Health insurance rules tied to permits, the EHIC, and access to public healthcare. Status labels are explained on the Starting in Malta home page.
5.1 Do I need health insurance for my permit as a non-EU national?
Since 1 August 2024: a policy with minimum coverage of €100,000, covering outpatient and hospital treatment in Malta and, if necessary, other European countries.
For non-employment applications the policy must cover the whole stay.
Official source: Identità: Non-Employment Permits, new required documents (Identità)
Status: ✅ Verified · checked 2026-10-21 · For: TCN employee, family, student
5.2 What is the EHIC, who gets one in Malta, and what does it cover?
Free card for people ordinarily resident in Malta and covered by national social security. Covers medically necessary treatment during temporary stays in EEA countries and Switzerland.
Not a substitute for private insurance. Processing five working days from a complete application.
Official source: Servizz.gov.mt: European Health Insurance Card (Ministry for Health)
Status: ✅ Verified · checked 2026-10-21 · For: Residents
5.3 I'm an EU citizen visiting or moving to Malta. Can I use my EHIC?
EU visitors in a cross-border situation present a valid EHIC for urgent or necessary care during a temporary stay and should carry identification.
For longer stays, such as posted workers or pensioners, an S1 is registered with the Entitlement Unit, which issues a Certificate of Entitlement that must be shown at public hospitals and health centres. A Provisional Replacement Certificate is not an alternative to an EHIC, so apply before travel.
Official source: Entitlement Unit: Information regarding healthcare in Malta (Ministry for Health)
Status: ✅ Verified · checked 2026-10-21 · For: EU visitor, new arrival
5.4 How do I get entitled to public healthcare as a resident?
The Entitlement Unit page says free public healthcare is available to:
- persons covered by Maltese social security legislation
- holders of EHIC, S1 or RHA documents
For UK nationals, paying social security contributions while employed or self-employed gives entitlement and the residence card is evidence of it. People with no other entitlement may apply for an RHA certificate, which may give more limited coverage.
Official source: Entitlement Unit (Ministry for Health) (Ministry for Health)
Status: 🟡 Needs checking · For: Residents
5.5 I live in Malta but am insured in another EEA country (posted worker, pensioner). How do I get an S1?
The S1 is for people residing in one EEA country whose healthcare is covered by another EEA country, commonly pensioners and posted workers, and their dependants.
Apply in person at the Entitlement Unit in Malta or Gozo, or by email, with one of:
- a completed A1 form approved by the International Relations Unit of the Department of Social Security
- proof of a state pension
- proof of Maltese National Insurance contributions
- other documents requested
The S1 is issued within five working days of a complete application and sent through EESSI to the institution in the other Member State. It is valid for the dates on the supporting documents, and a new A1 is needed to renew. Incomplete applications are not processed.
Official source: Entitlement Unit: How to apply for the S1 document (Ministry for Health)
Status: ✅ Verified · checked 2026-10-21 · For: Posted workers, pensioners, family
5.6 UK national: how do I get an RHA Entitlement Certificate?
For UK passport holders ordinarily resident in Malta who are not covered through EU social security coordination. Gives free public healthcare but not the EHIC.
Official source: Entitlement Unit: RHA Entitlement Certificate (Ministry for Health)
Status: ✅ Verified · checked 2026-10-21 · For: UK nationals
5.7 How do I find a GP or health centre?
The Entitlement Unit page points to the Health Site Finder for locating pharmacies, health centres and district dispensaries in Malta and Gozo.
Hospitals named are:
- Mater Dei Hospital (Msida)
- Gozo General Hospital
In an emergency, call 112 or go to Accident and Emergency.
Official source: Health Site Finder (linked from the Entitlement Unit page) (Ministry for Health)
Status: ✅ Verified · checked 2026-10-21 · For: Residents
5.8 What does public healthcare cover for free and what do I pay for?
- Emergency and medically necessary treatment is free for entitled persons.
- Emergency dental treatment is free but public dental care is limited and most dental care is private.
- Medication is free during inpatient treatment and for the first three days after discharge, then paid in full.
- Emergency ambulance transport is covered for EHIC holders and persons entitled to free public healthcare.
- Dialysis and oxygen therapy are free with an EHIC or proof of entitlement.
Official source: Entitlement Unit: Information regarding healthcare in Malta (Ministry for Health)
Status: ✅ Verified · checked 2026-10-21 · For: Newcomers, visitors