Air Tickets:
When a patient is approved for treatment overseas and an appointment is received they are called to the office so that the necessary arrangements are started. Patients are generally issued open return tickets as the return date from overseas is unknown. Patients may opt to make their own flight arrangements and then ask for a refund. The refund will not exceed the amount which would have been paid had arrangements been made by the staff at the Treatment Abroad Section. The costs for special arrangements such as stretcher, incubator, oxygen, leg space, medical escort and air ambulance are all borne by the Department. The Treatment Abroad Office also assists relatives with the flights booking; costs are borne by the family. However the family can seek the financial assistance of charitable institutions such as Malta Community Chest Fund and Puttinu Cares Foundation.

For patients over the age of 18 years the Department covers the cost of patients’ flights however for patients under the age of 18 the Department covers also the cost of flight tickets for two accompanying persons.

Accommodation:

The Department covers the cost of accommodation of patients only.

For patients being treated in London and Sutton:

The Department of Health has Agreements with the Franciscan Sisters in London and Puttinu Cares Foundation who offer accommodation services to patients receiving treatment. Arrangements with the Augustinian Nuns in Oval are also in place. Payment to these institutions is made by the Department.

The Sisters’ accommodation is based in Victoria, London and is easily accessible to hospitals based in Central London. The apartments owned by Puttinu Cares Foundation are based in Surrey and these are generally used by patients receiving treatment at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, Surrey.

For patients outside London and Sutton such as Manchester and outside UK (except Palermo):

In cases where patients are receiving treatment outside London accommodation arrangements are carried out by the patients and relatives however the Treatment Abroad Unit will provide guidance and assistance. These patients would be expected to pay for accommodation are then reimbursed on their return to Malta.

For patients in Palermo:

Accommodation for patients being treated at ISMETT Palermo is organised by the Hospital Administration. This accommodation for patient is paid directly the Department.

Accommodation arrangements are as far as possible made in lodging close to the hospitals where the patients are receiving treatment. The patients are free to make their own accommodation arrangements and are eligible for capped refund on presentation of original receipts. If accommodation is available in the vicinity of the hospital but patients opt to stay in lodging which is far, the department is not bound to provide transport between lodging and hospitals.

Transport:

Patients receiving treatment in London and Sutton are provided with transport from and to designate airports and to attend for hospital appointments. Up to two accompanying persons can travel in the same car with the patient if space permits. Patients may choose to make their own travel arrangements and ask for reimbursement upon presentation of original receipts. The reimbursement would be according to the approved transport rates.