Key points about the Italian healthcare system

The Italian healthcare system is a public one and it is very important for foreigners who want to move to Italy, either permanently or temporarily, to fully understand how it works and their rights under the same.

Below you may find a brief description of the healthcare rights in Italy for EU citizens, non-EU foreigners, and visitors.

Italian healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale - SSN): organized by regions, it provides services such as hospitalization, specialized medical care, discounted medications, and emergency services.

Healthcare rights for non-EU foreigners: legal non-EU residents, meaning those who have obtained a visa and residence permit, can register with the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale - SSN and receive free medical care or register voluntarily by paying an annual fee, depending on the type of residence permit that they hold (e.g. elective residence visas and residence permits holders have the possibility to voluntarily register by paying the annual fee fixed by the Italian Government, while EU Blue Card holders have the right-duty to register free of charge with the SSN).

Medical assistance for tourists: visitors must have valid health insurance for the Schengen area. They can receive emergency services and standard care with upfront payment for non-urgent cases.

European health insurance card (Tessera T.E.A.M.): EU citizens can apply for this card to access necessary medical care during temporary stays in other EU countries, under the same conditions as residents of the visited EU country.

Visa/Residence permit for medical care: under certain and specific conditions, non-EU nationals can apply for a special visa to receive planned medical treatment in Italy, with the possibility of extending the residence permit during the treatment.

Your Way to Italy: our assistance

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The content of this article is intended to provide general guidance on the subject. You should seek specialized advice regarding your specific situation.