Healthcare in Italy
As is the case in most nations, the standard of healthcare in Italy varies tremendously.
Expats will find a public sector that has improved greatly over the last decade, but is nonetheless subject to tragic flaws that would give even the country's mythic heroes much to bemoan. The private sector is highly regarded, but can be prohibitively expensive without proper insurance.
Most Italians opt for a hybrid healthcare policy, that combines the best of both sectors, but expats historically lean left and choose primarily to go private.
In Italy, public hospitals are categorized under the term Ospedali, and private hospitals under Case di cura private.
Italy's national health service, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), provides residents who contribute to social security and their families free, or, at the very least, low-cost healthcare that includes visits to general practitioners (GPs), treatment and accommodation at public hospitals, subsidised medicines, lab services, ambulance services and selected specialist assistance.
In short, patients may be charged a small co-pay, but most of a medical bill is footed by the government.
Once an expat qualifies for coverage under the SSN, their dependants also qualify accordingly.
Since 1997, regional governments have been in charge of managing the system on a provincial level, thus though the SSN is a socialised healthcare system, it varies greatly from region to region. In fact, it has become common knowledge that hospitals in northern and central Italy uphold a much higher standard than those in the south. Needless to say, expats feeling an emergency coming on may want to schedule a quick trip up to Milan.
Regardless of locale though, the public system has historically been wrought with complaints that range from staff shortages to inadequate care to long queues. Nursing and post-hospital assistance may also fall far from satisfying Western expat's expectations.
As mentioned, actions have been taken over the last decade to remedy the poor management, disorganisation and crippling bureaucracy of the healthcare system; but for the most part, public healthcare in Italy still has high hurdles to overcome.
If you are a member of the European Union (EU) you can take advantage of reciprocal health agreements.
Otherwise, you will need to make arrangements to formally register for the SSN. In order to do this, it is necessary to first secure an Italian identity card (carta d’identità). Only then can an expat request a health card (tessera sanitaria).
This health card can only be issued once your residence status is finalised: no temporary documents are accepted.
In order to get your health card go to your nearest local health authority (Azienda Sanità Locale/ASL) with the following necessary documents:
Though public healthcare in Italy is free, most foreigners still opt to utilise private healthcare.
Private healthcare in Italy is championed by doctors that are well-trained and on par with the finest in the world. There are a number of impressive specialist facilities in the large urban centres, and university hospitals are also highly reputable.
Private procedures vary in cost, and the Ministry of Health sets a minimum charge for all operations in this sector.
For this reason, private health care can be expensive and health insurance is a must. In many cases, your employer is obliged to finance this expenditure, but if not, it is vital that you organise it yourself.
Private healthcare allows expats to avoid the queues and complications of the public system, and also makes provision for more comforts and personal choice when it comes to doctors and facilities.
Expats will find a public sector that has improved greatly over the last decade, but is nonetheless subject to tragic flaws that would give even the country's mythic heroes much to bemoan. The private sector is highly regarded, but can be prohibitively expensive without proper insurance.Most Italians opt for a hybrid healthcare policy, that combines the best of both sectors, but expats historically lean left and choose primarily to go private.
In Italy, public hospitals are categorized under the term Ospedali, and private hospitals under Case di cura private.
Public healthcare in Italy
Italy's national health service, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), provides residents who contribute to social security and their families free, or, at the very least, low-cost healthcare that includes visits to general practitioners (GPs), treatment and accommodation at public hospitals, subsidised medicines, lab services, ambulance services and selected specialist assistance.
In short, patients may be charged a small co-pay, but most of a medical bill is footed by the government.
Once an expat qualifies for coverage under the SSN, their dependants also qualify accordingly.
Since 1997, regional governments have been in charge of managing the system on a provincial level, thus though the SSN is a socialised healthcare system, it varies greatly from region to region. In fact, it has become common knowledge that hospitals in northern and central Italy uphold a much higher standard than those in the south. Needless to say, expats feeling an emergency coming on may want to schedule a quick trip up to Milan.
Regardless of locale though, the public system has historically been wrought with complaints that range from staff shortages to inadequate care to long queues. Nursing and post-hospital assistance may also fall far from satisfying Western expat's expectations.
As mentioned, actions have been taken over the last decade to remedy the poor management, disorganisation and crippling bureaucracy of the healthcare system; but for the most part, public healthcare in Italy still has high hurdles to overcome.
How to enrol in Italy's national health service
If you are a member of the European Union (EU) you can take advantage of reciprocal health agreements.Otherwise, you will need to make arrangements to formally register for the SSN. In order to do this, it is necessary to first secure an Italian identity card (carta d’identità). Only then can an expat request a health card (tessera sanitaria).
This health card can only be issued once your residence status is finalised: no temporary documents are accepted.
In order to get your health card go to your nearest local health authority (Azienda Sanità Locale/ASL) with the following necessary documents:
- Your permit to stay or residence permit
- Your passport or other official identity document, such as an Italian driving licence
- A family status certificate (certificato di stato di famiglia) if you want to claim benefits for your spouse or children
- Your fiscal code card
- A letter from your employer stating your employment start date (dichiarazione de datore di lavoro) and a statement from the INPS that you’re regularly employed; or a registration card (attestato di iscrizione) from the unemployment office (Ufficio di Collocamento); or proof of admission from an approved educational establishment
Private healthcare in Italy
Though public healthcare in Italy is free, most foreigners still opt to utilise private healthcare.
Private healthcare in Italy is championed by doctors that are well-trained and on par with the finest in the world. There are a number of impressive specialist facilities in the large urban centres, and university hospitals are also highly reputable.
Private procedures vary in cost, and the Ministry of Health sets a minimum charge for all operations in this sector.
For this reason, private health care can be expensive and health insurance is a must. In many cases, your employer is obliged to finance this expenditure, but if not, it is vital that you organise it yourself.
Private healthcare allows expats to avoid the queues and complications of the public system, and also makes provision for more comforts and personal choice when it comes to doctors and facilities.
