Everything you need to know about Italy’s healthcare system

What is the Italian health service like?

Italy follows a national healthcare scheme, the Servizio sanitario nazionale (SSN), similar to the national healthcare schemes in the UK and Canada. 

Does Italy have free healthcare?

In Italy, the healthcare system means almost all healthcare is free. This applies to citizens as well as foreign residents in Italy as healthcare is paid for via the taxes of tax residents. The SSN will cover most healthcare needs like GP visits. You may have to pay an extra fee for prescriptions, specialist surgery and procedures and specific services such as dentistry — for the latter, you should invest in private healthcare to cover your dental needs. The Italian healthcare system may also only cover services to a certain extent, working on a co-pay basis where you must pay the remainder. Others will need you to foot the bill entirely. In short, general care will usually be free, and more complex treatment may incur a fee. 

Can you get private health insurance in Italy?

Yes, you can opt to get private healthcare in Italy to supplement the SSN. This private cover can help you skip long wait times. If you choose specific private health insurance in Italy for foreigners, you will also be able to use your provider to connect you with healthcare professionals that speak your language, which may be a weight off your mind if your Italian isn’t quite up to scratch.

FAQ about the Italian healthcare service Does Italy have a good healthcare system?

Yes, Italy has a very strong healthcare system to the point that hardly any Italian locals actually opt for private healthcare in addition to the SSN. In fact, Italian healthcare ranks as one of the best in the world. The main concern for expats may be the language barrier, as it should certainly not be assumed that your healthcare professional can speak your language. 

Can I get healthcare in Europe after Brexit?

Yes, you can, at least in Italy, but following Brexit, there are some extra steps that Brits must consider. Pre-Brexit, a European Health insurance Card (EHIC) was all you needed to grant you access to any EU country’s healthcare system. This remains true for all EU nations, so if you have an EU passport due to dual nationality, it’s recommended you enter Italy on this passport as this also eliminates the need for visas.

For sole British passport holders, healthcare in Europe after Brexit is different. In Italy, healthcare can only be accessed once you are registered as a resident. You’ll need your resident permit before you can access the healthcare service, but once you do, you can also sign up your dependents. This is true if you are employed by a company or self-employed. 

Does Italy have free healthcare for foreigners? 

Yes, it is (mostly) free for everyone who is granted access to it i.e. everyone registered as a resident. If you are staying in Italy for a short period e.g. only the summer, then you will likely fall within the 90-day rule. This allows non-EU nationals to stay in Italy visa-free for 90 days (though not to work or study). In this case, you will have no need to register as a resident and therefore cannot gain access to healthcare this way. In this case, you will be charged a fee per visit, and if you specifically visit private healthcare centres that cater to English-speaking tourists, you can expect to pay more. If you (and you always should!) have travel insurance in place, you should be able to claim this back.

What does health insurance in Italy cover?

Private health insurance in Italy can cover as much or as little as you like, as healthcare providers can be very flexible. On the SSN alone, you will have access (once a resident) to emergency care, GP appointments and hospital admissions for free. You can expect to pay co-payments for certain treatments like specialist referrals, diagnostics and prescriptions. Dental care is generally paid for by the patient but may be subsidised depending on the case.