Although usually people think of taking out a Health Insurance when they are going on holiday, nowadays more and more people are taking out a Health Insurance to cover local private hospital fees, doctors’ fees, operations etc.
Even though the government hospital is free for locals, private hospitals are not. Taking out a private Health Insurance is convenient because it means that:
With Malta fast gaining a reputation as one of the top places to visit for health tourism, the innovative technique of eye laser surgery is becoming extremely topical. Although only specialist hospitals use this advanced method, this is available in Malta and is normally used to repair torn retinas or other complex eye problems.
Anesthetic is essential to perform eye surgery as the whole process is extremely laborious and highly complicated. The surgery process can also include laser remodeling of the cornea or interventions to eliminate cataracts.
Over the past couple of decades, health spas have become extremely popular, with many people seeking out a haven to escape the pressures of modern life, to detox and to feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Many holidaymakers also take advantage of such facilities whilst on vacation, and to cope with the demand, health and wellness spas have opened at most of the 4 and 5-star hotels here in Malta. Most health spas in Malta are equipped with an indoor swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and gym. Hotel guests can usually use these facilities free, and for non-residents, the fees for membership can cost from €200-500 per annum.
Marijuana, known as weed, cannabis, spliff etc, is an illegal drug in Malta. Maltese law takes a harsh stance against illicit drugs of any kind, even those categorised as “soft” drugs elsewhere. Importation of illegal drugs should not even be contemplated by anyone, even if it’s a small amount for personal use.
Customs employ advanced detection techniques with sniffer dogs at the airport, and prison terms are often handed out to offenders. In addition the police and the armed forces work together to intercept any trafficking by sea.
After much controversy, delays and overspending, Mater Dei hospital finally replaced the old and dodgy St. Luke’s hospital in June 2007 with the last of the personnel having migrated by November of the same year. The cost of the project had been initially predicted to be around 116m Euro, however the end cost reached over half a billion Euro in total.
Malta’s health care is provided for free (well not exactly for free, just from the tax payers money) by the state and over 80% of the Maltese population makes use of it.