What actually happens to travelers here.
Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date, bring your prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter, and verify your travel insurance covers international medical care + evacuation.
The system.
System: Universal public healthcare for residents and EU/EEA citizens with EHIC. Good private healthcare available. English is an official language.
Quality: ★★★★☆ Very Good
Good healthcare system. Mater Dei Hospital is modern and well-equipped. English is spoken everywhere (official language). Private healthcare offers shorter wait times.
Malta attracts medical tourists for fertility treatments, cosmetic surgery, and dental care. English-speaking healthcare is a major advantage.
Where to actually go.
Malta's main public hospital. Modern facility opened in 2007. Emergency department 24/7. English spoken by all staff.
Private hospital in prime tourist area. Walk-in consultations available.
Main hospital on Gozo island. Essential for tourists visiting Gozo.
Finding what you need.
Access: Easy
Hours: Pharmacies open Mon-Fri 9am-1pm and 4pm-7pm, Sat 9am-1pm. Duty pharmacies cover nights, Sundays, and holidays (schedule posted in all pharmacies).
Prescription rules: Follows EU prescription standards. Many common medications available OTC. Antibiotics require a prescription.
Look for the green cross. Pharmacists speak fluent English. Many medications available OTC. The duty pharmacy system ensures one pharmacy is always open in each district.
Available over the counter
- ibuprofen (Nurofen)
- paracetamol (Panadol, Calpol)
- cold remedies
- stomach medication (Gaviscon)
- antihistamines
- sunscreen
- band-aids and first aid
Useful pharmacy phrases
- Għandi bżonn mediċina għall-uġigħ ta' ras
- Għandi uġigħ ta' żaqqi
- Għandi allerġija għal...
- Fejn hi l-eqreb spiżerija?
- Għandi bżonn ta' tabib
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Gelocatil (ES), Ben-u-ron (PT), Depon (GR)
Country-specific paracetamol brands; the generic name is also widely understood. - ibuprofen → Espidifen (ES), Brufen (others)
Common Mediterranean ibuprofen brands. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium or Fortasec (ES)
Available OTC at any farmacia.
What you can't bring in.
EU/EEA travelers carry Schengen certificate for controlled substances. Non-EU travelers need a doctor's letter. Keep medications in original packaging.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: CBD · Xanax · Opioids
Schengen certificate required for EU travelers.
Bring documentation and original packaging.
Malta legalized personal cannabis use in 2021 (first in EU). CBD products available. Do NOT purchase cannabis for export.
If something breaks.
Availability: Good dental care. English-speaking dentists throughout the island.
Cost range: €30-60 for consultation; €50-150 for fillings; €60-200 for extractions
Malta has good dental clinics. All dentists speak English. Prices are moderate — lower than UK but higher than Eastern Europe.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Recommended
Average cost: $35-60/week
Insurance recommended for private healthcare access and water sports coverage.
Filing a claim
Mater Dei Hospital provides receipts and documentation in English. Private clinics issue detailed invoices. EU/EEA citizens present EHIC at public facilities. Keep all documentation for insurance claims.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $25-60 |
| ER visit | $80-300 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $150-500 |
| Ambulance | $30-150 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Local treatment is good
Secondary destination: Rome, Athens, or Madrid
Typical cost band: $15,000-50,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Local hospitals handle the vast majority of cases — air evacuation is rarely needed for tourists. If a condition exceeds local capacity: Southern European tertiary hospitals are well-equipped. Cross-border evacuation to Western Europe is reserved for highly complex cases.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
No mandatory vaccinations. Malta is a low-risk destination. Ensure routine vaccinations are current.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Safe to drink — Tap water is safe but tastes heavily chlorinated and mineral. Most residents and visitors drink bottled water or filtered water. Bottled water is inexpensive.
Food safety
Good food safety standards. Mediterranean and British-influenced cuisine. Fresh seafood is excellent. Pastizzi and other local snacks are safe from bakeries.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: 112 for psychiatric emergencies
English-speaking therapists: Widely available. English is an official language — all therapists speak it. Expect €40-70 per session.
Good availability of mental health services. Richmond Foundation provides support and referrals.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Malta has challenges with accessibility due to historical architecture, but improvements continue. Newer buildings are accessible.
Hospital accessibility: Mater Dei Hospital is fully wheelchair accessible. Older health centers may have limitations.
Accessible transport: Malta's public buses are wheelchair accessible. Accessible taxis available. The Malta airport is accessible.
Valletta has steep streets but a lift from the waterfront. Some historic sites are challenging. Beach access can be limited — some beaches have accessible facilities.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry as of 2026.
Mask policy: No mask requirements.
Testing availability: Tests available at pharmacies.
Malta has lifted all COVID restrictions.
Malta travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- US Embassy Valletta
- Malta Ministry of Health
- WHO International Travel and Health