How long does an insurance company in Malta have to pay out a valid claim?

While Malta does not necessarily impose one single universal statutory deadline applicable to every type of insurance claim, insurers regulated under the Insurance Business Act, Chapter 403 of the Laws of Malta, and subject to MFSA supervision, are generally expected to handle claims promptly, fairly, and without unreasonable delay as part of their broader conduct obligations, and repeatedly requesting additional information over an extended period without ever reaching a clear determination can itself raise concerns about whether the insurer is genuinely processing your claim in good faith. Document the entire history of your claim carefully, including exactly what information has been requested and provided at each stage and when, since this timeline becomes important evidence if the delay needs to be formally challenged, and consider sending the insurer a clear written request for a firm timeline for a final decision on your claim, referencing the extended delay already experienced. If the insurer continues to delay unreasonably without a proper explanation or genuine outstanding requirement, you can escalate a formal complaint to the Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services, which can independently review both the substance of your claim and the insurer's handling of the process, including unreasonable delay.