Health Care

EU citizens

EU citizens in Italy have access to medical care provided by the Italian National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale or SSN) based on the length of their stay:

• for periods shorter than three months emergency health care is guaranteed (accident and emergency department);
• for periods longer than three months health care provided by the Italian National Health Service (SSN) is guaranteed by showing the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and personal ID.

In that case, it is possible to be visited by a doctor operating within the Italian National Health Service who will provide general health care services and will prescribe eventual specialistic health care services. The doctor will put forward a request for a refund to the foreign authority in charge through the Azienda Sanitaria Locale (Local Health Authority – ASL).

To check the list of the doctors operating within the Italian National Health Service you need to consult your local ASL.

Non-EU citizens

Citizens from non EU-countries legally staying in Italy can choose – no matter how long they stay – from two possible health insurance coverages:

• public coverage offered by the Italian National Health Service (SSN): complete health care service – including the choice of a general practitioner – prior to the payment of a 149,77 Euro tax per solar year, that is until the 31st of December of the year the payment has been made. In this case, you’ll need to consult your local ASL for the fulfillment of bureaucratic procedures;
• private insurance, to be bought directly from an insurance company.

It is recalled that health care coverage is essential to obtain a residency permit.