A stay abroad is usually associated with great memories. However, it could happen that an accident or emergency occurs, and you must seek help in your host country. When you travel or relocate to Malta, you can feel safe in the knowledge that the Maltese emergency services are excellent.
More encouraging still is the fact that in 2000, Malta was ranked fifth in the world's health systems by WHO, compared with the USA (37), Australia (32), the UK (18) and Canada (30). Moreover, the crime rate is one of the lowest in the world.
What should I do if I have an accident in Malta?
If you or someone else has been involved in an accident, such as a car accident, work or leisure-time accident, you should call the emergency number to get the help you may need from the relevant authorities.
Good to know:
The emergency number in Malta is 112, where doctors, firefighters and police can be reached.
This Europe-wide emergency number 112 can be dialed from any telephone (landline, public payphone or mobile phone, even without a SIM card). Calls are free of charge. The number can be used in any potentially dangerous situation, including:
- Serious medical problems (accident, unconsciousness, serious injury, chest pain, cramps)
- Any kind of fire (house, car)
- Life-threatening situations (crime)
You will be surprised to learn that both the hospitals in Malta (Msida) and Gozo (Victoria) have excellent accident and emergency care facilities. Both offer their services completely free of charge.
Hospitals with emergency rooms in Malta
Mater Dei in Msida is the biggest public hospital in Malta. It offers a 24-hour, 365 days-a-year emergency department with highly trained staff. The department is dedicated to those seeking treatment for an urgent medical problem related to an illness or accident.
For those who have no need for an ambulance, the accident and emergency department of Mater Dei Hospital can be reached by bus, car, or taxi. The building is well-indicated, so you will be able to find the place easily.
The address is Triq Dun Karm, L-Imsida, Malta. You can reach the department by phone at the following number: 356 2545 0000 / 2545 4030.
St. James Hospital is private. The Saint James Hospital Group operates several hospitals and clinics in Malta and has an immediate medical care unit (IMCU) for accidents and emergencies in Sliema, Żejtun and Burmarrard, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Please note that St. James is a private hospital, so there are fees for emergency services. If you are covered by private health insurance, you may qualify for reimbursement later.
The address of the hospital in Sliema is: Saint James Capua Hospital Sliema, George Borg Olivier Street Sliema, SLM 1807, phone number: 356 2329 1000
The Gozo General Hospital is the public hospital on the island of Gozo that covers both in-patient and out-patient medical and surgical services. It is equipped with an emergency service and has an air rescue service based in Gozo, which connects it to the hospitals in Malta.
You can it found here: Archbishop Pietru Pace Street, Victoria VCT 2520
Emergency phone number: 112
Regular phone number: 356 2344 6000
Diving accidents in Malta
Malta is a popular destination for scuba diving. Diving in Malta is really safe. Scuba diving instructors are professionals you can trust. They teach you everything you need to know to keep yourself and others safe and sound. However, it is important to know what to do in case of a diving accident. The most common condition is decompression sickness. It is caused by failure to follow procedures to control the varying underwater pressures.
Hyperbaric Units can be found in Malta and Gozo:
- Mater Dei Hospital, Malta: the unit is located at level -2, underneath the Accident and Emergency Department.
- Gozo General Hospital.
Emergency pharmacies in Malta
Pharmacies in Malta are open from Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings during normal business hours. There is also a pharmacy on duty after opening hours.
Thanks to the Sunday pharmacy roaster organized in Malta, you can find a pharmacy open on Sundays and Public Holidays. It is good to know if you suddenly need medicines. Check the Government website to view the pharmacy roaster.
Most pharmacies offer general GP (general practitioner) services, which include a fee. It is a good idea to call before a visit to check the exact dates and fees and to find out if an appointment is necessary.
Emergencies and rescue at sea and on the beach in Malta
During your stay in Malta, you will be likely to go to one of the numerous beaches. In Malta, there are sandy and rocky beaches. If you want to go to the beach and swim safely, go to a beach that has been rewarded with the Blue Flag Malta. This means that the beach meets some requirements regarding water quality, environmental management and safety. Lifeguards, or at least lifesaving equipment, are available at these beaches, as well as first aid equipment. Here is the list of the Blue Flag Malta Beaches:
- Marsalforn Bay – Marsalforn, Gozo
- Hondoq Ir-Rummien – Qala, Gozo
- Med-Bar Reef Club – Saint Julian's
- St. George – Saint Julian's
- Fond Għadir – Sliema
- Għajn Tuffieħa Bay
- Golden Bay
- Mellieħa Bay
- Buġibba Perched Beach
- Qawra Point
Do not swim when there are double red flags flying on the beach.
Don't dive without a buddy.
As the sea can be rough in Malta, avoid standing close to the water when there are waves or storms. The sea could wash you away.
If you see anyone in difficulty at sea, call 112. Throw a lifebuoy or any floating object to the person if there is one nearby.
The same advice applies in case of emergencies at sea. See the emergency numbers below.
Other useful emergency numbers and facilities in Malta
Malta Police Force
Phone: 356 2122 4001 / 2122 4009
Civil Protection Department
Phone: 356 2393 0000
Armed Forces of Malta
Phone: 356 2249 4016
Local Wardens
Phone: 356 02132 0202
Emergency rescue by helicopter
Phone: 356 2124 4371
Emergency rescue by patrol boat
Phone: 356 2123 8797
Emergency vet services
Phone: 356 5004 3888
Important:
When you call an emergency service, make sure to specify:
- The nature of the incident.
- The location of the incident.
- Your location.
- The Maltese telephone number used during your communication.
Useful links:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
