Forget what you know about “island life” slowing down. When it comes to healthcare, Malta is sprinting ahead.
It is the question that floods our inbox every summer: “If I get sick in Malta, am I safe? And is it true I can get surgery there for half the UK price?”
The answer is a resounding yes. By 2026, Malta has cemented itself not just as a tourist haven, but as a medical powerhouse in the Mediterranean. Ranked consistently high by the World Health Organization, this tiny archipelago offers a unique proposition: British-standard medical training combined with Mediterranean hospitality.
Did you know that Gozo General Hospital just broke its own operational records in 2025, performing over 5,500 interventions with newly installed MRI tech? Or that St. James Hospital is now a primary destination for IVF and ophthalmic tourists from across Northern Europe?
Whether you are an expat resident, a tourist with an emergency, or a patient seeking high-quality elective surgery, this guide reveals the truth about Hospitals in Malta and how to navigate the public-private split.
The “Dual-System” Explained: Public vs. Private
Malta operates a robust two-tier system. Understanding the difference is critical for your wallet and your wait times.
- The Public Sector (State-Funded):
- The Beast: Mater Dei Hospital. This is the backbone of Maltese healthcare.
- Cost: Free for Maltese citizens and EU residents holding a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) for emergency treatment.
- Pros: World-class equipment, highly trained specialists (many trained in the UK).
- Cons: Longer waiting times for non-emergency procedures.
- The Private Sector:
- The Leaders: St. James Hospital and St. Thomas Hospital.
- Cost: Paid out-of-pocket or via private insurance.
- Pros: Zero wait times, hotel-like rooms, and faster access to specialists.
- Trend for 2026: We are seeing a surge in “Medical Concierge” services, where private hospitals handle your airport transfer, surgery, and rehab in one package.
Top Hospitals in Malta: A Closer Look
Based on patient reviews and facility audits from our Hospitals in Malta category, here are the facilities you need to know.
1. Mater Dei Hospital (Msida)
- Type: Public (National Referral Centre)
- Best For: Trauma, Emergency, Cardiology, Complex Surgery.
- The Scoop: With over 1,200 beds, this is one of the largest medical buildings in Europe. It is the teaching hospital for the University of Malta. If you have a serious accident or complex condition, this is where you want to be. The A&E department is busy but incredibly efficient.
2. St. James Hospital (Sliema & Zejtun)
- Type: Private Group
- Best For: Cosmetic Surgery, IVF, Ophthalmology (Eye), MRI/CT.
- The Scoop: St. James is the brand name for private care in Malta. Their Sliema branch (Capua) is housed in a historic palazzo but filled with 21st-century tech. They are renowned for their “International Patient Office” which caters specifically to foreigners.
3. Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre (SAMOC)
- Type: Public (Specialized)
- Best For: Cancer Treatment (Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy).
- The Scoop: Located right next to Mater Dei, SAMOC is a beacon of hope. It focuses purely on oncology and hematology. In 2025, they introduced new adaptive radiotherapy systems that significantly reduce treatment time for patients.
4. St. Thomas Hospital (Qormi)
- Type: Private (Boutique)
- Best For: CT Scans, Bariatric Surgery, Cardiology.
- The Scoop: Smaller than St. James but modern and sleek. St. Thomas is famous for its “boutique” feel—less like a hospital, more like a wellness center. Their radiology department is often used by patients who want to skip the public waiting lists for scans.
Comparison: Top 10 Hospitals & Clinics at a Glance
To help you compare the landscape, we’ve compiled this data table.
| Hospital Name | Type | Location | Best For… | Approx. Beds |
| Mater Dei Hospital | Public | Msida | Emergency & Trauma | 1,200+ |
| St. James (Capua) | Private | Sliema | IVF & Plastic Surgery | 80 |
| Gozo General Hospital | Public | Victoria (Gozo) | General Care (Gozo) | 290 |
| Sir Anthony Mamo | Public | Msida | Oncology (Cancer) | 90 |
| St. Thomas Hospital | Private | Qormi | Radiology & Cardiology | 30+ |
| Karin Grech Hospital | Public | Pieta | Rehabilitation | 200 |
| DaVinci Health | Private | Birkirkara | Outpatient Specialists | Day Ward |
| Mount Carmel | Public | Attard | Mental Health | 500+ |
| St. James (Zejtun) | Private | Zejtun | Eye Surgery | 20 |
| The Island Clinic | Private | Valletta/Central | General Practice | Day Ward |
Real Stories: The “Holiday” That Saved a Life
Sometimes, you don’t choose the hospital; the hospital chooses you.
Meet Sarah J., a UK tourist who shared her story on our platform last month. She was on holiday in St. Paul’s Bay when she experienced severe abdominal pain.
“I was terrified. I thought I’d be stuck in a foreign hospital with a language barrier. But the ambulance took me to Mater Dei, and everyone—from the porter to the surgeon—spoke perfect English. They diagnosed a burst appendix, operated within 2 hours, and I didn’t pay a penny because of my GHIC card. The care was actually better than back home!”
Have you had an experience (good or bad) in Malta? Don’t keep it to yourself. Share it on the MyHospitalNow Forum. Your review could help a fellow traveler calm their nerves.
5 Critical Tips for Patients in Malta
- Language is No Barrier: Malta is bilingual. English is an official language, and almost all medical professionals speak it fluently. You will not need a translator.
- The “Pharmacy” Culture: For minor ailments (coughs, minor infections), go to a pharmacy first. Maltese pharmacists are highly trained and can often prescribe treatments that would require a doctor’s visit in other countries.
- Wait Times for Scans: If you need an MRI in the public system (Mater Dei), the wait can be months. However, you can pay €150–€250 at a private clinic like St. Thomas or DaVinci to get it done within 24 hours.
- Gozo is Covered: If you are staying on the island of Gozo, you do not need to take the ferry to Malta for emergencies. Gozo General is fully equipped and recently upgraded its helicopter link for critical transfers.
- EHIC vs. Travel Insurance: The EHIC covers emergency public care. It does not cover repatriation (flying you home). Always have travel insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is healthcare free in Malta for tourists?
Only for emergency treatment if you are a citizen of the EU/EEA/Switzerland or the UK (with a GHIC/EHIC card). All other tourists must pay or use travel insurance.
2. What is the best private hospital in Malta?
St. James Hospital (Sliema) is the most established for inpatient surgeries, while St. Thomas is highly rated for diagnostics and shorter stays.
3. Do doctors in Malta speak English?
Yes. English is an official language. Medical notes and communication are almost exclusively in English.
4. How much does a private GP visit cost?
A standard consultation with a private GP typically costs between €15 and €30.
5. Can I buy antibiotics over the counter?
No. Like the rest of the EU, you need a doctor’s prescription for antibiotics.
6. Is the water in hospitals safe to drink?
Tap water is safe, but most patients prefer bottled water due to the taste (desalinated sea water).
7. Does Malta have good dental care?
Yes, dental tourism is popular. Clinics are high-tech, and prices are often 30-40% lower than in the UK or Northern Europe.
8. What is the emergency number?
Dial 112. It works for Ambulance, Police, and Fire.
9. Are there long waiting lists?
In the public sector (Mater Dei), yes, for elective (non-urgent) surgeries. In the private sector, there is virtually no wait time.
10. Can I get a second opinion?
Absolutely. Many patients visit DaVinci Health or St. James for a paid second opinion before proceeding with public treatment. You can discuss recommendations with others on our MyHospitalNow Forum.
Final Thoughts: Small Island, Big Care
Malta proves that you don’t need a massive country to have a massive impact on health. Whether you are relying on the robust safety net of Mater Dei or the luxury care of St. James, you are in safe hands.
If you are currently researching a specific doctor or procedure in Malta, don’t guess.
Join the conversation. Connect with locals, expats, and medical travelers who have been there. Ask your questions at the MyHospitalNow Forum.
Your health journey deserves the best map. Let us help you find it.