Public Healthcare Entitlement

Hi Irena,

as a resident you will have a NI number and a monthly payslip. These are the things that are asked for when you need treatment.

I'll try and find out if any immunizations are available under the national system. Otherwise you will have to pay yourself.

Which immunizations are you thinking of ?

Cheers
Ricky

Thanks Ricky,

So do I just need to take my pay stub and SSN to the hospital? I've heard there is some form E121 to fill out, but I couldn't find any information on where to do that. On the website www.ehealth.com.mt they are mentioning that application for EHIC service is available to:
"Persons who are ordinarily residing in Malta and are:
- Covered by the national Social Security legislation.
- Holders of a Certificate of Entitlement (issued through the presentation of E121 forms)"
But EHIC is only needed for travel in other EU countries, so it is still unclear to me how exactly does one apply for free healthcare under the NI benefit, if that's what they mean by "the holder of a Certificate of Entitlement. Confusing...

As far as immunizations, I was looking for the following:

Hepatitis A,B
Influenza, Influenza Type B (Hib)
Pneumococcal
Meningococcal

If you come across any info, you can post here, or PM me.

Thanks a lot and regards,

Irina

Hi Irena,

are you talking about the UK NI number or the Maltese NI number? To qualify for free health care in Malta you need to be a member of the Maltese health care system through contributions in Malta. If you have a Maltese number and ID card just take your pay slip with you for your hospital visit. Otherwise you will be billed privately.

Otherwise you need a Certificate of Entitlement.

The shots you are talking about will have to be paid private. Influenza is offered in the Autumn at health care centres free of charge , as far as I know.

Cheers
Ricky

Ricky,

does this work for just visiting the Doctor aswell as I have been charged everytime i have visited the Doctor even though I have Maltese ID, Maltese NI Number and I am working ??

Just never really thought about it thought it was normal

Julian

Hi scuba,

by 'visiting a doctor' you probably mean a private doctor who would be paid for privately.

The other option is to go to your local health centre and be treated by the next available doctor. That would be free as a member of the Maltese NI.

Cheers
Ricky

cheers Mate

How is everything ??

J.

Hi Ricky,

Yes, I was talking about a Maltese NI number, through NI contributions in Malta. Did you or anyone have any experience with these public hospitals? Do they schedule an appointment for you that could take a long time? Do you just walk in, wait in line and be treated? What services are covered and/or excluded? Does the length and amount of your NI contributions in Malta through employment affect the health services covered? I'm asking all these questions because I'm very new to this, as I'm used to US healthcare system, which is, as you know, very very different.

Thanks and regards,

Irina

Hi Irina,

you are normally referred to the Mater Dei hospital through the local health centre or through a private doctor unless you arrive there as an emergency in an ambulance. If you just walk in they will probably send you away unless you have your head under your arm -)))

They schedule an appointment for specialist treatment or  an examination that can mean quite a long wait. Sometimes up to 6 months or longer.

You can just walk into your local health center and wait your turn to be treated.

Basically every treatment that is covered by the Maltese health system is available if a doctor thinks it neccessary and it does not depend on length or amount of your contributions.

I hope you stay healthy and don't have to try the system.

Cheers
Ricky

Hi Ricky,

Yes, I hope so too But still, it's good to know how the system works.

Thanks for your comments,

Irina