25 Jun 2015
Health Insurance for Maltese Citizens and Foreigners
In today’s day and age medical bills can sometimes cost us a fortune. This is why it’s of utmost importance to prepare yourself in the case of an accident or unfortunate illness by obtaining the right sort of health insurance in Malta or abroad for both you and your family.
In Malta, national health care is free for all Maltese citizens. It is funded through national insurance and taxation and functions through health care centres and public hospitals.
Maltese citizens who require health care abroad – how do they go about it?
One must obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in order to be covered by health insurance when overseas. This can be obtained by submitting an S1 form which is available online, from local councils or from the Entitlement Unit.
One should keep in mind, however, that hospital treatment abroad must be authorized by your country’s government before the fees paid are reimbursed.
Each country has its own laws on health care which must be abided by, so be sure to check the government’s policies before receiving treatment.
What about foreigners who require health care in Malta?
E.U. citizens living in Malta can obtain health insurance through the S1 and S2 forms. Once approved, a European Health Identification Card (EHIC) will be issued. This is available to families and pensioners and covers basic health expenses as well as planned Medical treatment. Bear in mind that the EHIC only entitles you to use government hospitals in Malta. Visits to private hospitals which are sometimes necessary in the case of an emergency, are excluded from this type of insurance. Non E.U. citizens, on the other hand, must purchase a health insurance plan from an authorized insurance provider.
Why obtain health insurance?
Although health insurance may be viewed as an extra by many, it not only has the ability to save lives but can also save a lot of time at the end of the day. It is ultimately better to be covered by medical insurance to avoid huge waiting lists at public hospitals and clinics, which may keep you waiting for days, months or even years. Obtaining a health insurance plan, covers local as well as private hospital fees, expensive doctor’s fees as well as operations and visits to Specialists.
Thomas Fuller once stated that ‘Health is not valued till sickness comes’. His wise words shed light on the fact that many of us seem to take our health for granted. Be prepared by fully covering yourselves in the case of an unfortunate medical emergency.