Health
European Economic Area (EEA) country citizens (European Union countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) can take advantage of Malta's health services under the same terms as the residents of their country, upon presentation of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Applications to obtain this card can be obtained from the local health authorities.
Tourists are advised to buy a medical travelling insurance, as in some cases the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) cannot cover all medical expenses such as medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature.
Hospital treatment and emergency ambulance at Mater Dei Hospital, which is a public hospital, is free of charge and has an acceptable standard of healthcare. Alternative (private) treatment may incur considerable expense, which may be unable to claim back from your insurance company.
Pharmacies Like shops, pharmacies open around 0830 hours and close at 1230 hours and from 1600 hours to 1900 hours, Monday to Saturday whilst the opening on Sunday is provided on a shift basis. Sunday’s shift services are published in local papers.
Always consult your doctor before departure, if you suffer from a chronic illness. Prescription medications are to be carried in your hand-luggage, and should always be stored in their original containers with pharmacy labels as otherwise they would not make it through airport security. It is also suggested to carry the generic name of prescription medicines, in case a local pharmacist is unfamiliar with the brand name.
Always consult your doctor before departure, if you suffer from a chronic illness. Prescription medications are to be carried in your hand-luggage, and should always be stored in their original containers with pharmacy labels as otherwise they would not make it through airport security. It is also suggested to carry the generic name of prescription medicines, in case a local pharmacist is unfamiliar with the brand name.
Tips If you do not have a spare pair of glasses, take a copy of your prescription so that should you lose or damage them, an optician can make you up a new pair.