Insurance in Malta is available for citizens, residents and third-country nationals. Most insurance policies are not mandatory, but applying for one would make your stay in Malta more secure.
Learn about the most popular insurance policies and their costs and terms.
It is generally recommended for everyone living or residing in Malta to have insurance coverage, but most policies are not mandatory.
Obligatory types of insurance are only motor vehicle insurance and employers’ liability insurance.
The most popular optional insurance types include:
Malta has both public and private healthcare systems, and when it comes to health, insurance is optional but highly recommended for any citizen or non-citizen of Malta.
Malta’s Ministry of Health presides over both private and public systems.
The public healthcare system, the National Health Service, is funded by taxation and enforced by the Social Security Act. All Maltese citizens and legal residents are eligible for public health insurance in Malta.
Public insurance covers essential healthcare services, including doctor visits, diagnostic tests, hospitalisation, prescription medication, maternity care, and childbirth. It is sufficient for living in Malta, but health centres are often overloaded with patients. The waiting times for non-emergency treatments can be long.
Emergency dental treatment is also included in public health insurance, but only some public hospitals on Malta and Gozo Islands provide it. Hence, Maltese citizens usually have to seek private dental care.
Private health insurance in Malta provides access to private medical facilities and services, including specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and elective surgeries. It ensures faster access to care, more personalised treatment, and a wider range of services.
There are two types of private health insurance in Malta: treatment-based and plan‑based.
Treatment-based plans cover a specific type of treatment, such as dental or vision care. These plans are often more affordable than plan-based options but may have lower coverage limits.
There are three varieties of treatment-based plans:
Plan-based health insurance, on the other hand, covers a range of treatments and services, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription medications. These plans are more comprehensive but also tend to be more expensive.
There are three types of plans differing by cost and coverage:
The validity of a private health insurance policy depends on the provider and the type of plan one chooses. Typically, health insurance policies in Malta last for one year and need to be renewed annually.
The cost of private health insurance varies depending on the policyholder’s age, health status, and the type of plan they select. On average, basic plans would cost between €300 and €700 per year, while more comprehensive ones would cost up to €1,500 per year.
Who needs and who doesn’t need to take out private insurance:
Holders of European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) don’t have to apply for an insurance program in Malta as long as their EHIC is valid. The EHIC provides basic healthcare coverage during temporary stays in Malta and other EU/EEA countries.
Treatment for EHIC holders in Malta is free and available at public hospitals. Yet, if one undergoes an outpatient treatment, they must pay for prescriptions. To avoid this, EHIC holders can apply for any other type of optional insurance while in Malta.
Life insurance is a policy type that provides financial protection to the policyholder’s relatives in the event of his or her death. It is available to both Maltese residents and non-residents who meet the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility criteria vary between insurance companies and the type of policy. Generally, life insurance policy applicants must be between 18 and 70 years old and in good health. Sometimes, medical exams or health declarations may be required.
This type of insurance is not mandatory but is considered a vital investment for those who have:
Malta has three main types of life insurance plans: Protection, Savings and Pension.
Protection Plan, also known as Term Life Insurance, is designed to provide financial support to the policyholder’s beneficiaries in the event of his or her unexpected death.
This plan is typically purchased for a specific term, ranging from 1 to 30 years, and requires fixed premiums throughout the term. If the policyholder passes away during the term, the beneficiaries will receive a lump-sum payment.
Protection plans don’t usually have a cash value component. Thus they don’t allow a policyholder to earn interest. Yet, premiums are generally more affordable than other life insurance types.
The cost starts at €6 a month for fixed plans and €18 for whole-life ones.
Savings Plan. also known as Investment Plan, is designed to provide a combination of life insurance coverage and investment opportunities and includes a cash value component.
This plan is typically purchased for a term of 10 to 30 years and offers flexible premiums throughout the term. The premiums the policyholder pays are invested in a variety of financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
The policyholder can choose to receive the accumulated savings as a lump-sum payment or regular payments during retirement.
The cost starts at €40 a month.
Pension Plan, or Retirement Plan, is designed to provide financial support to the policyholder during their retirement years.
This plan is also purchased for a term of 10 to 30 years and as well offers fixed or flexible premiums throughout the term. The policyholder pays into the plan during their working years and receives regular payments upon retirement. Pension plans may also include a death benefit for the policyholder’s beneficiaries.
The cost starts at €40 a month, and the earliest age a policyholder can begin receiving a personal pension is 61.
The durability of the plans depends on the terms of the policy. Protection plans generally have a set term, while pension and savings plans may have a longer duration. At the end of the term, a policyholder may renew their policy. Some policies allow conversion to a different type of plan.
Travel insurance is an essential investment for anyone planning to travel to Malta, particularly for those not covered by their home country’s health insurance or participating in activities that may be considered risky. It provides financial protection in case of unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost or stolen luggage.
Both residents of Malta and non-residents are eligible for travel insurance if they meet the general requirements: be over 18 and in good health. Every insurance company has a list of restrictions for its travel insurance policies, but common ‘do nots’ include pre‑existing medical conditions, age limits or extreme sports.
Several types of travel insurance plans are available in Malta, including single-trip and annual multi-trip plans.
Usually, travel insurance policyholders or their beneficiaries can benefit from coverage of:
Medical Insurance Plan covers emergency medical care, hospitalisation, and doctor’s visits. This policy can also cover emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
Trip Cancellation Plan provides coverage for the costs associated with cancelling a trip due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or injury. Non-refundable expenses such as airfare, hotel bookings, and activities will be reimbursed.
Personal Liability Plan protects travellers from legal liability for any damage or injury caused to others while travelling. Insurance covers expenses related to legal defence and settlement costs.
Baggage Insurance Plan provides coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and personal belongings during a trip, as well as expenses for replacing lost or stolen documents.
Single-trip travel policy plans generally have a term of 1 to 6 months, depending on the length of the trip, while an annual travel policy plan is applied for and renewed every year. Some policies allow automatic renewals.
Usually, plans for travel insurance are divided into three options to cover: Low cost, Economy, and Club or Premium. Low-cost plans start at €28 per person. Economy and Premium start at €32 and €38, respectively.
Home insurance policies mainly include a range of standard and optional covers to protect against risks householders may face. The standard covers usually include Building Insurance and Contents Insurance.
Building Insurance protects the property’s physical structure against damage from events such as fire, lightning, earthquakes, floods, and storms. It applies to fixtures such as windows, walls, and roofs.
Contents Insurance protects personal possessions inside the home, including furniture, appliances, electronics, clothing, and other valuables, against damage or theft.
Optional covers that householders can add to their policies include:
The cost of home insurance policies varies depending on the coverage level selected and the property and contents value. It usually lasts for one year and is renewed annually. The annual cost of home insurance starts at €190.
Business insurance covers business and property owners against potential risks and liabilities. This insurance type is not obligatory, but purchasing business insurance as soon as one starts a business or acquires property is highly recommended because accidents and unforeseen events can occur at any time.
All businesses and property owners in Malta are eligible for business insurance. The type of insurance and coverage amount will depend on the size and type of business, location, and the level of risk associated with the business.
Property Insurance covers physical assets such as buildings, equipment, inventory, supplies and content belongings of the property owner. It provides coverage against damage or loss due to events such as fire, loss, theft, or natural disasters. Premiums will depend on the optional plans and level of coverage required.
Liability Insurance covers a business against legal liability for injury or damage caused to third parties or their property. This type of insurance is tailored for businesses that interact with customers, suppliers, or the public.
Business Interruption Insurance covers loss of income and other expenses incurred by a business due to an unexpected event such as a fire, natural disaster, or other covered peril. Business Interaction Insurance can help companies to continue operating during the recovery period.
Professional Indemnity Insurance provides coverage for professionals in the case of negligence or error that results in financial loss for their clients. It is generally required by lawyers, accountants, and consultants. The cost of professional indemnity insurance in Malta will depend on the level of coverage needed and the type of profession.
Business insurance policies are usually annual and renewed every year. The cost of the policy will depend on the type of coverage, coverage limits, and deductibles. Generally, small- and medium-sized businesses can expect to pay between €300 and €1000 annually for basic coverage. Larger businesses with higher levels of risk may pay more.
Motor vehicle insurance is mandatory for anyone driving a car, van, motorcycle, bus, truck, or boat in Malta. It provides financial protection in case of vehicle accidents, theft, or damage.
Anyone who owns a vehicle in Malta must apply for insurance. The eligibility requirements may vary between insurance companies and the policy coverage. Generally, applicants must have a valid driver’s or boating licence, and the vehicle or boat must be registered in Malta.
There are several types of motor vehicle insurance plans. They are Third-Party Only Insurance, Third-Party Fire and Theft Insurance and Comprehensive Insurance.
Third-Party Only Insurance — €200+ per year. This plan is the minimum required by law and covers damages or injuries caused to third parties in an accident.
The cost of motor vehicle insurance depends on several factors, including the type of plan, the age, the condition of the vehicle or boat, and the policyholder’s driving or boating history and location.
Third-Party Fire and Theft Insurance — €300+ per year. This plan covers damages or injuries caused to third parties in an accident, as well as damages to one’s vehicle or boat caused by fire or theft.
Comprehensive Insurance — €500+ per year. This plan provides the most extensive coverage and covers damages or injuries caused to third parties in an accident and damages to one’s vehicle or boat caused by fire or theft and other events such as natural disasters or collisions.
Generally, all types have a term of one year, so car or other motor vehicle owners must renew their policies annually. Yet, some insurance companies may offer multi-year policies or automatic renewals.
Several insurance companies in Malta and Gozo Island provide services to both residents and non-residents of Malta.
Here is the list of top insurance providers.
Atlas Insurance PCC Ltd
Address: Atlas House, Triq Tas-Sliema, Gzira GZR 1633, Malta
Contact Information: +356 2343 5363, [email protected]
Types of Insurance: Motor vehicle, Home, Travel, Health, Business, and Personal Accident Insurance
Citadel Insurance Plc
Address: Casa Borgo, 26 Market Street, Floriana FRN 1082, Malta
Contact Information: +356 2557 9000, [email protected]
Types of Insurance: Motor vehicle, Home, Travel, Health, Business, and Personal Accident Insurance
GasanMamo Insurance Ltd
Address: Triq L-Imdina, Ta' Xbiex XBX 9014, Malta
Contact Information: +356 2134 5123, [email protected]
Types of Insurance: Motor vehicle, Home, Travel, Health, Business, and Personal Accident Insurance
Mapfre Msv Life Plc
Address: Mapfre Middlesea House, Floriana FRN 1442, Malta
Contact Information: +356 2124 6262, [email protected]
Types of Insurance: Life, Pension, and Investment Insurance
Laferla Insurance
Address: Laferla House, Mdina Road, Attard ATD 9037, Malta
Contact Information: +356 2144 2000, [email protected]
Types of Insurance: Motor vehicle, Home, Travel, Health, Business, and Personal Accident Insurance
Lifestar Insurance
Address: 80, Archbishop Street, Valletta VLT 1444, Malta
Contact Information: +356 2558 5300, [email protected]
Types of Insurance: Life, Health, and Personal Accident Insurance
When choosing an insurance company in Malta, it’s essential to consider factors such as the company’s reputation, customer service, range of coverage options, and pricing. It’s also recommended to compare quotes from different insurance providers to find the best coverage at the most affordable price.
Additional help, though not required, would be reading reviews from other customers and checking the company’s financial stability to ensure they can provide the necessary coverage in case of a claim.
Maltese citizens and residents have access to public and private healthcare. Foreigners who wish to benefit from both insurance systems can obtain Malta’s residence permit, get a permanent residency or acquire citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment.
Residence permits can be obtained by investment, employment or starting a business, by marriage and for family reunification. Additionally, foreigners can obtain a residence permit to study in Malta.
To acquire a residence permit in Malta by investment, Non-EU, non-EEA or non-Swiss citizens must buy or rent real estate and pay an administrative fee. Investors must also purchase a health insurance policy for each family member in the application.
To obtain a permanent residency, foreigners can also participate in the Malta Permanent Residence Programme. Third-country nationals, non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss investors must fulfil several investment conditions:
Malta citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment allows applying for passports after 1 to 3 years of holding a Maltese residence permit.
To acquire citizenship, investors must fulfil three mandatory requirements:
All investors and their families undergo a strict Eligibility Test, have a valid health insurance policy and pay state fees.
There is no investment-based path to Malta citizenship. Maltese nationality legislation provides for the possibility of naturalisation in cases of exceptional merit.
The statutory framework recognises exceptional contributions across various areas, such as entrepreneurship, job creation, innovation, science, education, culture, or philanthropy.
There are various types of insurance available in Malta, including health insurance, motor vehicle insurance, travel insurance, business/landlord insurance, personal accident insurance, and life insurance.
The cost of private health insurance varies depending on the type of insurance, the coverage level, and the insurance company you choose. Generally, the cost of private health insurance in Malta starts at €500 a year for foreigners.
Maltese citizens and residents are eligible for free healthcare services provided by the government-run healthcare system. However, non-EU citizens are required to have private health insurance coverage during their stay in Malta.
A travel insurance policy is a must for anyone travelling to Malta. The type and duration depend on whether you need a single trip or an annual multi-trip plan. It is generally recommended to look for a comprehensive plan that offers coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, personal liability, and baggage protection.
Some major insurance companies based in Malta and Gozo are Atlas Insurance PCC Ltd, Citadel Insurance Plc, GasanMamo Insurance Ltd, Mapfre Msv Life Plc, Laferla Insurance, and Lifestar Insurance.
