Budget 2027 | Government to pay for patients’ companions abroad

Government will cover the costs of a person accompanying an adult patient travelling abroad for medical treatment.

The measure, announced by Finance Minister Clyde Caruana during Monday's budget speech, will extend existing financial support arrangements to include companions of adult patients.

Currently, government covers the costs of patients travelling overseas for medical treatment, as well as those of both parents accompanying patients under the age of 18.

However, the same financial support had not been extended to people accompanying adult patients.

As of 2027, government will also cover the expenses of one person accompanying an adult receiving treatment abroad.

The measure formed part of the Labour Party's electoral manifesto for last May's general election.