Moving to a new country usually means creating new memories. Still, accidents or emergencies can happen, and you may find yourself needing assistance in your host country. Whether you are traveling through or settling in Malta, you can rest assured that the Maltese emergency services are highly reliable and efficient.
What should I do if I meet with an accident in Malta?
If you or someone else is involved in an accident, such as a car accident or a work-related incident, or during leisure activities, you must call the emergency number to get the necessary assistance from the relevant authorities.
Good to know:
The emergency number in Malta is 112. It connects you to medical services, firefighters, and the police.
This free European emergency number, 112, can be dialed from any phone (landline, public phone booth, or mobile phone, even without a SIM card). It can be used in any potentially dangerous situation, including:
- Serious medical issues (accident, loss of consciousness, severe injury, chest pain, cramps);
- Any type of fire (house, car);
- Life-threatening situations (crime).
Also, be aware that hospitals in Malta (Msida) and Gozo (Victoria) have excellent facilities for emergency care and accidents. Both offer their services completely free of charge.
Hospitals with emergency rooms in Malta
Mater Dei
, also known as Sptar Mater Dei, is the largest public hospital in Malta. It has an emergency department open 24/7, staffed by highly qualified personnel. This service is intended for people with urgent medical issues related to illness or accidents.
Unless you require the intervention of an ambulance, the Accident and Emergency Department at Mater Dei Hospital is accessible by bus, car, or taxi. The building is well signposted, making it easy to find.
Contact information for Mater Dei
Address: Triq Dun Karm, L-Imsida, Malta
Phone: 356 2545 0000 / 2545 4030
Saint James Hospital
The is private. In fact, the Saint James Hospital Group operates several hospitals and clinics in Malta. It has an Immediate Medical Care Unit (IMCU) for accidents and emergencies in Sliema, Żejtun, and Burmarrad, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Being private, the emergency services at Saint James Hospital are chargeable. If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible for reimbursement later.
Contact information for Saint James Hospital
Address: Saint James Capua Hospital Sliema, George Borg Olivier Street Sliema, SLM 1807,
Phone: 356 2329 1000
Gozo General Hospital
The Gozo General Hospital is a public facility located on the island of Gozo. It provides medical and surgical services to inpatients and outpatients. It is equipped with an emergency department and has an air ambulance service based in Gozo, connecting it to hospitals in Malta.
Contact information for Gozo General Hospital
Address: Archbishop Pietru Pace Street, Victoria VCT 2520
Emergency phone number: 112
Regular phone number: 356 2344 6000
Diving accidents in Malta
Malta is a popular and safe destination for scuba diving. The instructors are trained and reliable professionals you can trust. However, it is important to know what to do in case of a diving accident. The most common is a decompression accident, which occurs when the procedures for managing underwater pressure changes are not followed.
Hyperbaric chambers are available in Malta and Gozo:
- Mater Dei Hospital, Malta: the unit is located on level -2, below the Accident and Emergency Department;
- Gozo General Hospital.
Emergency pharmacies in Malta
The are open from Monday to Friday and Saturday morning during normal business hours. There are also on-call pharmacies outside of opening hours, as well as several pharmacies open on Sundays and public holidays, with establishments taking turns to ensure service on these days.
Check the government website for the .
Most pharmacies offer general medical services through the presence of a general practitioner, which is a paid service. It is advisable to call before visiting to verify exact dates, fees, and whether an appointment is necessary.
Emergency and rescue services at sea and on the beach in Malta
If during your stay in Malta you visit one of the many sandy or rocky beaches in the country, choose a Blue Flag beach in Malta. This is a guarantee of water quality, environmental management, and safety. Lifeguards, or at least rescue equipment, are available on these beaches, as well as first aid equipment. Here is the :
- Marsalforn Bay - Marsalforn, Gozo;
- Ħondoq Ir-Rummien - Qala, Gozo;
- Med-Bar Reef Club - Saint Julian's;
- St. George - Saint Julian's;
- Fond Għadir - Sliema;
- Għajn Tuffieħa Bay;
- Golden Bay;
- Mellieħa Bay;
- Buġibba Perched Beach;
- Qawra Point.
Important:
Do not swim when double red flags are flying on the beach.
Do not dive without a buddy.
The sea can be rough in Malta, so avoid standing near the water during swells or storms: the sea could sweep you away.
If you see someone in distress at sea, call 112. Throw a lifebuoy or any floating object to the person if available nearby.The same advice applies in case of an emerg ncy at sea.
Refer to the emergency numbers below.
Other useful emergency contacts in Malta
Malta Police - Phone: +356 2122 4001 / +356 2122 4009
Civil Protection Department - Phone: +356 2393 0000
Armed Forces of Malta - Phone: +356 2249 4016
Municipal Police (LESA) - Phone: +356 2347 7400 / +356 2132 0202 (Collision Unit / Towed Vehicles)
Emergency Helicopter Rescue - Phone: +356 2124 4371
Emergency Patrol Boat Rescue - Phone: +356 2123 8797
Emergency Veterinary Services - Phone: +356 5004 3888
Important:
When calling an emergency service, be sure to specify:
- The nature of the incident;
- The location of the incident;
- Your location;
- The Maltese phone number used during your communication.
Useful links:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
