private Medical Institutions

St. James Clinic: A network of private clinics with branches in Sliema and Zabbar, offering a wide range of medical services, including specialized consultations and surgical interventions.

St. Thomas Clinic: Located in Luqa, provides various medical services, including emergency care and specialized procedures.

DaVinci Health Clinic: Situated in Birkirkara, specializes in dental services and general medical practice.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies are widespread in Malta, many of which operate around the clock and provide primary medical care. Some pharmacies have doctors available, whom you can consult for a prescription without visiting a hospital.

Registering with a Family Doctor

Choosing a Doctor: It is recommended to choose a family doctor based on geographic proximity, meaning closer to your place of residence. Lists of family doctors, their contact details, and service regions can be found on the official websites of Malta's Ministry of Health or local polyclinics.

Application Submission: To register, you need to fill out a prescribed form and submit it to your chosen family doctor. The application can be submitted in person, sent via email, or by registered mail. The application should include personal data, residential address, and contact information.

Application Review: The family doctor is required to review the application within seven business days and inform the applicant of acceptance or refusal of registration. In case of refusal, the doctor must indicate the reason, such as exceeding the maximum number of patients in the registry or the residential address not matching the doctor's service region.

Booking an Appointment with a Family Doctor

By Phone: Contact the reception of the medical center where the family doctor works and agree on an appointment time.

Online: Many medical institutions in Malta offer appointment booking through their official websites or specialized online platforms. You need to register on the website and choose a convenient time for the visit.

Referral to a Specialist

Consultation with a Family Doctor: If you need to visit a specialist, you should first consult your family doctor. After examination and health assessment, the family doctor may issue a referral to the appropriate specialist.

Electronic Consultation: In some cases, the family doctor may conduct an electronic consultation with a specialist to determine the necessity of an in-person visit for the patient. If a specialist appointment is required after such a consultation, the patient will be scheduled, and the specialist will contact them to clarify details.

Booking an Appointment with a Specialist

Through a Family Doctor: After obtaining a referral, the family doctor can help schedule an appointment with a specialist by selecting an available time and date.

Independently: With a referral from the family doctor, the patient can independently contact the reception of a specialized medical facility to book an appointment.

Online Consultations

Some private clinics in Malta offer online consultation services with doctors of various specialties. To schedule such a consultation, you need to visit the official website of the chosen clinic, select the required specialist, and a convenient time for the session. Payment for online consultations is typically processed through electronic payment systems.

In Malta, the emergency medical care system is organized to provide prompt and effective response to emergency situations for all residents and visitors of the country.

Emergency Numbers

Universal Emergency Number: 112 – a universal number for calling an ambulance, the police, and the fire brigade. The call is free and available from any phone, including mobiles.

Public Emergency Institutions

Mater Dei Hospital: Located in Msida, it is the main public medical institution providing 24-hour emergency care.

Gozo General Hospital: Serves the residents and visitors of the island of Gozo, providing emergency medical assistance in the city of Victoria.

Private Emergency Institutions

Saint James Hospital Network: Has emergency departments in Sliema, Żejtun, and Burmarrad, offering primary medical care and treatment for various emergency conditions.

Emergency Malta: A private company providing ambulance services, patient transportation, and medical support at events throughout Malta and Gozo.

Features of Emergency Care

Service Availability: Emergency medical care is provided free of charge to everyone, although insurance status may need confirmation after patient stabilization.

The Role of Volunteer Organizations: Organizations such as St John Ambulance and Red Cross Malta provide first aid and medical services during mass events, supporting public services in ensuring safety.

In Malta, the process of submitting medical tests and undergoing examinations is organized to ensure accessibility and efficiency of medical care. Residents and immigrants can use services provided by both public and private medical institutions.

Consulting a Family Doctor

Initial Visit: When the need for medical tests or examinations arises, it is recommended to first consult a family doctor. They will assess the state of health and, if necessary, issue a referral for relevant tests or to narrow specialists.

Submitting Tests and Undergoing Examinations

Public Institutions:

Health Centers (Ċentri tas-Saħħa): These centers conduct various medical tests, including blood tests. A referral for tests can be issued by a family doctor, a doctor from the health center, or a specialist from the hospital. Pre-registration is required for tests. Patients are advised to arrive on time, adhere to doctor's instructions, such as fasting before a test, and have an ID with them.

Private Clinics and Laboratories:

Saint James Hospital Network: Offers a wide range of diagnostic services, including laboratory tests and imaging examinations. Appointments can be made by phone or through the clinic's official website.

DaVinci Health Clinic: Specializes in various medical services, including diagnostics and laboratory tests. Appointments can be booked by phone or online.

Online Access to Medical Information:

myHealth Portal: The Ministry of Health of Malta provides the myHealth portal where patients can view their medical records, test results, and other information. Registration is required to access the portal.

Other Popular Laboratories in Malta

VGH Laboratory Services, Floriana: A laboratory providing a wide range of diagnostic services.

Pathology Laboratory at Karin Grech Hospital, Pieta: A laboratory specializing in pathological studies.

St Philip's Hospital Laboratory, Santa Venera: A laboratory at a private hospital offering various types of tests.

Medical Laboratory Services, Gzira: An independent laboratory providing a broad spectrum of diagnostic services.

St Anne's Clinic Laboratory, Birkirkara: A laboratory at a clinic offering various medical tests.

St Paul's Hospital Laboratory, Rabat: A laboratory at a hospital providing a wide range of diagnostic services.

Preparing for childbirth in Malta involves several key aspects: choosing a medical facility, a doctor, and arranging medical insurance.

Choosing a Medical Facility

Public Hospitals:

Mater Dei Hospital: The largest public hospital in Malta, located in Msida. Equipped with modern facilities and provides a full range of obstetric services.

Gozo General Hospital: Serves the residents and visitors of Gozo island, providing pregnancy and childbirth services.

Private Clinics:

Saint James Hospital: A network of private clinics with branches in Sliema and Zabbar, offering personalized care and comfortable conditions for childbirth.

St. Thomas Hospital: Located in Luqa, provides a wide array of obstetric services in the private sector.

Choosing a Doctor

Family Doctor: At the early stages of pregnancy, it is recommended to see a family doctor who will refer you to an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Obstetrician-Gynecologist: A specialist who manages pregnancy and childbirth. In public institutions, the choice of a specific doctor may be limited, whereas in private clinics, patients have the opportunity to choose a doctor based on recommendations or personal preferences.

Medical Insurance

Public Insurance: Citizens of Malta and EU residents are entitled to free medical care in public institutions, including pregnancy management and childbirth. For this, it is necessary to have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Private Insurance: Foreign nationals who are not EU residents are required to arrange private medical insurance to cover expenses related to pregnancy management and childbirth. The cost and conditions of such insurance depend on the chosen plan and insurance company.

Documents and Administrative Issues

Registration at the chosen medical facility: Register in advance at the selected hospital or clinic for pregnancy and childbirth management.

Issuing documents for the newborn: After birth, it is necessary to register the child with the relevant governmental agencies in Malta.

Partner Childbirth

Partner childbirth in Malta is becoming increasingly popular. It is necessary to discuss in advance with the chosen hospital or clinic the possibility of partner childbirth, check the requirements, and necessary documents. In public hospitals, partner childbirth is usually provided free of charge, although there may be minor fees for additional services or document processing. In private medical centers, partner childbirth is a paid service. The cost depends on the chosen service package and the level of comfort.

Vaccination of Newborns

Mandatory Vaccinations for Newborns

Hepatitis B: The first dose of the vaccine is administered in the maternity hospital within the first 24 hours of the child's life.

BCG (tuberculosis): Vaccination is performed in the maternity hospital in the first days of life.

Recommended Vaccinations

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): Vaccination begins at 2 months of age.

Pneumococcal infection: The first dose is administered at 2 months.

Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (DTaP): The first dose is administered at 2 months.

Vaccination Features in Malta:

Mandatory: Certain vaccinations are mandatory for attending childcare facilities. The European Court of Human Rights has recognized mandatory vaccination as compliant with democratic norms.

Informed Consent: Parents have the right to receive full information about vaccines and make an informed decision about vaccinating their children.

Availability: Vaccines are provided free of charge in public medical institutions.

In the event of a foreign citizen's death in Malta, the following steps should be taken:

1. Death Confirmation:

If the death occurred in a public or private medical facility, it is confirmed by the attending doctor. The doctor issues an official medical death certificate, indicating the date, time, and cause of death.

If a person died at home from natural causes, the summoned family doctor confirms the death. The doctor examines the body to confirm the absence of signs of life and issues a medical death certificate. Documents confirming that the patient was under medical supervision and has a medical history are required for this.

2. Notifying Authorities:

Medical Certificate: Immediately after death confirmation, obtain an official medical certificate of death from a licensed doctor or medical facility.

Police: If the death occurred under unusual or unnatural circumstances, the police must be notified for an investigation.

3. Death Registration:

State Registry: The death must be registered with the State Registry of Malta. The following are provided:

- Official medical certificate of death.

- Identity documents of the deceased (passport, residence permit, etc.).

- Completed form for drawing up the death act.

Registration is done at the local office of the Identity Agency.

4. Notifying the Embassy or Consulate:

Consular Assistance: Contact the embassy or consulate of the deceased's country for guidance and assistance in organizing the repatriation of the body or settling legal matters.

5. Funeral or Repatriation Organization:

Local Funeral: If burial is planned in Malta, it is necessary to contact a local funeral home to organize the ceremony in accordance with local laws and traditions.

Body Repatriation: To transport the body to the homeland, the following are required:

- Death certificate issued by the State Registry of Malta.

- Permission to remove the body, obtained from local authorities.

- Agreement with the airline and the relevant authorities of the destination country.

Cremation: Currently, there are no operational crematoriums in Malta. Bodies of deceased can be transported to neighboring countries, such as Italy, for cremation. After this, the ashes are returned to Malta for burial or handover to relatives. It is recommended to contact a local funeral agency with experience in organizing cremation abroad. They will assist with processing the necessary documents, body transportation, and coordination with foreign crematoriums.

6. Legalization of Documents:

Apostille: To use a death certificate outside of Malta, it may need to be legalized by obtaining an apostille. This procedure is carried out at the Identity Agency.

Document Translation: If necessary, documents are translated into the official language of the destination country and notarized.

7. Legal and Inheritance Issues:

Inheritance: Maltese inheritance law applies to the property of a deceased person residing in Malta and to immovable property located in the country. The Civil Code regulates the validity and forms of succession, as well as wills. According to EU Regulation No. 650/2012, a testator may choose the law of their nationality to apply to the inheritance of their property.

Consultation with a Lawyer: It is recommended to consult a local lawyer specializing in inheritance law to resolve all legal issues.

8. Financial Aspects:

Insurance Payments: If the deceased had insurance, contact the insurance company for information on the procedure for obtaining insurance payouts.

Bank Accounts: Notify the banks where the deceased had accounts of their death and provide the necessary documents to settle financial issues.

In Malta, pet owners are required to comply with certain vaccination and care requirements to ensure the health of their pets and the safety of others. Let's consider the main mandatory vaccinations and procedures for dogs and cats.

Mandatory Vaccinations for Dogs:

Rabies: Vaccination against rabies is mandatory for all dogs. The first vaccination is given at the age of 12 weeks, with an annual revaccination.

Leptospirosis: Dogs must be vaccinated against leptospirosis. The first vaccination is carried out at the age of 8-9 weeks, followed by a repeat dose after 2-4 weeks, with annual revaccination.

Mandatory Vaccinations for Cats:

Rabies: Cats are also subject to mandatory rabies vaccination. The first vaccination is administered at 12 weeks of age, with annual revaccination.

Recommended Vaccinations for Dogs:

Vaccinations against canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, and parvovirus enteritis are recommended for all dogs.

Recommended Vaccinations for Cats:

Vaccination against panleukopenia, calicivirus infection, and viral rhinotracheitis is recommended.

Mandatory Procedures:

Identification (microchipping): All dogs and cats in Malta must be identified using a microchip containing a unique code registered in the national database.

Registration: After microchipping, the animal must be registered with local authorities. Registration confirms that the pet meets all vaccination and identification requirements.

Parasite Treatment: Regular deworming and treatment against fleas and ticks are recommended to maintain the pet's health and prevent the spread of parasites.

Veterinary Passport:

All vaccinations and procedures must be documented in the animal's veterinary passport. This document is necessary for visiting veterinary clinics, traveling, and confirming compliance with mandatory requirements.

Pet-Friendly Hotels:

Many hotels in Malta provide accommodations for guests with pets. Among them:

Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa: Located in San Anton, it offers comfortable conditions for guests with pets.

Hilton Malta: Located in St. Julian's, it provides services for guests with pets.

The Phoenicia Malta: Situated in Valletta, it allows stays with pets.

Iniala Harbour House: Located in Valletta, it offers luxurious conditions for guests with animals.

InterContinental Malta: Located in St. Julian's, it accommodates guests with pets weighing up to 22 kg.

The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux: Located in Mdina, it allows stays with pets weighing up to 10 kg.

Before booking, it's recommended to clarify the rules and possible restrictions related to pets, as well as any additional fees.

Animal Shelters:

In Malta, several shelters provide assistance to homeless animals and facilitate their placement into new families:

Noah’s Ark Malta: One of the largest shelters on the island, housing around one hundred dogs. The shelter actively participates in animal protection projects and needs support.

Association for Abandoned Animals: A non-governmental charity managing a dog shelter in Birzebbuga, housing over 80 dogs. The organization is involved in finding new homes for its wards.

Malta Society for the Protection and Care of Animals: The oldest animal protection organization in Malta, founded in 1900; manages a shelter for dogs and cats and is actively engaged in animal welfare issues.

These shelters offer animal adoption opportunities and accept volunteers and donations to support their activities.

Temporary foster care and pet hotels

For owners who need to leave their pets temporarily, pet hotel and foster care services are available in Malta. Some shelters and private organizations offer such services, ensuring care and comfortable conditions for animals during the owner's absence.

Registration and identification: All dogs and cats in Malta must be identified with a microchip that meets the ISO 11784 standard.

Registration: The pet must be registered with local authorities.

Vaccination: Dogs and cats must be vaccinated according to requirements.

Living conditions

Housing conditions: Owners are required to provide their pets with proper living conditions, including adequate space, access to clean water, and quality food.

Hygiene: It is necessary to maintain cleanliness in animal holding areas, regularly cleaning up after pets in public places and following sanitary standards.

Walking and public places

Leash and muzzle: Dogs must be on a leash in public places. Some breeds or certain zones may require the use of a muzzle.

Cleaning up after pets: Owners must clean up their animals' excrement in public places using special bags or scoops.

Travel and transportation

Animal transport: Air Malta airline allows small dogs and cats weighing up to 10 kg, including the carrier, to travel in the cabin under certain conditions. Animals must be at least 15 weeks old and weaned for at least five days.

Documents: When bringing animals to Malta, a vaccination certificate and a veterinary certificate issued no more than 10 days before departure are required.

Owner responsibility

Compliance with legislation: Owners must strictly adhere to hygiene rules and animal keeping norms, ensure public safety, and prevent pollution of public spaces.

Animal protection

Prohibited practices: According to the European Convention on the Protection of Pet Animals, ear and tail docking is prohibited without medical necessity.

Animal welfare: Owners are required to provide their pets with proper care, including regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative care.