Malta - British Expat Forum

My wife and I will be retiring to Malta in September. We are financially sound and wish to take up ordinary residence. My wife has a pension and I do not, yet. (I will be applying shortly) As an ex Brit Pat I want to know what benefits we will receive as far as prescription charges for medication are concerned. We are both diabetic and my wife is ashmatic. Do we pay a script charge or do we get charged for medication? How many items can be written on one script? Do we get charged for emergency treatment at the hospital or hospitalisation? We do have insurance but wonder if we can save some money by not having the coverage. My wife is American and we have a Blue Cross insurance

Hi Raymond, and welcome to the forum

If I understand correctly, you are an EU citizen. Your wife is non-EU, but as a family member is entitled to the same as you. Are you of official retirement age, and are you entitled to a UK pension ? If so, you should have healthcare rights from the UK you can transfer to Malta.

Your Blue Cross insurance - will that cover you if you are resident (ie not a tourist) outside of the USA ?

A good starting point is the following, especially 6.1

http://britishexpat.com/expatforum/malta/viewtopic.php?t=8544

covers

1. An EU citizens legal rights - residency, working, students
2. what sort of residency is available ?
3. what do I need to apply for if I want to reside in Malta ?
4. do I need to apply for residency before coming to live in Malta ?
5. do I need an accountant to apply for residency ?
6. do I need health insurance ?
6.1 Do I qualify for public health cover, and if I do, what cover do I have ? Are prescriptions free ?
7. can I work in Malta ?
7.1 How much is income tax ?
7.2 How much are social security contributions ?
8. where do I apply for my residency certificate ?
9. where can I get the OR application form ?
10. where do I apply for my ID card ?
11. what documents do I need to apply for OR ?
12. can I vote in Malta ?
13. buying a property FAQ
14. renting a property FAQ
15. Importing a vehicle FAQ
16. What's the procedure for importing/exporting a pet ?
17. Can I use my driving licence in Malta ?
17.1 Applying for driving licence
18. Long term residency certificate

Hi Raymond,

Whilst Malta claims to have 'free' medical care, it is not the same as the NHS. With both of you being diabetic, I would suggest researching that aspect a bit more.

Our 13yr old son is type 1 and we still have to buy some of his insulin, because the 'free' prescription one doesn't work for him. Also there is a limit on the amount of test strips, etc supplied on prescription so if you need extra you pay for those too. Only certain chemists stock certain items, so we need to visit at least 2 to get his, one in Attard, one in Paceville.

Having said all that, the diabetic care given at Mater Dei Hospital is very good, with regular appointments and excellent consultants, etc.

Raymond, just re-read your post again, my wife is also asthmatic. Some of the inhalers here are quite expensive if your wife doesn't qualify for free care (or they don't provide what she needs.)

EG - Seretide 250 accuhaler - 49.50euro each, Ventilin accuhaler 8.60euro each.

On the medical costs issue; hearing aids and batteries are free in England
My neighbour, aged 65 here in Xemxija has to pay for his