I retired permanently to Malta with my husband in 2018. We know the island well because I inherited 2 flats in St Paul's Bay in 1972.
Anyway when I left my cough was bad (I also suffer from Bronchiectasis), waking up every night reliably at 3:00. Every couple of months I seemed to get a bad cold. I found that winter in particular was a nightmare and was guaranteed to leave me breathless when I went out.
It took some time to register properly so I could get free treatment (I get the same as the Maltese) and get a referral to a chest specialist at Mater Dei. To cut a long story short, they couldn't have been better. Amended my preventative medication to a red inhaler and scheduled regular appointments to monitor me. Also an appointment to give respiratory physio. My medication is free
No coughs now at all, some occasional breathlessness which is rapidly stopped by Ventolin. Best of all, I went this week for a check up and was told that I need not come again. If I felt that I needed one, my GP would give me a referral.
Yes I know that it is hot at the moment, but the weather suits me (especially during the winter). All in all I feel really so much better here
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sandravale
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It sounds idyllic. I'm so pleased that you've found the place of your dreams, free healthcare and meds, a good chest specialist and a plan that works. You've fallen on your feet there! 👍
About 30C in the day but houses here are built for the heat with high ceilings and stone floors. All our rooms have fans and the living room and bedroom has air conditioning (doubling as heating in the winter).
All in all, a lot more comfortable than the UK in a heatwave.
I'm about 200 metres from the sea front with all local shops in less than 1/2 mile (including chemist and gp). If I take the bus into Mosta (about 20mins away), the health centre is free otherwise I pay €10 to see my gp privately.
As a pensioner, I pay 25 cents (less than 25p) for any bus journey - not bad.
My husband misses his garden but he has high blood pressure and heart disease. At the age of nearly 82,he just couldn't cope with the garden and house maintenance. No worries here
Omg sounds amazing. My doctor always tells me the best chance I have of having a normal chest is moving abroad to a warmer climate. Hope your doing well.
That sounds amazing! I am very pleased for you. I have often wondered where might be best for my chest to live. That’s good you”ve found a good place for your chest. It all sounds lovely.
I lived in St Julian's for 5 years. I found my asthma and breathing got worse every time they knocked a building down which in Malta seams to be a regular occurrence.
A Maltese doctor told me that Malta has the highest number of asthmatics in Europe.
Malta is a lovely country and I'm glad it is working out for you but, I myself or should I say my asthma likes the British climate best.
I came from the UK. My experience is that most things are better. There is no appointment system at either the health centre or gp so as long as you are prepared to wait you can see them immediately (might be 1 and a half hour wait if they are busy) . Referrals to my chest specialist came through in 2 months but then subsequent appointments were quick as was the referral for physio.
Chronic medication is free but I have to pay for others (antibiotics). Prices aren't high. My husbands medication for high blood pressure and heart disease is free and his treatment has been good. I get the same treatment as a Maltese.
Other ex pats have said their experience has been good for minor ops. My neighbour (82) fell down and her emergency treatment for a hip replacement has been excellent. She is currently in a home and pays €150 per week for everything. I've seen the home and it is first class. My Maltese friend has had first class treatment for breast cancer
I think that if you had something really unusual, matters might be different. I remember 20 years ago, Siamese twins were referred to Gt Ormond St so they could be separated .
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