How to Find a Doctor in Malta: Public, Private and Online Options
Whether you live here or are visiting, Malta has several routes to a GP. This guide explains how each works and how to choose.
Key takeaways
- Public health centres offer GP services; eligibility and costs depend on your residency and entitlement.
- Private GPs charge per consultation and often offer quicker appointments.
- Online consultations can suit many non-urgent concerns.
- For emergencies, call 112 - do not wait for a GP appointment.
How healthcare works in Malta
Malta has a mixed system. The state provides public healthcare - including health centres, hospitals such as Mater Dei Hospital in Malta and Gozo General Hospital - for people who are entitled to it. Alongside this, a large private sector offers GP clinics, specialists and private hospitals on a paid basis.
Many residents use both: a public health centre for some needs and a private family doctor for others. Visitors usually rely on their EHIC (if eligible) for medically necessary public care, or on private doctors and travel insurance.
Public GP services
Public health centres across Malta and Gozo provide GP consultations and a range of community services. For people entitled to public healthcare, these services are generally provided without a charge at the point of use.
Arrangements such as opening hours, appointment systems and walk-in availability can change, so check current details with the official health service before you go. Bring identification and any entitlement documents, such as your ID card or EHIC.
Private doctors
Private GPs and clinics are widely available, particularly in busier areas such as St Julian’s, Sliema and Valletta. You pay a consultation fee, and many clinics offer same-day or next-day appointments, longer opening hours or home and hotel visits.
Before booking, it is reasonable to ask about the fee, what is included, and whether tests or certificates cost extra. Keep receipts and medical notes if you plan to claim from insurance.
A private option: Doctor St Julian’s Clinic
Private medical consultations are available through Doctor St Julian’s Clinic, Malta. DoctorMalta.com links to Doctor St Julian’s as a private GP option. This is a commercial relationship, and it does not mean other providers are unsuitable.
Online doctors
Online or video consultations let you speak to a doctor without travelling. They can work well for many non-urgent problems, follow-ups and advice. The doctor will tell you if you need to be examined in person.
Doctors for tourists
If you are visiting, your options depend on your insurance and entitlement. EU/EEA and Swiss visitors with a valid EHIC can access medically necessary state healthcare. Many tourists choose a private GP for convenience and claim the cost back from travel insurance. Your hotel reception can often point you to nearby services.
When to use emergency services
Call 112 for life-threatening situations: severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, signs of stroke, serious injury, heavy bleeding, collapse or a severe allergic reaction. Emergency departments are for emergencies; a GP, pharmacist or online doctor is usually more appropriate for minor illness.
How to choose the right option
| Situation | Likely starting point |
|---|---|
| Life-threatening symptoms | Call 112 |
| Minor symptoms, medicine questions | Pharmacist |
| Non-urgent concern, entitled to public care | Public health centre |
| Want a quick appointment or are visiting | Private GP |
| Non-urgent, prefer not to travel | Online consultation |
If you are not sure, start with the least urgent safe option - and escalate quickly if symptoms worsen.
This information cannot diagnose your symptoms or replace individual medical advice. For a medical emergency in Malta, call 112.
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Sources and references
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