Private health insurance needed to become a resident - my experience

I don't know your age or medical history, but that sounds expensive compared to getting it through Gasanmamo in Malta - my wife, in her 40s, pays  €900 odd for worldwide, and only pays the first  €50 or so - allows her, I think, 4 months outside Malta a year

ps if you are a UK citizen, you don't need health insurance, but can use the reciprocal health agreement.

You mention BUPA international. If you are staying in Malta much of the year, you might be better off insuring with BUPA Malta

"People have told me that even though I’m an EU citizen I need a private health insurance in order to become an Ordinary Resident of Malta"

I don't know where you got this from.... I work in Malta for a Maltese company, I pay Tax in Malta, and I pay Social Security in Malta.

My wife and myself have just collected our ordinary residency cards last week without the need for Private Medical Insurance... I don't even think there is a question on the form asking this !!

Julian

George - thats what we have the reciprocal health care card and we didnt need the private healthcare. we justy applied for the residency cert - (which we got within one month) and same day applied for the RHC card and got that too. the actual card was supplied to us 6months later.

What you need to have is health cover, not health insurance - if you are working or self employed and paying soc sec contributions, you don't need insurance, as you are covered by the Maltese state system.

If someone is taking residency on a self sufficiency basis, then need health insurance, unless qualify for cover from another EU country (eg of retirement age, residual soc sec contributions)

Toon,

What is a RHC card.... ?? and our residency took nearly 3 months to get the Ordinary Residency Card.

Thank you George for that... although my wife doesn't work i presume her Healthcare is based on a reciprocal agreement or is it based on me working ??

Julian

Thank you all for your response – very interesting!
I’m a 49-year old Danish citizen, self-employed and with no previous health care issues. For the last 7 years I have been living in Ireland.

How can I find out if Danmark and Malta have a reciprocal health care agreement? Or if Ireland has one? And which country it should be?

RHA - reciprocal health agreement
RHC - reciprocal health care/card


RHA - is only between Malta and UK

if you are self employed  and are paying Soc Sec contributions in Malta you don't need health insurance for residency purposes

scubaboy wrote:

although my wife doesn't work i presume her Healthcare is based on a reciprocal agreement or is it based on me working ??

Julian

shes actually covered twice, but the RHA only gives basic cover, whereas by you paying soc sec you and your wife (and children up to 16 ??) get the same level of cover as a Maltese citizen

Toon, you say you 'got the card six months later'. I'm assuming you mean the RHC? What did you show to doctors/hospital while you were waiting for it - or were you not eligble for reciprocal until you showed it.

you get a temporary card/letter, which is used in the same way

Thanks George

responses so far say it all really

rooikat wrote:

Toon, you say you 'got the card six months later'. I'm assuming you mean the RHC? What did you show to doctors/hospital while you were waiting for it - or were you not eligble for reciprocal until you showed it.

didmt have to show anything - got letter of application..simples.

Thank you very much everyone!
Here follows a quick overview of the causes for my confusion.

If I live and work in Malta I’ll have to pay social security and I’ll be covered by the Maltese public health care.
If I live in Malta without working here. (That could be if I’m retired or living off funds from abroad.) I won’t pay social security here. In that case, Malta will only accept me as an ordinary resident if I bring proof of my own private medical insurance.
If I live here, but still pay tax in another EU country. (That could be if I were stationed here by a foreign company.) Then I’ll be covered from that foreign country through EU reciprocal health care agreements.

Hope I got it right, at last.

First two are correct, although I believe you can pay voluntary soc sec contributions even if you don't work. Also, if you are of retirement age, and qualify for medical care in another EU country, then its transferable to Malta

As for three, if you are stationed here, then presumably you would be paying tax and soc sec here. If you were paying tax in another country, but residing in Malta then you might be covered, but not necessarily - you would need to confirm it with the two countries as it wouldn't be automatic

Hi,

you are right George. The third applies to me.

If you pay taxes and social security in another EU country and reside in Malta you only qualify for the free Maltese health insurance if you transfer your entitlement to Malta. Then you loose it in the country where you are paying! You only get the coverage in one country so it is a personal decision that you have to make.

I myself pay and contuinue to have full coverage in Germany and pay privatly for the emergency coverage in Malta that is required for residency.

Cheers
Ricky

I am from Canada (non-EU) and for me was req. to get this insurance in order to get permission and ID.

mishellp wrote:

I am from Canada (non-EU) and for me was req. to get this insurance in order to get permission and ID.

its not a requirement because you are from Canada, but because you don't have a job

its not a requirement because you are from Canada, but because you don't have a job

I have a job and in order to get working visa , part of req's was to have this insurance.

??

If you are working and are paying social security contributions, you are covered by the state healthcare system

Non-EU third country nationals are required to have their employer pay for private health insurance to get a work permit !

Your company should be paying , not you! But they are probably passing the costs on to you.

Cheers
Ricky

Hi I am Martina (Czech), my husband Canadian, we have a little kid and we would like to work in Malta. A few weeks ago desperately I tried to find out information about health care in Malta. I know It would be better to ask by phone but I cannot call from Canada. You wrote this:  ,,If you are working and are paying social security contributions, you are covered by the state healthcare system''. The question is do you know this exactly? I would like to hear from Malta government websites but no answer.

Hi Martina,

yes, the info is correct.

If you relocate to Malta from Canada you will have to register for residency in Malta. Your non-EU husband will receive residency as your family member.

If you are not yet working (and paying NI) when registering you will have to take out private health insurance until you find work and pay NI.

Why can't you call from Canada? Don't you have a phone? Why do you want to work in Malta? Is it too cold in Canada ?-))) I just read that the Niagara Falls are frozen , but only on the American side .....

A few more info's would help to give you tips -)))

Cheers
Ricky

Hi, we are planning on moving from UK to Malta in September. We will be starting a business (dog grooming) so paying social security as self employed (and therefore, from what I've read) not need to have separate insurance. However  - I note from [url=http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/empl_portal/SSRinEU/Your%20social%20security%20rights%20

which details your rights to social security in Malta that only acute emergency dental care is available.

Does that mean that folk generally have dental insurance? (If so, is it expensive)?

Can anyone say without me reading the entire document if there are other notable differences between UK NHS and health care service in Malta that we should be aware of and plan for.

Many thanks for all the amazing help on these forums. I'm collating our experiences and useful links we've found  - if anyone would find that useful Useful links we've found so far

Thanks again! 

most people go private for dental cover - you can get insurance as part of a comprehensive health insurance policy, not sure if available separately

there is no set prescription price like the UK - so if your medicine isnt free it could be more, it could be less than the UK

First of all if from UK read this all!  https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=316705

If you are working then you and your family are covered for health care through contributions.
If self employed and registered and you pay contributions you and your family receive health care.
If self sufficient then you must prove to have adequate insurance.
If you are from UK you are entitled to health care under auspices of RHCA with UK.
Emergency dental care is either free, on queue and wait at hospitals, or go and pay private.
There are many private dentists that you can access at very reasonable rates, €30 for filling, including anaesthetic.
Just make an appointment or attend and see if they have a 'slot'.

If you had to take out insurance when applying for e-residence then subsequently gain employment then you should not need the insurance any longer, unless you want to go privately.

Thanks GnG -

georgeingozo Today 10:23:05
most people go private for dental cover - you can get insurance as part of a comprehensive health insurance policy, not sure if available separately

when you say "most people go private for dental cover" do you mean they just pay up at the dentists?

Thanks RedMik - and for the heads up re costs 30 for a filling is fine. We probably have to pay that anyway in the UK. I had a check up last week and that alone was £18.00

Also  - good point re e-residence. Will have to get my head around all of this (residency/business startup etc) and the timings of it.

yes most people PAYG for dental, both foreigners and locals

I wonder if this helps clarify matters?

The Maltese healthcare is funded through taxation and national insurance and operates through public hospitals and health care centres. There is no mandatory system of contribution, which means that employees and employers pay weekly national insurance contributions, funding the healthcare service as well as other social services like pensions. The state fund covers most medical services, including treatment by specialists, hospitalisation, prescriptions, pregnancy, childbirth and rehabilitation.  Citizens have to pay for their prescription medicine unless they belong to one of the vulnerable groups of society.

An increasing number of citizens have obtained private healthcare insurance and some choose to use private GP and Consultants’ services on a ‘pay as you go’ scheme. Care in these private facilities is funded by private insurance or out-of-pocket payments.

The private sector treats in-and-out patients. Private health care thrives in this country and coexists with the state system.

See this: http://www.gov.mt/en/Services-And-Infor … Malta.aspx

Dentists

It is not necessary to register with a dentist for state-provided or private dental care.
Acute emergency dental treatment is provided free of charge, however, you should seek a public hospital or health centre as it is not widely available.
Most dentists practise privately.

Hi Ricky, yes every day in Canada that is minus 10, minus 15 or even minus 20 Celsius beside Toronto and already it is March...and too much snow...Crazy   Anyways I hate snow such a long time.I think weather in Malta or Canada you cannot compare I don't feel to be a Canadian maybe because I am European and I would like to go home, anywhere to Europe but not american continent. That is the second reason. My parents is getting old that the third reason to be closer.
I am thinking about Malta or Ireland. My husband works night job and he told me if he would find similar night job in Malta or Ireland, we could move immediately Do you know where to look for a job? I can be curious as well why you move from England to Malta...?

Martina CA wrote:

I would like to go home, anywhere to Europe but not american continent.

That's the UK out of the equation then 

redmik wrote:

I wonder if this helps clarify matters?

The Maltese healthcare is funded through taxation and national insurance and operates through public hospitals and health care centres. There is no mandatory system of contribution, which means that employees and employers pay weekly national insurance contributions, funding the healthcare service as well as other social services like pensions. The state fund covers most medical services, including treatment by specialists, hospitalisation, prescriptions, pregnancy, childbirth and rehabilitation.  Citizens have to pay for their prescription medicine unless they belong to one of the vulnerable groups of society.

An increasing number of citizens have obtained private healthcare insurance and some choose to use private GP and Consultants’ services on a ‘pay as you go’ scheme. Care in these private facilities is funded by private insurance or out-of-pocket payments.

The private sector treats in-and-out patients. Private health care thrives in this country and coexists with the state system.

See this: http://www.gov.mt/en/Services-And-Infor … Malta.aspx

Dentists

It is not necessary to register with a dentist for state-provided or private dental care.
Acute emergency dental treatment is provided free of charge, however, you should seek a public hospital or health centre as it is not widely available.
Most dentists practise privately.

Sorry, tried to respond earlier but my account was disabled. I guess I haven't posted enough and they wanted to check my (legitimate) links.

Thanks RedMik and also to GnG for your follow up responses to my follow up questions! I hope you realise how comforting it is to get common sense, understandable replies. It all sounds perfectly normal, I think as we start to realise the move is becoming a reality you begin to get paranoid!

I reckon you probably have better health care. I've just had the results for a shoulder X Ray that sounded all complicated and ended in the word Abnormal. They then said the doctor has said "No Further Action Required".

I'm in serious pain and almost at the point of having to close down my business! Have organised an appointment with my GP to discuss! Does this sound better/worse/same for Malta ..... Oh no another follow up question. Don't worry if you don't want to comment/or are just bored of me now!

With much appreciation
Matt

Hi Martina CA,

I actually moved from Germany to Malta when I was able to retire early. My parents moved to Germany when I was about 10 and then I stayed there for the next 45 years.

I've known Malta for about 20 years and my plan was always to move to Malta. So far it has worked, especially as I don't have to work and can just enjoy life.

Cheers
Ricky

We are filling in form CEA J to apply for residence with economic self-sufficiency.  It asks for "comprehensive health insurance or certificate of Entitlement issued by the Entitlement Unit".   Do we need to go to a company such as BUPA Malta or Gasanmamo, as recommended by some people on this page? Do our EHIC cards qualify us for "entitlement" or is this something different?  Would appreciate your up to date advice.

What is your nationality ? if British you can use the RHA between Malta and UK - if you are any other citizen, you might be able to transfer healthcare rights from another EU country, otherwise you need private health insurance

"Do our EHIC cards qualify us for "entitlement"" - no, they are only for tourists

the RHA

Reciprocal Agreement Malta/UK

Registration for Healthcare Entitlement for UK Nationals under the Reciprocal Health Agreement between Malta and the UK

The purpose of this registration scheme is to facilitate access for national public healthcare services for UK nationals who otherwise would not be entitled.


Follow this information to obtain this service:

Description

Persons registered with the Entitlement Unit under this scheme will be issued with an entitlement card hereinafter referred to as RHA Entitlement Card.
Persons issued with the RHA Entitlement Card will be entitled for free healthcare services in local public healthcare institutions on an in-patient and out-patient basis as well as other specialist services provided for Maltese nationals.
RHA Entitlement Card holders will not be entitled for:

treatment abroad including the UK
the European Health Insurance Card
long-term care and other things and services provided for under the Social Security Act and other legislation.
As from the 1st July 2010, UK nationals covered by the Reciprocal Health Agreement will be required to present the new Entitlement Card or Provisional Entitlement Certificate to be issued in terms of this agreement to access public healthcare services.


Who is eligible for the Service?

UK passport holders who are ordinary residents of Malta and who are not covered for healthcare through EU Regulations.


Applying for an RHA Entitlement Card

Registration for this scheme requires that a separate application form is to be submitted for each person.
You can apply by:

Downloading and application by clicking here, fill it up and send on below indicated postal address.
Collecting an application forms from the Entitlement Unit and return it to the Ground Floor, Ex-Outpatient Block, St Luke's Hospital, G'Mangia Hill, G'Mangia, Malta.
N.B.: Applicants who are not in a position to supply a copy of their residence certificate/permit with the application may still apply however they will be only given a provisional cover.


Renewing an RHA Entitlement Card

The issued card will be valid for 2 years. Applications for renewals will be received up to 1 month before the expiry date. In cases where you are applying before the expiry of the card, the still valid card has to be submitted with the application for a new card to be issued.


What are the Applicant’s obligations?

Applicants are obliged to provide correct information and supporting documents requested by the Entitlement Unit. Applications which are incorrectly filled or lacking supporting documentation will not be processed.

The valid RHA Entitlement Card must be presented each time the card holder requires in-patient or out-patient services in national public healthcare institutions.

The Entitlement Unit must be informed if a cardholder:

Dies
Starts work or starts getting a state pension from another country
Moves address in Malta, or to another country including the UK.

What will the Department / Unit provide in return?

The Entitlement Unit will issue the RHA Entitlement Card within 15 working days from receipt of application. Cards are processed on a first come first served basis


https://ehealth.gov.mt/HealthPortal/chi … ltauk.aspx

georgeingozo wrote:

yes most people PAYG for dental, both foreigners and locals

We have not been able to find a private dentist that is prepared to do a checkup without registering with them - but to register the proviso is a full teeth scan for €75.00 for their records - we have had the same answer from four private practices!
As a result we went to Mater Dei and registered at the dental clinic using our Residence card. Yes, we do have a six month wait but a full scan and fillings if necessary will be done. Apparently root canal treatment if needed will carry a small charge.

We're British, so the RHA will apply.  Thanks for your help.  But we seem to need residency to get an RHA card and vice versa.....Catch 22?  I will read your colleague's full and detailed explanation below in more detail.  It sounds like that's what we need!