Emergencies in Malta: Essential Numbers and Where International Residents Can Get Help – Emergency Guide

Picture this: You wake up at night in your Airbnb in Sliema, your roommate is complaining of severe chest pain, and suddenly you realize – damn, what number am I supposed to call here? Is it 112 like in Germany? Or are there local numbers? And do they even speak English?

After two years on the island I can tell you: Yes, emergencies do happen in Malta. And no, you dont want to be googling numbers when things get serious. Thats why heres the ultimate overview of all key numbers and services – from hospital realities to what your health insurance will actually pay for.

Spoiler: Some things are even more relaxed here than back in Germany. Others… well, patience is a virtue.

Maltas Essential Emergency Numbers – These You Need to Know by Heart

Lets start with the most important: the numbers you should store in your phone and memorize. Malta uses both the European emergency number 112 and specific local services.

Main Emergency Numbers in Malta at a Glance

Special Numbers for Specific Situations

There are also services you should know as an international resident:

• Poison Emergencies: Mater Dei Hospital – 2545 4000
• Pharmacy Emergency Hotline: 1570 (paid hotline)
• Power Outages (Enemalta): 8007 2224
• Water Emergencies (WSC): 116
• Gas Emergencies: 2204 2323

What Happens When You Dial 112?

Here’s my experience: 112 works every bit as reliably in Malta as in Germany. The operator will ask you, in English, about the type of emergency and your location. To save time: Have this info ready when you call:

1. Type of emergency (medical emergency, fire, police)
2. Exact address or landmark
3. Number of people affected
4. Your mobile number for any follow-up

Pro tip: Save important addresses in your phone in English. “The yellow house opposite the bar with the blue sign” won’t help the emergency crew much.

Medical Emergencies in Malta: Hospitals, Doctors, and What Expats Need to Know

The Maltese healthcare system is technically open to EU citizens – but in reality, it can be quite different from what you might know from back home. Here’s my honest take after several hospital visits and doctor appointments.

Mater Dei Hospital: Your First Port of Call in Emergencies

Mater Dei Hospital in Msida is Malta’s main hospital and your go-to place for serious medical emergencies. The Emergency Department is open 24/7.

Address: Mater Dei Hospital, Triq Dun Karm, Msida MSD 2090
Emergency Department Phone: 2545 4000
How to Get There: By buses 13, 14, 15, 16 or taxi

Here’s what you need to know: Waiting times can vary wildly. If it’s life-threatening it’s fast, but for less urgent cases I’ve waited 4-6 hours before. Bring patience, a phone charger, and snacks.

Health Centres for Less Dramatic Cases

For non-life-threatening situations, there are health centres spread across the island. Often, these are a better choice than the crowded Mater Dei A&E.

Private Clinics: Faster, But More Expensive

If you have private health insurance or are willing to pay out of pocket, there are several private options:

• St. James Hospital (Sliema): Modern private clinic, English is the main language, Phone: 2133 8888
• AX Group Private Clinic: New, state-of-the-art facility, Phone: 2205 7000
• Boffa Hospital: Oncology specialist but also emergency care, Phone: 2545 8000

Heads up: A private emergency visit can easily set you back €200-500. Check your insurance first!

Important Details for EU Citizens

With your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the new European Health Insurance Card, you are entitled to the same medical treatment as a Maltese citizen. This means:

• Emergency treatment at Mater Dei is free
• Health Centre visits are free
• Prescription medication carries a small charge (usually under €10)

But: Always bring your EHIC card. Without it, youll be treated as a private patient and have to pay up front.

Medication and Pharmacies

You’ll spot Maltese pharmacies by the green cross. Most are open Mon–Sat 9:00–19:00, some even on Sundays.

Good to know:

• Many German medications are available under different names
• Bring a list of your medications in English (active ingredient, not brand name)
• For prescription medication you need a Maltese prescription
• Pharmacy emergency services rotate—call 1570 or check Malta Today newspaper

My tip: Download the Find My Pharmacy Malta app. It always shows you the nearest open pharmacy.

Malta Police: When to Call and What Actually Happens Next

The Maltese police are generally helpful and speak English – but there are cultural differences you should be aware of. Here are my experiences from various situations.

When Should You Call 191 or 112?

Contact the police immediately if:

• Physical violence or threats
• Theft or burglary (even if the perpetrators are gone)
• Traffic accidents with personal injury or significant property damage
• Domestic violence (Malta takes this very seriously)
• Suspicious activities or persons
• Loss of important documents (passport, ID card)

Police Stations: Where to File a Report in Person

For non-urgent cases, go straight to a police station. Here are the main stations for international residents:

What Happens When You File a Report?

Heres my honest experience: Maltese police are thorough, but not always quick. For theft or minor offences, it can be weeks before you hear anything.

Typically, the process looks like this:

1. Filing the report: You tell your story, the officer writes everything down in English
2. Police Report: You receive a copy with a case number – keep this safe!
3. Investigation: Honestly, for minor stuff… usually not much happens
4. Follow-up: If any, it tends to be after weeks or months

Still: Always file a report! Youll need the police report for insurance, and it helps the police identify trends.

Special Services for Foreigners

The Maltese police are tourist-friendly and offer special services:

• Tourist Police Unit: Dedicated team for tourist areas
• Multilingual officers: In Sliema and St. Julians, many officers also speak German or Italian
• Online crime reporting: Minor incidents can be reported online

Traffic Stops and What to Watch Out For

Traffic checks are common in Malta, especially in tourist hotspots. Note:

• Malta drives on the left – easy to forget if you rent a car!
• EU driving licences are valid for tourist stays
• If you stay longer than 3 months, apply for a Maltese driving licence
• Alcohol limit: 0.8‰ (much higher than Germany!)
• Using your phone while driving will cost you €23

My advice: Be polite, have your documents with you, and remember – they drive on the left here!

Consular Assistance: Contacting Your Embassy in an Emergency

If you run into real trouble in Malta – lost passport, major accident, legal issues – your embassy is your key point of contact. Here are the contact details and what they can actually do for you.

German Embassy Malta: Your First Point of Contact

The German embassy is located in Ta Xbiex and is the most important address for German citizens facing serious problems.

German Embassy Malta
Address: Il-Piazzetta, Tower Road, Ta Xbiex XBX 1612
Phone: (+356) 2158 5531
Emergency Mobile: (+356) 9942 7364 (outside office hours)
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 8:30-11:30, Fri 8:30-10:30

Other Embassies for EU Citizens

What Your Embassy Can (and Cannot) Do

Reality check: Embassies are not a fix-all, but they are definitely helpful for serious issues. Here’s what they CAN do:

What they DO:

• Issue emergency travel documents if you lose your passport
• Contact your family members
• Provide lists of local lawyers and interpreters
• Assist with Maltese authorities
• Organize emergency repatriation (fees apply)
• Prisoner assistance

What they DONT do:

• Lend money or pay your bills
• Provide legal advice or act as a lawyer
• Find you jobs or housing
• Assist with routine admin tasks
• Resolve private disputes

Emergency Travel Document: What You Need to Know

Lost or stolen passport? The emergency travel document (also called “temporary travel passport”) gets you home or to another German consulate.

You will need:

1. Police report of loss/theft
2. Two biometric passport photos
3. Proof of German nationality (copy of passport/ID)
4. Fee: €30
5. Completed application form

Processing time: Normally 1-2 working days. For real emergencies (e.g. same-day flight) it can be faster.

Money in an Emergency: Your Options

If you’re out of cash, the embassy doesn’t have money for you, but can help as follows:

• Western Union transfer: Relatives can send you money via Western Union
• German bank account: Online banking works in Malta
• Credit card emergency service: Most banks offer 24h hotlines for lost cards
• Consular advance: Only in extreme emergencies (very rarely granted)

Legal Trouble: When You Really Need Help

If you run into legal problems – arrest, court proceedings, serious disputes – contact your embassy immediately. They can:

• Arrange an interpreter
• Provide lists of lawyers
• Assist with authorities
• Inform your family

But keep in mind: You are still subject to Maltese law. The embassy can’t get you out of jail if you actually broke the law.

Insurance and Covering Costs in Maltese Emergencies

The awkward subject of money: Who actually pays if something happens in Malta? Here are my experiences with various insurances and what’s really covered.

EU Health Insurance: What the EHIC Actually Covers

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is your basic safety net in Malta. But remember – it only covers what Maltese citizens get for free.

EHIC covers for free:

• Emergency treatment in public hospitals (Mater Dei)
• Health Centre visits
• Prescription medication (with a small co-pay)
• Ambulance in emergencies

Youll still pay with an EHIC for:

• Private hospitals and clinics
• Dental treatment (except emergencies)
• Repatriation to Germany
• Physiotherapy or rehabilitation
• Glasses or contact lenses

Private Health Insurance: What to Look Out For

If you plan to stay longer in Malta or want extra security, private health insurance is a wise choice. Here are the main providers and their prices:

Travel Insurance: When It’s Worth It

For short-term visitors, a German travel insurance policy is often a better deal than a Maltese one. Heres what to check:

• Coverage amount: At least €1 million for medical costs
• Repatriation: Must be medically necessary AND advisable
• Duration: Many policies only cover 42–56 days
• Activities: Scuba diving and jet-skiing often excluded
• Excess: Usually €50-100 per claim

My recommendation for German residents: DKV Europaplus or Allianz Elvia – both cover extended EU stays.

How Much Does Treatment Cost Without Insurance?

If you ever get caught out uninsured, here are the real-world ballpark costs:

Insurance Scams and What to Watch For

Unfortunately, Malta is a hotspot for insurance scams. Here are a few red flags:

• Overpriced tourist policies: Policies sold at the airport or in hotels
• Fake providers: Always check Malta’s insurance register
• Upfront fraud: Legitimate insurers never require up-front payment in emergencies
• Inflated bills: Private clinics sometimes charge foreigners more

Tip: Always ask for a detailed bill and compare prices with other patients or look them up online.

Repatriation to Germany: When and How

Medical repatriation can easily cost €15,000–50,000. When is it required?

• Medically necessary: Treatment not possible in Malta
• Medically advisable: Treatment much better in Germany
• Psychological reasons: Language barrier, family support

The decision is always up to the insurance doctor – not you or your GP back home. Make sure you have solid repatriation cover.

Practical Tips: Emergency Preparedness for Malta Residents

After two years on the island, I’ve learned: The best emergency help is the one you never need because you were prepared. Here’s my checklist for those staying longer or visiting regularly.

The Ultimate Emergency Contacts List for Your Phone

Save these numbers under easy-to-remember names:

• Malta Emergency: 112
• Malta Police: 191
• Malta Hospital: 2545 4000 (Mater Dei)
• Embassy DE: 2158 5531
• Embassy DE Emergency: 9942 7364
• Poison Malta: 2545 4000
• Power Outage: 8007 2224
• Water Emergency: 116

Pro tip: Create a contact ICE Malta (In Case of Emergency) with the most important numbers listed in the notes.

Digitize Documents: What You Should Always Have on You

Malta loves paperwork – without the right documents, nothing gets done. My digital emergency folder:

1. ID/Passport: Photo + PDF stored in the cloud
2. EHIC card: Photo of both sides
3. Insurance policies: Numbers and contact info
4. Emergency contacts: Family, friends, employer
5. Medication list: With ingredients in English
6. Allergies/Medical info: In English
7. Bank contacts: Emergency hotlines for lost cards

Save everything both locally and in the cloud – if your phones gone, you can access it from another device.

Medical Emergency Kit for Your Malta Home

This is what I always keep at home – it’s already saved me more than one trip to the hospital:

Money in an Emergency: Your Backup Strategies

Lost cards or a blocked account happen more often than you think. My advice:

• At least two bank cards from different providers
• €100-200 cash hidden in your home
• Revolut or similar app as a backup account
• PayPal with balance for online purchases
• Know your account details by heart for Western Union etc.

Alternative Transport When All Else Fails

Malta’s public transport is… shall we say, room for improvement. For emergencies you need alternatives:

• Taxi apps: Bolt, eCabs, Cool Taxi – all accept card payments
• Car rental apps: GoTo, Avis One Way for longer distances
• Emergency contacts: Friends with cars (Malta is small!)
• Uber: Only works sporadically, not reliable
• On foot: Sliema to Valletta is just a 20-minute walk

Communication When the Network Goes Down

Power cuts arent rare in Malta, especially in summer. For backup communication:

• Keep a power bank charged at all times
• Offline maps (Google Maps works without internet)
• WhatsApp Web via cafés or libraries
• Landline phone (works even in power outages)
• Check on your neighbours – Malta is close-knit

The Most Useful Apps for Malta Emergencies

Install these apps:

• 112 Malta: Official emergency app with GPS location
• Malta Weather: For severe weather alerts
• Malta Public Transport: Bus routes and delays
• Find My Pharmacy: Find the nearest open pharmacy
• What3Words: Precise geolocation for rescue services
• Google Translate: For Maltese-English translations

Seasonal Challenges: What to Keep in Mind Throughout the Year

Summer (June–September):

• Heat stroke risk – always carry water
• Power outages from AC overload
• Crowded beaches and emergency services
• Higher crime rates in tourist hotspots

Winter (December–February):

• Surprisingly severe storms
• Flooding in low-lying areas
• Slippery roads when it rains
• Limited ferry services to Gozo

With this level of preparation, you’re covered for 95% of emergencies. And remember: Malta is an EU country with a solid infrastructure – most problems can be solved, even if sometimes it takes a bit longer than you’re used to.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does German health insurance work in Malta?

With the EHIC card, you are entitled to the same medical care as Maltese nationals. That means free emergency treatment in public hospitals, but not private care or repatriation.

Which number should I call for a medical emergency?

Dial 112 (European emergency number) or 196 directly for an ambulance. Both are available 24/7 and staff speak English.

Do I always have to call the police for a car accident?

If there are personal injuries or damages over €1,000, you must notify the police (191). For minor fender benders, the European accident report often suffices, but a police report is usually helpful for insurance companies.

Where can I find a pharmacy open at night?

Call the 1570 hotline or use the Find My Pharmacy Malta app. Emergency pharmacies rotate daily; the info is also published in the Malta Today newspaper.

What happens if I lose my passport in Malta?

Go to the nearest police station and file a report. With the police report, you can apply for an emergency travel document at the German embassy. It costs €30 and takes 1–2 working days.

Do Maltese doctors and police speak German?

English is an official language and widely spoken everywhere. German is mostly spoken by doctors in private clinics and police in touristy spots like Sliema or St. Julians.

How much does private emergency hospital care cost?

An emergency treatment in a private clinic costs €200-500. Inpatient stays can run €400-800 per day. Good travel or health insurance will cover those costs.

Can EU citizens get free care at Mater Dei Hospital?

Yes, with an EHIC card you get the same treatment as Maltese citizens. But always bring the card – without it, you’ll be billed as a private patient.

Does my German liability insurance cover me in Malta?

Most German liability plans are valid across the EU, but check your specific policy. For longer stays or residency, you’ll likely need a Maltese policy.

What should I do if the power goes out on Gozo?

Call Enemalta at 8007 2224. Power cuts are more common on Gozo than Malta. Always keep a power bank and torch ready. Most outages last 1–3 hours.