Understanding the Medical Benefits Provided Under Malta’s Social Security System

Malta’s social security system offers a range of medical benefits designed to support individuals with differenti health-related needs. Understanding these benefits and how to access them can help you make the most of the support available. Here’s an overview:

1. Free Medical Aid (Pink Form)

The Free Medical Aid, commonly known as the Pink Form, provides eligible individuals with access to free certain medical services and medications. This benefit is aimed at those who are unable to afford medical care due to financial constraints.

2. Sickness Benefit

The Sickness Benefit is available to employed or self-occupied individuals who are unable to attend work due to short-time illness. To qualify, you must submit a Blue Medical Certificate completed by a medical practitioner within ten days of the first day of sickness. The benefit is paid for the duration of the illness starting from the fourth day of illness, provided it is certified by a medical professional.

3. Long-Term Sickness Benefit

For individuals with prolonged illnesses, the Long-Term Sickness Benefit offers extended financial support. After 156 days of continuous sickness benefit, the claim is automatically converted to the Increased Sickness Benefit, which continues until the individual is fit to return to work or exhausts the benefit period.

4. Injury Benefit

If you suffer an injury at your place of work, you may be eligible for the Injury Benefit. This benefit provides financial support during your recovery period. To apply, you need to submit a medical certificate detailing the nature and extent of the injury.

5. Medical Assistance for Specific Conditions

Malta’s social security system also provides targeted assistance for specific medical conditions, including:

• Social Assistance Medical: Financial support to those persons who cannot commit to any type of employment due to their medical condition.
• Sickness Assistance: May be awarded to a person who proves that the person responsible for the household or any family member living within the household is suffering from a disease as listed in the Social Security Act (Cap. 318.) and that could only be cured or alleviated by a special diet or regiment, which incurs an additional expenditure.
• Leprosy Assistance: Support for individuals diagnosed with leprosy.
• Tuberculosis Assistance: Financial aid for those undergoing treatment for tuberculosis.
• Milk Grant: Assistance for the mother with specific dietary needs requiring milk supplements after giving birth.

6. Invalidity Pension

The Invalidity Pension may be granted to individuals who are certified as incapable of engaging in suitable full-time or part-time employment or self-occupation due to a serious disease, physical impairment, or mental disability. Eligibility is subject to fulfilling the required social security contributions as stipulated under the Social Security Act (Cap. 318).

This pension may also be awarded to a claimant who had a claim for Injury Benefit accepted and was certified to have suffered more than 90% disablement resulting from the same injury or a disease arising out of, or during course of his/her employment or self-occupation.

7. Disabled Child Allowance

A Disabled Child Allowance may be granted to children who are certified to be suffering from a physical and/or mental disability. This allowance is paid in addition to the Children’s Allowance and is valid until children turn sixteen (16) years, or fourteen (14) years of age in case of visual impairment.

8. Disability Assistances for adults

The Department of Social Security in Malta provides disability assistance to eligible individuals:

• Assistance for the Visually Impaired that may be available for individuals aged between fourteen (14) years and under sixty-five (65) years of age, who are either completely or partially visually impaired.
• Disability Assistance that may be awarded to individuals aged between sixteen (16) years and under sixty-five (65) years of age, who suffer from total paralysis, permanent total severe malfunction, or permanent total disability due to amputation of an upper or lower limb. Disability Assistance is also awarded to individuals with hearing or speech impairment.
• Severe Disability Assistance (physical) that may be available for individuals aged between sixteen (16) years and under sixty-five (65) years of age, with physical disabilities.
• Severe Disability Assistance (intellectual) that may be provided to individuals aged between sixteen (16) years and under sixty-five (65) years of age, with intellectual and general learning disabilities.

9. Energy Benefit Humanitarian Cases

This benefit is aimed to mitigate the effect of the increase in expenditure on water and electricity bills of low-income families on humanitarian grounds related to medical issues. The application is reviewed by a Medical Advisory Board, appointed in accordance to the Social Security Act (Cap. 318.) so that a decision is taken.

How to Apply for Medical Benefits

To apply for medical benefits, follow these steps:

• Determine Eligibility: Check the specific requirements for each benefit to ensure you qualify.
• Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary documents, including medical certificates and identification.
• Submit Application: Applications can be submitted online through the mySocialSecurity portal or in person at your local Servizz.gov hub.
• Follow Up: Keep track of your application status and provide any additional information if requested.

Keeping Your Information Updated

It is crucial to keep your personal details held by the department of social security up-to-date to ensure you receive your benefits without any issues. This includes updating your contact details and bank account information.

By understanding the medical benefits provided under Malta’s social security system, you can access the support you need.

If you like more details on a specific medical benefit or assistance with the application process, please visit our Contact Us page. Then select the appropriate benefit or assistance from the drop-down list and provide the details of your query. You may aslo wish to contact us by calling  on Servizz.gov Freephone 153 (ext.11).