Health issues concern almost everyone, especially those who plan to move permanently to another country. Therefore, if you want to live in Italy, it is very important to have a clear understanding of how the local health system works in order to avoid unpleasant surprises if you suddenly need medical help.
If you look at the history of healthcare in Italy, it can be noted that the Italian healthcare system has improved significantly in recent years, and although it has its pros and cons, it has a generally good reputation.
So, is medical care free for foreigners in Italy? Is there good healthcare in Italy? And do you need medical insurance in Italy? Let’s tell you about everything.
How much does medical care cost in Italy?
The Italian National Health Service, which in Italy is known as the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), is funded from income tax and government funding. Due to this, citizens who are entitled to benefits from the public health system have access to basic medical care free of charge. It includes:
All other services (including most medical specialists) are only partially covered and are paid.
Who is eligible for medical care in Italy?
Anyone with Italian citizenship or officially residing in the country can receive medical care in Italy. Thus, if you are not Italian, but have a residence permit in Italy, you can use the services of the National Health Service. One of the requirements in order to use the services of the Italian public health system is the availability of a medical card.
Foreign citizens or tourists who do not have a residence permit in Italy can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if they are citizens of the European Union, otherwise you will have to pay a certain amount, which depends on the region or province of Italy in which you are located. Another option for foreigners living in Italy who are not eligible for public health care is private health insurance.
How do I register for public health care in Italy?
In order to register with the public health system in Italy and get a medical card, you will need a number of documents:
Having all the necessary documents, you must contact the nearest territorial health department of Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) or the appropriate health authority at your place of residence to register. After completing the registration, you will receive a Tessera Sanitaria medical card. This card must be presented every time you need medical care in Italy, including at a therapist’s appointment, in emergency cases, in a hospital, etc.
Is there private health insurance in Italy?
As already mentioned, another option for foreigners in Italy is to purchase private health insurance. Most Italian citizens and residents do this in order to receive additional private medical care in addition to services provided free of charge within the public system.
Despite the fact that the national health service in Italy generally has a good reputation, people often prefer private healthcare because of the long queues in the public system.
The cost of private health insurance in Italy starts from about 70 euros per month, depending on the level of coverage that you choose in your policy.
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