If you’re planning on living in Italy whether it’s for work, retirement, or a different pace of life, it’s important to consider your healthcare options. We understand that it can seem overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be.
To start, you have two main options: registering with the public health service (‘Servizio Sanitario Nazionale’, the SSN) or getting private health insurance. The SSN provides you with low-cost, or free, access to specialists, tests, prescriptions, general practitioners (GPs) and emergency care. However, the cost of access depends on your official status in the country and your employment³.
Recently, Italian companies have started offering workers private medical insurance at an affordable price, with many expats choosing private cover because there is a wider choice of medical facilities that are easier to access. This also makes dental care more straightforward as the majority of dentists and dental surgeons are private in Italy.
The following sections answer questions about Italian healthcare access in more detail and explore the benefits of choosing private healthcare cover.
Italy has one of the highest life expectancies in all of Europe. The healthcare in Italy is considered high-quality and is reasonably accessible to all its residents. Those over 70 or with low-income status have almost completely free healthcare. It is a mixed ‘public and private’ system, meaning only some healthcare is universally free. Emergency medical assistance is provided to anyone in need, without asking for an upfront payment, and all pharmacies are regulated by the government. However, the standards of public and private health facilities differ by region, with the north of Italy providing a better standard of healthcare overall.
The ‘Servizio Sanitario Nazionale’ (SSN), the official name of Italy’s national healthcare system, is a mix of private and public. This means you will always need to pay a part of your medical expenses. There are 3 ways of accessing Italy’s public healthcare system:
If you are employed or self-employed in Italy, you can register for free, known as ‘iscrizione obbligatoria’. If you’re not working or paying social security contributions, you can register voluntarily by paying an annual fee, known as ‘iscrizione volontaria’ (however, you won’t be entitled to a European Health Insurance Card for travelling).
If you are a European citizen, you can use an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) for temporary stays, when studying in Italy, or as a ‘posted’ (detached) worker on a short-term basis. Depending on the duration of your stay (usually over 90 days in a 180-day period), you will then have to register with the Italian public health service (the SSN) for longer-term care. Remember, an EHIC does not always guarantee free medical services.
Non-EU citizens, who are legally residents in the EU state and are covered by social security, can also be covered by an EHIC when travelling in parts of Europe. However, you will need to check if the health authorities of your host country offer this.
For posted workers (residing less than 2 years), cross-border workers, pensioners seeking residence and civil servants (and their dependants), you can request an S1 form (issued by your government or national health authority) and register it with the Italian government. This will grant you access to the 'Servizio Sanitario Nazionale'.
If you are an Italian resident, hospital admission and emergency medicines are free for ‘necessary procedures’. Elective procedures (such as preventive check-ups) are not free.
There is a single European emergency number, ‘112’, where you can report anything and will be transferred to the relevant service. To reach the Italian police, dial ‘113’ (you can also report any emergency to the police operator, and you will be transferred). To reach the fire service directly, dial ‘115’. To report a medical emergency, call ‘118’.
When you arrive at a hospital, you'll be assigned a colour code depending on the severity of your condition. If you're classified as red (the most serious), yellow, or green, your treatment is free. However, if you’re classed as blue or white, you'll need to pay a fee, unless you’re pregnant, have a government-approved exemption, or the patient is under the age of 14.
You may be required to pay emergency medical fees up front if you do not have medical insurance or access to Italy’s public health service, the SSN. If you have medical insurance, your insurer may be able to pay the hospital directly or reimburse you (depending on your coverage).
As a resident, you will first need to register at your local health office, or ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale). Once you’re registered, you can schedule free consultations with your chosen family doctor (during their clinic’s opening hours), get medical certificates, book vaccinations, and request any other medical assistance you or your family need.
There is also an out-of-hours medical service you can call for urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses. You don’t need to be registered with the local health authorities to use this service.
If you need medication, you will be given a prescription by your doctor. You will need to collect and pay for it at a pharmacy, ‘farmacia’, unless you’re registered as exempt (for example, because of a chronic medical condition). For repeat prescriptions, ask your doctor for a ‘cross-border prescription’, which can be collected anywhere in Italy (as well as any other European country).
Remember, make sure not to confuse ‘farmacias’ with ‘parafarmacias’. Parafarmacias only stock herbal and homeopathic products (as well as toiletries).
If you need to see a specialist or have diagnostic tests done, you will need a referral from your doctor. Before the appointment, you will often need to settle a fee, or co-payment, called a ‘ticket’ (depending on your personal income and insurance policy). You will also need to bring proof of payment to the appointment.
If you’re a European citizen, your ‘EHIC’ (European Health Insurance Card) will allow you access to ‘necessary healthcare’ when staying temporarily (up to 90 days) or studying in the country. As a non-European citizen, you will have to check if your country of residence has an equivalent to the EHIC and follow the guidance of your government or national health provider. This may involve purchasing private medical insurance.
If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to register for a permit/visa to extend your stay (a process which can take up to 3 months). Although you don’t need private medical insurance to get this permit, you do need proof of healthcare coverage (private or with the ‘Servizio Sanitario Nazionale’) to apply.
If you choose private medical insurance with us, you will have access to a number of benefits. These include admission to more facilities (as well as cover for overnight stays in hospitals), reduced waiting times, and faster access to expert medical support and surgeries. No matter where you are in Italy, all our plans include emergency transport, evacuation and repatriation. So, if you can’t get the treatment you need locally, we’ll help get you to another hospital and bring you back again. With some of our plans, you even have the option to cover outpatient treatments that are not normally covered by Italy’s national health service - giving you some extra reassurance.
Although a move abroad can be complicated and exhausting, our annual cover plans are designed to give you the peace of mind you deserve. Ranging from mental health services to 24/7 personalised support, you’ll be protected. It’s time to start your new life in sunny Italy.
Whether you're travelling the world or working abroad in Milan for a few months, consider using our short-term cover. We can insure you for under 12 months with the same level of cover as our Foundation and Standard international insurance plan, just for less time.
With renowned Roman architecture and perfect sandy beaches, Italy is an unforgettable place to live in. We want to make sure you enjoy every minute by offering you personalised and comprehensive health insurance.
Access personal medical advice from fully qualified and experience doctors, wherever you are in the world. With over 2,000 qualified doctors across the globe, it's peace of mind at home or on the go for you and your family.2
Compensation should be simple. Provided we have all the right information, around 80% of all eligible claims are paid within 48 hours4. So, you can get back to enjoying fine Italian dining.
We offer a range of comprehensive cover plans, with dental and medical scans (CT, PET, MRI) as standard. Choose the right level of cover that suits your new Italian lifestyle.
Whether you're on the Cortina D'Ampezzo slopes or in the rural countryside, in the event of an emergency if you can't get the help you need locally our team can arrange evacuation and repatriation services to where you can.
When stress, anxiety or life's challenges feel overwhelming the Mind Health service connects you with the people who care. Qualified psychologists will listen, support and help you to feel more like yourself again, no matter where you are in in the world.5
The Second Medical Opinion service matches your case with a specialist who truly understands your condition. From complex diagnoses to reassurance that you’re on the right path; you’ll have the best expertise in the world by your side, no matter where you are.6
Whether you’re moving for a peaceful life in Palermo or beautiful Sardinia, our plans can be tailored to your needs, wherever the journey takes you. Here are some examples of who we cover:
For professionals planning to work anywhere in Italy, we give you one less thing to think about. Many of our plans include eye tests, prescriptions and a range of outpatient services.
If you’re looking to start a new chapter in Italy, our annual plans are perfect for families with different budgets. We offer coverage that includes routine and non-routine dental check-ups, vaccinations, asthma treatments and prescription glasses. Our annual international health insurance packages also offer maternity and pregnancy benefits.
For retirees wanting some extra safety and security, we offer cover with annual health check-ups, palliative care and disability compensation, giving you and your family financial peace of mind.
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All Information in this article was correct at the time of publishing
Local insights have been provided by Oban International’s LIME (Local In-Market Expert) network - https://obaninternational.com/lime-network/
1While we won’t increase your renewal premium as a result of your claims activity, your annual premium may still increase in line with inflation and age.
2The Virtual Doctor service is provided by Teladoc Health and is part of the Virtual Care from AXA offering. Telephone appointments can be booked 24/7, 365. Callbacks are typically within 24 hours. Operating hours vary according to region. For availability in your local market and further information on the Virtual Doctor service, please click here
3Cost is dependent on employment relating to income and relative prescriptions/exceptions, not type of employment.
481.9% of eligible claims submitted online between Jan 24 - Dec 24, were paid within two days.
5The Mind Health service is provided by Teladoc Health and is part of the Virtual Care from AXA offering. The service provides up to six sessions with a psychologist per non-emergency mind health concern, per year. For further information about the Mind Health service, including consultation availability, please click here.
6The Second Medical Opinion service is provided by Teladoc Health and is part of the Virtual Care from AXA offering. For further information about the Second Medical Opinion service, please click here.