Healthcare in Rome reflects that of Italy's as a whole. Both public and private healthcare options are available, and most locals opt for a combination of both.
Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) is the national health service, providing citizens and residents with free and low-cost healthcare. This is a great prospect, especially for expats coming from countries where healthcare costs are high. EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access state healthcare during a short-term visit. UK citizens can make use of their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaced the EHIC for UK citizens post-Brexit.
While the quality of public healthcare services is generally good and doctors are usually highly trained and knowledgeable, the quality of treatment in public facilities is often undermined by an inefficient and underfunded bureaucracy. In addition, the degree of comfort supplied in the public healthcare sector tends to be below that of the private sector.
In addition to the public healthcare system in Italy, many centres offering private treatment are available all over the country, including Rome. These are often preferred by expats as private facilities offer the privacy and creature comforts that the public sector foregoes.
This comes with a hefty price tag, and expats planning to make regular use of private doctors, clinics and hospitals should be sure to obtain private health insurance to help them foot the bill.
In terms of accessing medication, Rome is not short of 24-hour pharmacies. While there are few restrictions on what medications can be brought into the country, they should be kept in their original packaging where possible.

Private hospitals in Rome
Salvator Mundi International Hospital
Website: www.salvatormundi.com
Address: Viale delle Mura Gianicolensi, 67, 00152 Rome
Rome American Hospital
Website: hcir.it/rome-american-hospital
Address: Via Emilio Longoni, 81, 00155 Rome
Aurelia Hospital
Website: www.aureliahospital.com
Address: Via Aurelia, 860, 00165 Rome
Grimaldi Medical Group
Website: www.grimaldimedical.it
Address: Via Velletri, 24, 00198 Rome
International Medical Center
Website: www.imc84.com
Address: Via Firenze, 47, 00184 Rome
What do expats think of Roman healthcare?
"The public Italian healthcare system, 'Servizio Sanitario Nazionale', is practically free of charge and includes medicines, doctor's visits and hospitalisation." Read Camilla's interview to find out more on private and public healthcare in Rome.
Further reading
►For an overview of the national healthcare system, read Healthcare in Italy
►Read Accommodation in Rome for information about the property market in the city
Are you an expat living in Rome?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Rome. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global Health Insurance - 10% off any plans bought in November and December 2023
With Cigna, you won't have to rely on foreign public health care systems, which may not meet your needs. Cigna allows you to speak to a doctor on demand, for consultations or instant advice, wherever you are in the world. They also offer full cancer care across all levels of cover, and settle the cost of treatments directly with the provider. Cigna is currently offering a 10% discount for seniors (over 60) on their Silver package.
Moving Internationally?
International Movers. Get Quotes. Compare Prices.
Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.
Get your free no-obligation quotes from select removal companies now!