Susan MeierIf you are considering a move to Malta, understanding the local healthcare landscape is essential. Malta operates a state-run public health system funded by National Insurance. If you are working here, you contribute to this system automatically. This grants you access to free medical treatment at public Health Centres and the main state hospitals. Compared to many other European jurisdictions, these social security contributions are relatively low.
For employees, National Insurance contributions are split between the worker and the employer. Depending on your age and salary bracket, the weekly contribution typically falls between €34 and €42. Self-employed individuals pay a weekly rate ranging roughly from €28 to €63. You can view the full schedule of rates on the Malta Inland Revenue website.
Residents who are not working—such as retirees or economically self-sufficient individuals—usually need to take out private health insurance to meet residency requirements. There are various providers on the island, and premiums can range from under €100 to several hundred euros depending on your age, medical history, and the level of cover. It is also common to pay out-of-pocket for certain services.
For example, dental care is generally not covered by the state system and must be paid for privately unless you have specific dental insurance. However, dental costs in Malta are often lower than in the UK or mainland Europe. Crucially, opting for private health insurance does not exempt you from paying National Insurance if you are employed in Malta; these contributions remain mandatory.
The Maltese healthcare system is highly regarded. It has previously been ranked as the second-best in the EU by Numbeo, scoring highly for efficiency, staff competence, equipment quality, and overall cost.
As an employer, you need to account for these additional costs when hiring staff. Although National Insurance contributions are reasonable compared to other EU countries, they remain a necessary part of your payroll planning. If you are considering moving your operations to Malta, you might also be interested in the tax advantages available to international companies. If you would like to discuss setting up a Malta Limited or need advice on the relocation process, please contact us at Dr. Werner & Partners.
