Malta is an ideal destination for expatriates with its warm climate, compelling history and enticing Mediterranean lifestyle. Renowned for its flourishing expatriate community, there are said to be over 170,000 non-Maltese nationals currently living in Malta and enjoying the treasures offered by the region.
Living in Malta is a step beyond visiting for its rich culture and diverse attractions. People who come to Malta to live for a defined or indefinite period of time are generally known as expatriates or expats. If you are not a permanent resident in Malta, such as those born in the region, there are certain rules to follow.
One such regulation is the requirement for expatriates applying for residency programmes to invest in health insurance. Having an active health insurance policy will be critical to the success of an expatriate residency programme application.
In this article, we explore exactly what expatriate health insurance is in Malta, who needs health insurance and why this insurance policy is indispensable for expatriates living in Malta.
Contents
- What is expatriate health insurance?
- How does expatriate health insurance work in Malta?
- What are the benefits of expatriate health insurance?
- Secure the right health insurance for your needs with GasanMamo.
What is expatriate health insurance?
Health insurance is an insurance policy specifically designed for people living outside their home country. This type of insurance policy typically offers the safety net of medical coverage that is difficult to gain if you do not have residency status.
GasanMamo has specifically designed health insurance plans to satisfy your residency application’s health insurance requirements by governing bodies in Malta.
A key difference from other insurance policies, like standard travel insurance, is that an expatriate health insurance plan may cover emergency medical care while offering relevant and approved treatment options, should you require these.
A prominent example of an effective health insurance policy is the GasanMamo Residency Key Plan. This plan includes:
- In-patient and day-patient treatment, such as cover for physician fees, hospital accommodation, surgeon and anaesthetist charges, diagnostic procedures and scans up to GasanMamo’s fair and reasonable fees list.
- Out-patient treatment, including cover of GP charges, specialist consultations, diagnostic procedures and scans up to GasanMamo’s fair and reasonable fees list.
- Road ambulance cover if medically necessary for a fair and reasonable amount.
The GasanMamo Residency Key Plan is ideal for expatriates who are in the process of obtaining or renewing their Maltese Residency Card.
How does health insurance work in Malta?
In Malta, non-EU nationals need to have a health insurance policy in place to access health and medical care. If you are staying in Malta for more than three months, then it is a requirement to register for Maltese residency.
The Maltese healthcare system is divided into three levels:
- Primary care which involves the first point of contact for a patient, such as a GP.
- Secondary care includes more specialised services, such as those accessed through a referral from a GP.
- Tertiary care is highly specialised with advanced treatment for more complex conditions.
For an expatriate to access any of these services, a health insurance policy is necessary and helpful. This is because expatriates will be able to see a healthcare practitioner or doctor when they have any issues, gain expert advice and guidance on further treatment options if these are required.
An additional and useful element is that expatriates with health insurance who need health advice, care or treatment during their time in Malta can access the highest quality health care services in Malta without the delays that often occur in public healthcare systems.
Gaining an expatriate health insurance policy is helpful for other residency programmes in Malta, including the Nomad Residency Programme, the Malta Permanent Residency Programme, the Malta Start-Up Residence Programme, the Residence Programme or the Global Residence Programme.
What are the benefits of expatriate health insurance?
Undoubtedly, there are a plethora of advantages for expatriates to invest in health insurance, such as:
- Comprehensive health coverage
Expatriates gain access to a range of health and medical pathways, such as cancer treatment options. With GasanMamo’s Residency Key Plan, there is the potential to receive radiotherapy and chemotherapy, consultant fees and drugs cover if treatment is approved.
- Increased financial security
Healthcare and medical treatment can be extremely expensive and worrisome, especially when you are away from your home country. With expatriate health insurance, peace of mind is restored with protection from unexpectedly high medical fees for approved treatments.
Lengthy wait times and frustrating delays can be known to characterise healthcare across the globe. If you are apprehensive about a health issue or need to resolve a medical concern, rapid and effective healthcare advice is essential.
With expatriate health insurance, arranging doctor’s appointments or treatment times is much easier and occurs on a quicker timeline for efficient and effective medical guidance.
Secure the right health insurance for your needs with GasanMamo
Widely recognised as insurance experts, we have the specialist knowledge and years of experience to help you discover the most appropriate policy that suits your budget, coverage needs, and long-term wellness goals.
Our personalised approach ensures you receive the best solution for your unique circumstances. We’re committed to delivering clear guidance, reliable support, and adaptable options that align with your needs, even when these change and grow.
Simply browse our current policies on our health insurance page or get in touch with our friendly team of insurance experts. We’re always here to support you with precision-led insurance policy guidance.
GasanMamo Insurance is authorised under the Insurance Business Act and regulated by the MFSA.
