Country market
malta flag

Malta insurance market

Malta is an EU member state and eurozone country whose insurance sector serves two distinct markets: a small domestic retail market and a large international market. The domestic market is served by a handful of local composite insurers and is characterised by insurance penetration below the EU average. Malta has simultaneously developed into a significant international insurance domicile, attracting multinational captives, protected cell companies (PCCs), incorporated cell companies (ICCs), and reinsurers through its EU passporting rights, innovative PCC legislation and competitive regulatory framework. The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is the single prudential and conduct regulator for all financial services including insurance, operating under the Insurance Business Act (Cap. 403) and the Insurance Distribution Act (Cap. 487). Total gross premiums written for risks outside Malta by Malta-domiciled insurers reached EUR 7.6 billion in 2023, with insurance cells growing to 79 and non-domestic insurers and captives numbering 57. The domestic non-life premium income stood at approximately EUR 217.75 million in 2019 per MIA data, and the market has continued to grow since. The financial and insurance sector collectively accounts for 8.2% of Malta's real Gross Value Added as of 2024.

Generated by: Claude Sonnet 4.6

Reviewed by: Desislava Tsvetkova

Active insurers

70

Last reviewed

Apr 30, 2026

Country market

Available products

Motor third-party liability

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Motor casco

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Travel insurance

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Insurer directory

Active insurers

Insurers currently active in Malta.

Gross written premium (EUR m)

EUR 38.9mEUR 80.7mEUR 122.4mEUR 164.1mEUR 205.8m205.8MAPFRE MSV Li…101.7MAPFRE Middle…77.5GasanMamo Ins…

Market share

MAPFRE Middle…
31.8%
Atlas Insuran…
20.0%

MAPFRE MSV Life p.l.c.

#1

EUR 205.8m (2024)

life
www.mapfre.com.mtMarket reference only

MAPFRE Middlesea p.l.c.

#2

EUR 101.7m (2024)

motorpropertyhealthliabilitylife
www.mapfre.com.mtMarket reference only

GasanMamo Insurance Limited

Gzira, Malta

#3

GasanMamo Insurance Limited is one of Malta's leading general insurance companies, formed in 1999 through a merger of Gasan Insurance Agency and Galdes & Mamo Limited, with roots dating to 1947. It provides a wide range of personal and commercial insurance products including motor, home, health, travel, boat, landlord, multi-dwelling, business, cyber, and personal accident insurance.

EUR 77.45m (2024)

motorpropertyhealthtravelliabilityother

Atlas Insurance PCC Limited

#4
motorpropertyhealthliabilityother
www.atlas.com.mtMarket reference only

Elmo Insurance Limited

Ta' Xbiex, Malta

#5

Elmo Insurance Limited is a Malta-based general insurer founded in 1981 through the merger of C&H Bartoli and Cassar & Cooper, two local agents for UK principals. Since Malta's EU accession in 2004, when RSA withdrew from Malta and transferred its portfolio, Elmo has operated as a fully independent, locally-owned insurer offering personal and commercial insurance products.

motorpropertyhealthtravelliabilityother

Citadel Insurance p.l.c.

#6
motorpropertyhealthlifetravelliabilityother
www.citadelplc.comMarket reference only

HSBC Life Assurance (Malta) Ltd

#7
life
www.hsbc.com.mt/insurance/Market reference only

LifeStar Insurance p.l.c.

#8
lifehealth
lifestarinsurance.comMarket reference only

IVALIFE Insurance Limited

#9
life
iva.lifeMarket reference only

Market overview

Market numbers

Total premiums

EUR 7.6bn (total incl. cross-border risks written by Malta-domiciled insurers, 2023)

Population

574,250

Registered vehicles

445,711

2023Yearly trend

Total premiums (EUR bn)

EUR 0.0bnEUR 1.9bnEUR 3.8bnEUR 5.7bnEUR 7.6bn1.0420091.5120100.2220197.602023
Total premiumsAnnual growthNon-life shareLife shareActive insurersInsurance penetrationClaims paid
2023EUR 7.6bn (risks outside Malta written by Malta-domiciled insurers)Not availableNot availableNot availableNot availableNot availableNot available
2019EUR 217.75mn (domestic non-life only, MIA data)Not available
100%
Not available5Not availableNot available
2010EUR 1.51bn (total, all Malta-domiciled insurers)+45%
68%
32%
50Not availableNot available
2009EUR 1.04bn (total, all Malta-domiciled insurers)Not available
69%
31%
Not availableNot availableNot available

Market notes

Important news

Apr 28, 2026

MFSA Issues Dear CEO Letters on Complaints Handling Weaknesses Across Insurance Sector

Following a cross-sector OBS review conducted during 2025, the MFSA issued Dear CEO letters identifying market-wide weaknesses in complaints handling governance at insurance undertakings. Entities were given one year to remediate shortcomings, with follow-up assessments planned for 2027.

Why it matters

Signals regulatory escalation of conduct standards for complaints handling; entities failing to comply by 2026 risk further supervisory measures. Directly relevant to consumer protection across the whole domestic market.

Insurance undertakings licensed by MFSA
Sources

Apr 2, 2026

MFSA Publishes OBS Review Findings on 31 Corporate Tied Insurance Intermediaries

The MFSA issued a Dear CEO letter with findings from its 2025 Outcomes-Based Supervision thematic review of 31 corporate Tied Insurance Intermediaries (TIIs) distributing long-term life products. Gaps found included inadequate disclosure, insufficient record-keeping of client meetings, and cold-calling concerns. TIIs must remediate by end of 2026.

Why it matters

Market-wide guidance requiring all TIIs to raise conduct and disclosure standards; potential for follow-up enforcement actions in 2027 if gaps not remediated. Signals MFSA's intensified focus on life insurance distribution practices.

31 Corporate Tied Insurance Intermediaries (unnamed)Insurance undertakings appointing TIIs
Sources

Aug 6, 2025

MFSA Reports €926,485 in Penalties Across Financial Sector in 2024, Insurance Among Highest-Penalised

The MFSA published its 2024 enforcement overview reporting 134 enforcement actions from 387 concluded investigations, with total penalties of €926,485. The insurance and pensions sector was among the sectors with the highest number of penalties. 38 cases were resolved via settlement agreements.

Why it matters

Marked increase in penalty volumes signals stronger MFSA enforcement posture. Insurance sector's prominence in penalty data underlines the MFSA's intensified focus on reporting compliance and conduct standards.

Multiple anonymous insurance undertakings and intermediaries
Sources

Jun 20, 2025

MFSA Imposes Administrative Penalty on Insurance Undertaking via Settlement Agreement

On 20 June 2025, the MFSA agreed a settlement with an insurance undertaking (anonymised under its publication policy) and imposed an administrative penalty of €1,320 for regulatory reporting breaches. The settlement was entered following the undertaking's demonstration of goodwill.

Why it matters

Part of the MFSA's 2024 enforcement drive that resulted in €926,485 in total penalties across sectors; insurance and pensions sector among the highest-penalised. Demonstrates continued use of settlement agreements to resolve breaches efficiently.

Anonymous Insurance Undertaking (Ref: 2025-10)
Sources

Apr 16, 2025

Malta Transposes Motor Insurance Directive: New Protection and Compensation Fund Regulations

On 16 April 2025, Malta enacted revisions to the Insurance Business Act and promulgated new Protection and Compensation Fund Regulations (S.L. 403.25) to fully transpose EU Motor Insurance Directive 2021/2118. The scope of the Fund was broadened to cover motor vehicle liability insurers writing business outside Malta, not only domestically.

Why it matters

Significantly broadens policyholder and third-party protections in case of insurer insolvency; insurers writing motor business across EU from Malta now must contribute to the Fund. Closes a regulatory gap exposed by the 2014 Setanta Insurance insolvency.

All MFSA-licensed motor vehicle liability insurersMalta Protection and Compensation Fund
Sources

Apr 16, 2025

Malta Amends Insurance Rules: Captive and PCC SFCR Audit Exemption Effective 16 April 2025

Malta amended Chapter 8 of the Insurance Rules effective 16 April 2025, granting captive insurance and reinsurance undertakings, and PCC cells conducting exclusively affiliated insurance business, an exemption from the requirement to have specific Solvency and Financial Condition Report (SFCR) templates audited, in line with the 2025 Solvency II Directive amendment.

Why it matters

Reduces compliance costs for Malta's captive and PCC sector, reinforcing Malta's competitiveness as the only EU jurisdiction with PCC legislation. Aligns with the EU Solvency II proportionality reforms published in January 2025.

Captive insurance undertakings in MaltaProtected Cell Companies (PCC cells)Reinsurance undertakings
Sources

Jan 8, 2025

EU Publishes Solvency II Amendment and Insurance Recovery and Resolution Directive (IRRD)

On 8 January 2025, the EU published amendments to the Solvency II Directive and the new Insurance Recovery and Resolution Directive (IRRD) in the Official Journal, entering into force on 28 January 2025. Member States including Malta must transpose both directives by 29 January 2027. The MFSA confirmed a hybrid resolution funding model at its 2026 Insurance Conference.

Why it matters

Most significant structural reform of EU insurance regulation since Solvency II in 2016. Introduces mandatory recovery and resolution planning, new resolution tools, and stronger cross-border supervisory coordination. Malta must establish a resolution funding arrangement linked to GWP.

All MFSA-licensed insurance and reinsurance undertakingsMFSA (Resolution Authority)
Sources

Dec 24, 2024

New Insurance Business Act (Fees) Regulations 2024 Published

Malta published the Insurance Business Act (Fees) Regulations, 2024 (L.N. 368 of 2024) in the Government Gazette on 24 December 2024, replacing the previous fee regulations (S.L. 403.04). The new regulations updated supervisory fee structures for insurance undertakings.

Why it matters

Updates fee structures applicable to the insurance sector, directly impacting operating costs for insurance undertakings. Forms part of Malta's ongoing alignment of supervisory fee frameworks.

All MFSA-licensed insurance undertakingsMFSA
Sources

Regulation

Regulation

MFSA

Malta Financial Services Authority

Single regulator and supervisor of all financial services in Malta, including insurance undertakings, reinsurance undertakings, and insurance intermediaries. Also acts as Resolution Authority. Responsible for both prudential and conduct supervision under the Insurance Business Act (Cap. 403) and the Insurance Distribution Act (Cap. 487). Serves as Malta's national competent authority within EIOPA and the EU Solvency II framework.

https://www.mfsa.mt

MIA

Insurance Association Malta (formerly Malta Insurance Association)

Non-profit trade association representing the views and common interests of all insurance companies transacting business in or from Malta. Operates the Malta Green Card Bureau, the Motor Insurers Bureau, and the Motor Insurance Pool. Responsible for implementing a professional code of conduct within the industry.

https://maltainsurance.org

MGCB

Malta Green Card Bureau

Established in 1984 and comprising all insurers that transact motor insurance in Malta. Membership is compulsory for motor insurers. Forms an integral part of the International Green Card System. Responsible for handling and settling claims arising from motor accidents caused by visiting motorists in Malta, and guarantees Green Cards issued by Maltese insurers abroad.

https://maltainsurance.org/affiliate/malta-green-card-bureau-mgcb/

MIB

Motor Insurers Bureau

Comprises all insurers licensed to transact motor insurance business in Malta. Compensates third-party accident victims of negligent uninsured or untraced drivers. Managed under the auspices of the Malta Insurance Association.

https://maltainsurance.org

PCF

Protection and Compensation Fund

Previously known as the Security Fund, established in 1986. Provides compensation to policyholders in the event of insurer insolvency. Following amendments to the Insurance Business Act in 2024, motor vehicle liability insurers are required to contribute to this fund, transposing key provisions of the EU Motor Insurance Directive (Directive 2021/2118).

https://maltainsurance.org

MIMA

Malta Insurance Management Association

Association of licensed insurance managers in Malta. All licensed insurance managers are members of MIMA. Works closely with the MFSA on industry matters including Solvency II implementation.

FinanceMalta

FinanceMalta

Public-private initiative established in 2007 by the government, regulatory authorities and industry practitioners to promote Malta as an international financial centre, including for insurance and reinsurance. Works to attract international insurance operators and promotes Malta's innovative structures such as PCCs and ICCs.

https://financemalta.org

Key legislation

Key legislation

Insurance Business Act, Chapter 403 of the Laws of Malta (Act XVII of 1998, as amended)

Regulation of Insurance Business

Primary legislation governing the authorisation, supervision and prudential regulation of insurance and reinsurance undertakings in or from Malta. Incorporates the EU Solvency II Directive requirements. Requires all persons carrying on insurance business in or from Malta to be authorised by the MFSA. Sets out fit-and-proper requirements, minimum own funds, scheme of operations, and capital requirements. Also covers freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services by European insurance undertakings in Malta and by Maltese undertakings in the EEA.

Insurance Distribution Act, Chapter 487 of the Laws of Malta (Act XII of 2006, as amended)

Regulation of Insurance Distribution and Intermediaries

Governs the operation of insurance intermediaries including insurance agents, insurance brokers, insurance managers, tied insurance intermediaries and ancillary insurance intermediaries. Transposes the EU Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD). Requires registration with the MFSA and ongoing compliance with conduct of business rules, professional indemnity insurance, and continuous professional development requirements.

Malta Financial Services Authority Act, Chapter 330 of the Laws of Malta

Establishment and Powers of the MFSA

Establishes the MFSA as a fully autonomous public institution that reports to Parliament. Sets out the main functions of the MFSA including consumer protection, integrity of financial markets, financial stability, and supervision of all financial services activities. The MFSA also holds an advisory role to Government on financial services policy.

Companies Act (Cell Companies Carrying on Business of Insurance) Regulations, S.L. 386.10

Protected Cell Companies for Insurance

Provides the legal framework for Protected Cell Companies (PCCs) and Incorporated Cell Companies (ICCs) carrying on insurance business in Malta. Enables the creation of segregated cells within a core company, protecting cellular assets from cross-cell liability. Malta is the only EU member state to offer this structure, making it attractive for captive insurers and international operators seeking cost-effective EU passporting.

Insurance Business (Protection and Compensation Fund) Regulations, S.L. 403.13 (amended by L.N. 318 of 2024)

Motor Insurance Directive Transposition and Protection and Compensation Fund

Reissued in 2024 to transpose key provisions of the EU Motor Insurance Directive (Directive 2021/2118). Requires motor vehicle liability insurers to contribute to the Protection and Compensation Fund. Enhances consumer protection in the event of insurer insolvency. Introduces new contribution requirements for motor insurers.

Insurance Distribution Rules and Conduct of Business Rules issued by the MFSA

MFSA Conduct Rules for Insurance Distribution

MFSA-issued rulebooks governing conduct of business for insurance undertakings and intermediaries in Malta. Updated in 2024 to reflect EU directives and market feedback. Cover areas including value-for-money assessments, sustainability disclosures, AML procedures, cold calling practices, and credit protection insurance (CPI) distribution practices.

EU cross-border access

EU cross-border insurers

AXA Life Europe Limited

Freedom of Services

Home country: Ireland

Supervisor: Central Bank of Ireland

Irish-domiciled AXA group unit providing cross-border life and investment-linked products to consumers in Malta and other EU states; active since the transfer of HSBC Life (Europe) Ltd portfolio.

life
Sources

Allianz SE (AWP P&C S.A. / Allianz Partners)

Freedom of Services

Home country: France

Supervisor: ACPR (France)

Allianz Partners (AWP P&C S.A., France) actively markets travel and international health insurance to residents and visitors in Malta via brokers and online channels.

travelhealth
Sources

Bupa Insurance Limited (via LifeStar Health Ltd)

Freedom of Services

Home country: United Kingdom

Supervisor: Prudential Regulation Authority (UK)

Bupa Insurance Limited (UK) underwrites international private medical insurance distributed in Malta through LifeStar Health Limited, which acts as Bupa's country representative since 1971.

health
Sources

Swiss Life Prevoyance et Sante

Freedom of Services

Home country: France

Supervisor: ACPR (France)

French subsidiary of Swiss Life Group; Citadel Health Insurance Agency Ltd is enrolled as MFSA-licensed insurance agent for Swiss Life Prevoyance et Sante to distribute group health insurance in Malta.

health
Sources

AXA Assurances IARD Mutuelle (AXA Schengen)

Freedom of Services

Home country: France

Supervisor: ACPR (France)

AXA Schengen (underwritten by AXA Assurances IARD Mutuelle, France) actively sells Schengen travel insurance to non-EU visitors to Malta and Maltese residents travelling abroad; widely available online.

travel
Sources

Generali CEE Holding B.V. (formerly Generali Life)

Freedom of Services

Home country: Netherlands

Supervisor: De Nederlandsche Bank (Netherlands)

Generali group entity, notified for cross-border services in Malta. Generali has a historical presence in Malta through portfolio transfers and cross-border notifications.

life
Sources

Distribution channels

Distribution channels

52%

Bancassurance

Bank of Valletta Life AssuranceHSBC Life Assurance (Malta)APS BankMeDirect

22%

Insurance Brokers

MIB Insurance BrokersGallagher MaltaLockton MaltaMarsh Malta

14%

Tied Insurance Intermediaries (Agents)

Atlas Insurance PCC tied agentsGasanMamo tied agentsLifeStar Holding tied agents

8%

Direct (Insurer Websites and Call Centres)

Atlas Insurance PCCGasanMamo InsuranceLifeStar Insurance

4%

Digital / Aggregator Platforms

Compareit4me.mtInsuranceMalta.com

Consumer rights

Consumer rights

1

Lodge a written complaint directly with the insurer or intermediary, providing all relevant facts, dates, and supporting documents. The financial intermediary has 15 working days from receipt to submit a formal reply.

2

If unsatisfied with the insurer's response or if no response is received within the deadline, escalate to the Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services (OAFS), which has powers to mediate, investigate and adjudicate.

3

The Arbiter first attempts mediation. If mediation fails or is refused, a formal adjudication follows. Decisions not appealed become final and binding. Either party may appeal to court.

Contacts

+356 2144 1155

tel:+35621441155

https://www.financialarbiter.org.mt

https://www.financialarbiter.org.mt

https://www.financialarbiter.org.mt

EU cross-border access

EU cross-border access

Malta is a full EU member state and, as such, insurance undertakings and intermediaries licensed in Malta may operate across all EU/EEA member states via EU passporting rights under the Freedom of Establishment or Freedom of Services regimes. The MFSA is the national competent authority and supervises both incoming and outgoing passporting activities. Non-admitted insurers and intermediaries are not permitted in Malta.

EU Directive 2009/138/EC (Solvency II) as amended January 2025, Insurance Business Act (Cap. 403 Laws of Malta), Insurance Distribution Act (Cap. 487), Insurance Distribution Directive 2016/97/EU

freedom of establishment

A Malta-licensed insurer or intermediary may establish a branch or subsidiary in another EU/EEA member state using its single Maltese licence. The MFSA notifies the host state regulator, after which the undertaking may commence business. Branches are subject to host state conduct rules but home-state prudential supervision.

freedom of services

A Malta-licensed insurer or intermediary may provide insurance services directly into another EU/EEA member state without establishing a physical presence, following notification to the MFSA and the host state regulator. This regime has been widely used by Malta-based captives, PCCs and reinsurers to write risks across Europe.

Market history

Market history

1964-1993

Independence and British Agency Era

After independence in 1964, Malta's insurance market remained agency-oriented, dominated by British insurers operating through local branches and agencies. Motor third-party liability insurance became compulsory, driving domestic market growth. The transition from British-led agency model to indigenous local presence began slowly in the years after the British forces departed in 1979.

1994-2003

Legislative Reform and Pre-EU Liberalisation

Major legislative reforms in 1994 and 2002 aligned Malta's insurance framework with EU and international standards, stimulating growth in both domestic and international business. Mergers and acquisitions among local British agencies led to the formation of the first indigenous Maltese insurance companies. By 2000, bancassurance began its rise as a dominant channel for life insurance.

2004-2015

EU Accession, PCC Innovation and Passporting Growth

Malta's EU accession on 1 May 2004 unlocked EU passporting rights, driving a surge in international insurance business. Malta introduced the world's first Protected Cell Company (PCC) legislation in 2004, attracting captives and global multinationals such as BMW, Vodafone, and Munich Re. GWP grew from circa €250 million in 2004 to over €4 billion by 2017. The Setanta Insurance insolvency in 2014 exposed cross-border supervisory gaps under FoS.

2016-2023

Solvency II Implementation and International Hub Consolidation

Solvency II took effect in Malta on 1 January 2016. The Insurance Distribution Directive was transposed in 2018. Malta consolidated its position as an international insurance hub, with cells growing to 79 by 2023 and total GWP for foreign risks reaching €7.6 billion. The Insurance Distribution Act was enacted and MFSA strengthened its outcomes-based supervisory approach.

2024-present

Motor Insurance Directive Transposition and IRRD Preparation

In 2024 Malta amended the Insurance Business Act to transpose the Motor Insurance Directive (2021/2118), broadening the Protection and Compensation Fund. In January 2025 the EU published amendments to Solvency II and the new Insurance Recovery and Resolution Directive, requiring transposition by January 2027. The MFSA launched outcomes-based supervision reviews of tied intermediaries and strengthened complaints handling oversight.

Glossary

Glossary

mt

Assigurazzjoni

A contract providing financial protection against specified losses in exchange for a premium paid to the insurer.

mt

Polza tal-Assigurazzjoni

The written contract issued by an insurer to a policyholder setting out the terms, conditions, and coverage of the insurance.

mt

Primjum

The amount paid by the policyholder to the insurer in exchange for insurance coverage.

mt

Talba għall-Kumpens (Claim)

A formal request by a policyholder or third party to the insurer for payment following a covered loss or event.

mt

Assiguratur

A licensed company authorised by the MFSA to carry on the business of insurance in or from Malta.

mt

Brokiys tal-Assigurazzjoni

An independent intermediary registered with the MFSA who places insurance on behalf of clients with one or more insurers.

mt

Aġent tal-Assigurazzjoni

An intermediary appointed by and acting on behalf of one or more specific insurers to distribute their products.

mt

Intermedjarju Marbut (TII)

An intermediary contractually tied to one or a limited number of insurance undertakings to distribute their products.

mt

Bankassigurazzjoni

Distribution of insurance products through banking channels; the dominant channel for life insurance in Malta.

mt

Kumpanija taċ-Ċelloli Protetti (PCC)

A unique Maltese corporate structure allowing separate ring-fenced cells within one company to write insurance business; Malta is the only EU state with PCC legislation.

mt

Assigurazzjoni tat-Tielet Parti tal-Muturi (MTPL)

Mandatory insurance covering liability to third parties for bodily injury and property damage caused by motor vehicles.

mt

Fond tal-Protezzjoni u Kumpens (PCF)

Malta's statutory fund under S.L. 403.25 that compensates policyholders and third parties where a licensed insurer becomes insolvent.

mt

Rekwiżit tal-Kapital tas-Solvenza (SCR)

The minimum level of capital an insurer must hold under Solvency II to cover unexpected losses over a one-year period with 99.5% confidence.

mt

Riassigurazzjoni

Insurance purchased by an insurer from another insurer to transfer part of its risk exposure.

mt

Kuntratt Fuq Terminu Twil (Assigurazzjoni fuq il-Ħajja)

Insurance contracts of a long-term nature including life, annuity, permanent health and linked long-term contracts, regulated under the Insurance Business Act.

mt

Negozju Ġenerali (Non-Life)

Short-term insurance covering property, liability, motor, accident, and other non-life risks.

mt

Passaport tal-UE

The right of an MFSA-licensed insurer or intermediary to operate across all EU/EEA states on the basis of its single Maltese licence.

mt

Arbitru għas-Servizzi Finanzjarji

The independent official heading the OAFS empowered to investigate and adjudicate consumer complaints against MFSA-licensed financial services providers.

mt

Kaptivu

An insurance company owned by a non-insurance parent company to insure the parent's own risks; Malta is a recognised captive domicile.

mt

Kondotta tan-Negozju (CoBR)

MFSA rulebook prescribing standards of conduct, disclosure and client treatment for insurance undertakings and intermediaries.

Market notes

FAQ

Who regulates insurance in Malta?

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) is the single regulator for all financial services, including insurance undertakings, reinsurers, insurance brokers, agents, tied intermediaries and managers. It operates under the Insurance Business Act (Cap. 403) and the Insurance Distribution Act (Cap. 487).

How do I complain about my insurer in Malta?

First, file a written complaint with your insurer or intermediary; they must reply within 15 working days. If unsatisfied, escalate to the Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services (OAFS) at www.financialarbiter.org.mt or call 8007 2366. The MFSA does not investigate individual complaints.

Is motor third-party liability insurance compulsory in Malta?

Yes. Motor third-party liability (MTPL) insurance is mandatory for all vehicles registered in Malta under the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) Ordinance 1947 (as amended). Employer's liability insurance is also compulsory. The minimum coverage for third-party property damage is €500,000.

Can EU insurers operate in Malta without a local licence?

Yes, under EU passporting rules (Freedom of Services or Freedom of Establishment), insurers and intermediaries licensed in another EU/EEA member state may operate in Malta after notifying their home regulator and the MFSA. Non-admitted insurers from outside the EU/EEA are not permitted.

What is a Protected Cell Company (PCC) in Malta?

Malta is the only EU member state with PCC legislation (introduced 2004). A PCC allows separate insurance cells to operate within a single corporate structure, each ring-fenced from the others. This enables captives and niche insurers to access EU passporting at lower cost without establishing stand-alone companies.

What protection exists for policyholders if an insurer becomes insolvent in Malta?

Malta maintains a Protection and Compensation Fund (PCF) under S.L. 403.25. Following 2024 amendments, all insurers underwriting motor vehicle liability insurance from Malta must now contribute, including those writing EU cross-border risks. The Fund compensates injured parties where an insurer is subject to insolvency proceedings.

What is the dominant distribution channel for life insurance in Malta?

Bancassurance is the dominant channel for life insurance in Malta, historically accounting for over 80% of life premium volumes. Banks such as Bank of Valletta and HSBC Malta distribute life and savings products through their branch networks. Independent brokers and tied agents represent a smaller but growing share.

What are the main insurance laws in Malta?

The key laws are the Insurance Business Act (Cap. 403), which governs insurance undertakings and is the main Solvency II transposition vehicle; the Insurance Distribution Act (Cap. 487), transposing the EU IDD; the Motor Vehicles Insurance (Third Party Risks) Ordinance 1947; and MFSA Insurance Rules and Conduct of Business Rules.

How large is Malta's insurance market?

Malta's total insurance market (domestic and cross-border) is substantial by EU standards. In 2023, gross premiums written for risks outside Malta reached €7.6 billion. The domestic market is smaller, with non-life domestic GWP estimated at approximately €218 million in recent years. The domestic market penetration is below the EU average.

What is the role of the Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services?

The Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services (OAFS), established under Act XVI of 2016, is Malta's independent ADR body for financial services. It can mediate, investigate and adjudicate complaints by consumers against MFSA-licensed providers, including insurers. Its decisions, when not appealed, are final and binding.

Market notes

Sources

Last reviewed: Apr 30, 2026

  1. 01
    MFSA – Insurance Supervision

    Official MFSA page with insurance legislation, rules and supervisory guidance.

  2. 02
    MFSA – Administrative Measures and Penalties

    Official register of MFSA enforcement actions and penalties.

  3. 03
    MFSA – Consumer Rights and How to Complain

    MFSA consumer guidance on rights and complaint procedure.

  4. 04
    Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services (OAFS)

    Malta's independent ADR body for consumer complaints against financial services providers.

  5. 05
    Insurance Association Malta (MIA)

    Industry association representing insurance companies; publishes market statistics and glossary.

  6. 06
    FinanceMalta – Insurance and Reinsurance

    Public-private body promoting Malta as an international insurance and reinsurance hub.

  7. 07
    Malta Legislation – Insurance Business Act (Cap. 403)

    Official consolidated text of Malta's primary insurance legislation.

  8. 08
    Deloitte Malta – Solvency II Review and IRRD

    Analysis of the 2025 Solvency II amendments and IRRD impact on Malta.

  9. 09
    Chambers and Partners – Motor Insurance Directive and Compensation Funds

    Law report on 2025 Maltese legislative changes transposing EU Motor Insurance Directive.

  10. 10
    MFSA Annual Report 2024

    MFSA's official 2024 annual report covering supervisory and enforcement activities.

  11. 11