Living Abroad

Healthcare in Malta for UK Nationals: Contributions, S1 Registration and Prescriptions

3 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. How does the S1 registration work?
  3. What does it cost?
  4. What about residents without contributions?
  5. Common mistakes
  6. FAQ
    1. Who must register as a resident?
    2. Do I need photocopies for the S1?
    3. Other countries?
  7. Key takeaways
  8. Related guides
  9. Sources

How do UK nationals get healthcare in Malta? GOV.UK says you must register as a resident if you live in Malta for more than 3 months and show proof of healthcare cover before you can register. Employed or self-employed residents pay social security contributions, which entitle them to free state healthcare. You do not need to register with a GP.

Quick answer

  • Go to the health centre nearest your home and show proof of eligibility at each visit.
  • Employees pay about 10% of salary before tax and the employer pays a further 10%. Self-employed people pay around 15% of taxable income.
  • Most state services are free, but dental care usually is not.
  • S1 holders register at the Entitlement Unit and receive a Certificate of Entitlement.

How does the S1 registration work?

You may be eligible if you live in Malta and receive a UK State Pension or an exportable benefit. Request the form from NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. Then register the S1 with the Entitlement Unit at St Luke’s Hospital, G’Mangia Hill, bringing the original S1, eResidence card, passport and photocopies. You then receive a Certificate of Entitlement, which you show when using healthcare services. Dependants may be classified differently in Malta than in the UK.

What does it cost?

Item What GOV.UK says
Employee contributions About 10% of salary before tax, plus 10% from the employer
Self-employed contributions Around 15% of taxable income
Most state services Free
Dental care Usually not free. Emergency dental care is free at some health centres and state hospitals
Prescriptions Free for hospital inpatients and for 3 days after discharge. Otherwise you pay, though low income or chronic illness may qualify for a pink form or yellow card for free prescriptions
Treatment not considered necessary You may have to pay

What about residents without contributions?

GOV.UK says that under the RHA route, free state healthcare covers less than contribution-based entitlement. It gives no details on private insurance types or minimum requirements, so ask the Maltese authorities or the Maltese embassy or consulate in the UK.

Common mistakes

  • Looking for a GP to register with. It is not required.
  • Forgetting proof of eligibility at each visit.
  • Expecting free dental care.
  • Missing documents at the Entitlement Unit.

FAQ

Who must register as a resident?

Anyone living in Malta for more than 3 months.

Do I need photocopies for the S1?

Yes. GOV.UK lists the original S1, eResidence card, passport and photocopies.

Other countries?

See Cyprus and Italy.

Key takeaways

  • Contributions entitle workers to free state healthcare.
  • S1 holders get a Certificate of Entitlement.
  • Dental care and some prescriptions cost extra.

Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change, so check GOV.UK and Maltese authorities.

Sources

  • GOV.UK: Healthcare for UK nationals living in Malta

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