If you're thinking about moving to Italy, here’s what you should know about how the National Health Service (SSN) works

Moving to Italy means not only discovering a new culture, but also gaining access to one of Europe’s most highly regarded public healthcare systems. People who live permanently in the country can register with the National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, SSN) and benefit from medical care, specialist visits, medications, and hospital assistance.

Understanding how the Italian healthcare system works is essential in order to approach the move with peace of mind.

How the National Health Service (SSN) works

The Italian healthcare system is based on three fundamental principles: universality, equality, and solidarity. Established by Law 833 of December 23, 1978, the SSN guarantees access to healthcare in accordance with Article 32 of the Italian Constitution.

The system is financed mainly through general taxation, which is why most healthcare services are provided free of charge or with the payment of a reduced contribution.

Healthcare assistance includes:

• general practitioner and pediatrician;

• specialist visits;

• hospital admissions;

• emergency room services;

• diagnostic tests and laboratory analyses;

• prescribed medications.

Not everyone is entitled to free registration. For example, non-EU citizens holding certain types of residence permits are required to pay a registration fee. In many cases, however, they may voluntarily join the SSN by paying an annual contribution.

European citizens who are in Italy only for a temporary stay can receive healthcare using the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), without needing to register with the Italian system.

It is important to know that Italian citizens registered with AIRE (the registry of Italians residing abroad) normally lose ordinary access to the National Health Service until they re-establish their residence in Italy.

Who can register with the SSN

Public healthcare is managed by individual regions through Local Health Authorities (Aziende Sanitarie Locali, ASL). In some regions, the acronym may vary: for example, in Veneto the term AULSS is used.

The following people are entitled to register:

• EU citizens who work or study in Italy;

• EU citizens who have obtained the right of permanent residence;

• non-EU citizens with a residence permit or residence card;

• family members living together and legally residing in Italy with the categories listed above;
• asylum seekers or people benefiting from international protection;
• people awaiting adoption;

• non-EU individuals in Italy for authorized medical treatment;

• people awaiting recognition of Italian citizenship.

Before registering, it is necessary to have official residence in the municipality where you live. It is also essential to have a tax code (codice fiscale), issued by the Italian Revenue Agency.

Families with children may also register minors using the child’s personal tax code. In this case, a pediatrician will be assigned.

In addition, anyone who later obtains Italian citizenship must inform the ASL of the change in status and proceed with a new registration.

The health card: what it is used for

After registration, the health card is sent directly to the address of residence.

This document is essential in everyday life because it is required:

• during medical appointments;

• at the pharmacy;

• to book tests and services;

• to access online healthcare services.

The card also displays the holder’s tax code, so it is often used as an identification document in many other administrative situations.

The health card is generally valid for six years. Before it expires, the Italian Revenue Agency automatically sends a new card.

On the back of the card is the EHIC, which is valid in European Union countries as well as in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.

Many Italian regions also provide an online portal or app through which it is possible to:

• consult your personal health record;

• view prescriptions and referrals;

• check test results;

• book appointments.

Conclusion

Understanding how the Italian healthcare system works may seem complicated at first, especially for people moving from abroad. However, once you have obtained residence and completed registration with the SSN, you can access a wide network of medical services at very low cost.

Preparing in advance, gathering the necessary documents, and knowing your rights will allow you to face your move to Italy with greater peace of mind and security.

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The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the topic. For doubts or specific cases, it is advisable to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your particular situation.

Article written by Alessia Ajelli, Managing Associate of LCA Studio Legale, Italian lawyer specialized on Italian immigration and citizenship law, and Paolo Grassi, Trainee of LCA Studio Legale.