In Malta you have to apply for the European Health Insurance Card.

When travelling to another EU country, be it on holiday, for business or to study, should you fall ill or have an accident you have the same rights to healthcare as people insured in that country.

In case of an emergency you can contact any of the emergency services using the free number 112, available throughout the EU.

You have the right to receive medical treatment in that country and to have your home country reimburse (part of) the costs. You also have the right to be informed of the treatment options, about how quality and safety is ensured, and whether a particular provider is legally entitled to offer services.

Prescriptions issued by a doctor in Malta are valid in across the EU, although medicines may be unavailable or called something else .

The freely available European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) proves you are insured in any EU country. Without a card you will not be refused treatment but may be required to pay up front and claim reimbursement once back home.

EU citizens and non-EU citizens legally residing in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, who are covered by a State social security scheme, are eligible for a card. Each member of a family travelling should have their own.

Some countries issue the card together with a national health card but in Malta you need to apply.

It should never cost you anything and it should be provided by your health insurer before travelling.

Apply or get more details at https://ehealth.gov.mt/HealthPortal/chief_medical_officer/eu_healthcare_entitlement_unit/applying_ehic.aspx . Some rogue websites offer the card for a fee. Don’t use them and instead contact your public health care provider directly.

Restrictions on EHIC use

The card will not help you with rescue and repatriation. If you require free transport back home if you fall seriously ill or suffer an incapacitating accident while visiting another EU country, you will need separate insurance cover.

It does not cover private health care or health care costs for planned treatment in another EU country.

The card does not guarantee free services. Each country’s healthcare system is different and some services that cost you nothing at home might not be free elsewhere.

Find out more at http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/health .