As members of the European Economic Area, the Maltese will, as from next Saturday enjoy the same health benefits as residents of the EEA countries they visit during their holidays or short stays.
The EEA comprises the EU member states together with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
The Health Department's Entitlement Unit project leader, Joseph Church, and head of unit Shirley Sultana said that temporary visitors to one of these countries should fill a form, the E111, which they should carry with them to the country or countries they are visiting.
This form entitles residents of the EEA countries to public health care and treatment on the same terms enjoyed by the nationals of that country. However, it covers only emergency treatment, not pre-conditions. It also does not cover repatriation.
Ms Sultana and Mr Church said that should one require treatment in one of these countries - but not be in possession of the E111 - that person would be able to claim reimbursement for expenses over and above those that would have been incurred by nationals of that country and the Entitlement Unit would act as intermediaries. All receipts would have to be presented. Alternately, one could call the unit in Malta and the form would be faxed.
The cost of treatment would eventually be charged to the respective governments of the people receiving the treatment.
The E111, Mr Church said, was not in any way a replacement for insurance, and it was always advisable for one to have insurance when travelling.
First of all, residents had to pay for a percentage of their treatment in certain countries and this could be higher than the insurance excess and the E111 applied only to public treatment and doctors, when in certain instances it could be more feasible and closer to go to a private doctor or hospital.
Ms Sultana said the E111 was helpful in countries where language was a barrier. As it was a common form used by all participating countries, it would save one a lot of communication problems to just show the form. This would show the medical staff that that particular person had to be treated as an EEA citizen.
The Entitlement Unit, she said, was already filling E111 forms for people travelling in May.
One can apply for an E111 by going to the Entitlement Unit, where the ID card would be necessary, or by e-mail, letter or telephone, giving personal details including name and surname, ID card number, date of birth and address.
The unit is at the Health Ministry, St John Street, Valletta, tel. 2299 2515, 2299 2345.
Those not applying for the form in person would receive it by post or can make arrangements to collect it.
The unit will post all forms within 24 hours of application. It hopes to have its own web page, giving further details about this and other services by May 1.
Mr Church said the unit was involved in a six-month twinning project with the UK which was assisting Malta to set up its office.
entitlement@mhec.gov.mt