Maltese citizens sometimes buy private healthcare on a 'pay-as-you-go' basis which enables them to take full advantage of private general practitioner's and specialists. Employers of large companies sometimes contract private doctors to meet the needs of their employees. The Ministry of Health advises foreign residents to purchase private healthcare as it offers a better range of services and shorter waiting lists.
Many foreigners travel to Malta for plastic surgery and extensive dental treatments, as they are approximately 60-70% cheaper than they are in most other European countries. Furthermore, some of the best specialist doctors work there.
There are a few highly regarded private hospitals in Malta boasting the latest technology. They do not only provide healthcare for Maltese residents but also for foreign patients from around the world.
One of them is St James Hospital , Malta's longest running private medical institution. The hospital provides a wide range of services from simple blood tests to cosmetic surgery. The St. James Hospital Group currently owns four state-of-the-art clinics in Malta, including an 80 bed hospital in Sliema where there is also a dedicated eye clinic.
Globally mobile expats
For those splitting their time between Malta and their homeland (or other countries), it can be difficult to get coverage in both countries due to legal stipulations. In this case, taking out a global health insurance from a company like SafetyWing can be a good solution. They are especially geared towards remote workers and digital nomads and offer comprehensive coverage (including Covid-19, just like any other illness) whether you are in your home country, in a new country or even travelling abroad.