Italians abroad and access to the SSN: what’s new in 2026

As of 9 June 2026, a new opportunity has been introduced for Italian citizens residing abroad: voluntary access to the Italian National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, SSN) by paying an annual contribution of €2,000. The new measure concerns Italians registered with AIRE who reside outside the European Union and the EFTA area.

How access to Italian healthcare is changing

Until this year, Italian citizens who permanently moved their residence abroad and registered with the Registry of Italians Residing Abroad (AIRE) generally lost ordinary access to the SSN. During temporary stays in Italy they could receive certain services, including in emergencies, but they did not have the same health coverage guaranteed to residents of Italy.

The new measure aims to offer the option of voluntarily joining the Italian healthcare system, which is particularly attractive for those living in countries where medical care is expensive or healthcare is less accessible. Joining would also make it possible to obtain the Italian health card (tessera sanitaria).

Requirements and AIRE registration

To benefit from this new opportunity, the stated conditions are holding Italian citizenship, being registered with AIRE, residing outside the European Union and the EFTA area, and paying the annual contribution of €2,000.

AIRE registration is generally mandatory for Italian citizens who move their residence abroad for more than twelve months, subject to the exceptions provided for by law. The application is submitted through the Fast It portal to the Italian consulate with jurisdiction over the place of residence, and it is also important to update one’s details when moving to a different consular district.

These obligations also apply to those who have obtained Italian citizenship by descent (iure sanguinis) and already reside abroad. In any case, it is essential to verify that one’s registry position is correct before applying for health coverage.

Italian citizenship and the right to healthcare: what to know

Holding Italian citizenship does not automatically guarantee access to ordinary healthcare in Italy for those permanently residing abroad. Likewise, an Italian passport, while proving the holder’s citizenship, does not replace any administrative requirements for joining the new scheme.

Similarly, a residence permit concerns the status of foreign nationals in the country that issues it and does not, in itself, determine whether an Italian citizen residing abroad is entitled to access the SSN.

The new measure should therefore be assessed by considering citizenship, residence and AIRE registration separately, since each is governed by specific rules.

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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.