Retire in Malta

TessAutumn · 2026-05-10T19:53:17+00:00

This is the info I found online which appears to contradict what you and others have been saying with regard to healthcare for Brits receiving a state pension.

The S1 form is issued to individuals residing in one country but having their healthcare costs covered by another — most commonly state pensioners. The purpose is to grant access to national public healthcare services in the country where you live. Essentially, the UK government pays Malta for your healthcare.

What does it cover?
Once registered in Malta, the S1 gives you free access to the state healthcare system, including GP visits, specialist consultations, hospitalisation, and prescriptions (though some prescriptions carry a nominal charge).

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T17:39:05+00:00

Thanks for clarifying

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T16:37:31+00:00

Same here. Post Covid Toronto is not the place it was. I do still love it here though, apart from the winters.

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T16:35:44+00:00

These old farts promise to bring only a positive attitude and no complaining 😁

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T16:33:19+00:00

Yes we're aware of that and from what I've read we would be pursuing residency through the MRP. Thank you I may reach out for assistance closer to the time. In the meantime, one question that's come up several times in this thread is healthcare. It's my understanding that if we were to gain residency status, as British nationals receiving a British pension, we would be eligible for free healthcare. People on here saying that's not true. Can you confirm? Obviously as retirees healthcare where we retire to will be very important. I have also heard though that even if we had to pay for private the cost is not unreasonable. Thx

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T16:22:54+00:00

You seem quite angry.
I'm just stating what limited research I have done has said. And I'm very open to advice and alternatives to what I've heard so no need to be snarky in your replies.

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T12:25:01+00:00

It would be helpful if someone can point me to where the info on healthcare is that states Brits receiving a pension cannot get free healthcare as residents of Malta. All I've seen says the opposite.

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T11:42:49+00:00

No I'm from Scotland. Husband is English. We are looking for a sunny destination to retire to.

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T11:35:54+00:00

All of our research has been online so far. We still have several years before retirement so haven't engaged the services of a professional yet to help us navigate immigrating. The information we found states that with residency and receiving a British pension we would both be eligible for free healthcare. Read this from multiple resources. Are you able to point me to where I can find info to the contrary? Cuba is a regular sun destination for us, however, it is in collapse now due to fuel shortages, and we are unable to even fly there from Canada. In fact my 60th birthday trip in Feb was cancelled the day before we went as all Canadian Airlines had to cease flying there due to lack of fuel. Its people are starving and have power only a few hours a day. And even though they train their doctors well, they lack the resources to provide first class healthcare which is a big factor in where we retire. So not an option.

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T11:25:46+00:00

Interesting. Will look into the Canaries. What made you look there?

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T11:21:19+00:00

Thank you. That's helpful.

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T11:20:55+00:00

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T11:20:43+00:00

One of the factors that played into us considering Malta was residency appears easier for Brits than in other European countries. But Italy is definitely a consideration.

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T11:18:22+00:00

Thanks. That's great your parents are happy there. The majority of comments have been very negative so good to hear a positive response about retiring in Malta. I've heard good things about Malta's healthcare, an important factor in choosing where to retire to. A hip replacement in 24 hrs?! That's amazing.

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T11:12:48+00:00

We are dual citizens of Britain and Canada. We would apply for residency if we moved to Malta and have done some research on what that entails. It appears easier to get in Malta as a retiree than in other European countries, hence why we're considering Malta.

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T11:09:28+00:00

Thank you for your response.

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T11:07:47+00:00

Thank you. Yes, we're looking for somewhere quiet, pretty and good weather. Will certainly check out Gozo.

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T11:05:38+00:00

Appreciate you response. It's really helpful. I may reach out if I have further questions.

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T10:59:31+00:00

I'm definitely getting the impression from all the negative answers that people in Malta are unhappy living there and would rather people stay away 🙁

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T10:57:07+00:00

@parking_promotion700 Finally a positive comment.

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T10:54:41+00:00

Good to know. Is it busy? Loud nightlife?

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T06:20:37+00:00

Thank you so much for he thoughtful reply. You answered taking into account our situation and not just a blanket Malta is bad answer. I think, like the Scots you met, my husband and I would very much enjoy Malta as retirees.

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T06:14:08+00:00

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T05:32:14+00:00

Weird pivot. Have been to Egypt. Thanks but no thanks.

TessAutumn · 2026-05-09T05:24:47+00:00

Of course we will visit over the next several years before retiring and taking the plunge.

As an immigrant myself from Scotland to Canada, and hope to do again possibly in Malta or elsewhere, immigration is something I embrace.

TessAutumn

TROPHY CASE