Quick Overview
Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN - public healthcare) available to residents. Register at ASL (local health authority) after getting residenza. Free doctor visits and hospital care. Choose medico di base (GP). EU citizens use EHIC initially. Non-EU may need private insurance initially. Tessera Sanitaria (health card) mailed within 1-2 weeks.
Key Facts
SSN registration
Free after residenza
Doctor visits
Free with SSN
Ticket (copay)
€0-36 for prescriptions/specialists
Tessera Sanitaria
Mailed 1-2 weeks after ASL registration
Emergency
118 (ambulance), pronto soccorso (ER) free
EU citizens
Use EHIC initially before SSN
How It Works
Italy Expat: Healthcare Registration in Italy
Italian public healthcare (SSN) free for residents. After residenza, register at ASL with Codice Fiscale, passport, residenza certificate. Choose medico di base (GP). Tessera Sanitaria mailed 1-2 weeks. GP visits free, specialist referrals free, hospitals free. Ticket (copay) €0-36 for prescriptions. EU citizens use EHIC initially.
Understand SSN system
Learn Italian public healthcare.
Get residenza first
Prerequisite for SSN.
Register at ASL
Enroll in public healthcare.
Choose medico di base (GP)
Select family doctor.
Receive Tessera Sanitaria
Health card arrives by mail.
Learn ticket (copay) system
Understand prescription costs.
Know emergency numbers and private options
Emergency care and alternatives.
Italy Expat: Healthcare Registration Costs in Italy (2026)
Free
Always free
Ticket (copay) varies
Ticket for medications
Free
Free
For faster access
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SSN registration | €0 | Free |
| GP visits | €0 | Always free |
| Specialist visits | €0-36 | Ticket (copay) varies |
| Prescriptions | €0-36 | Ticket for medications |
| Hospital stays | €0 | Free |
| Emergency (118) | €0 | Free |
| Private insurance (optional) | €50-150/month | For faster access |
| Total estimate | €0 with occasional €0-36 tickets | |
*Italian SSN healthcare essentially free. GP visits always €0. Ticket (copay) €0-36 for prescriptions/specialists. Exemptions for chronic conditions, low income. Private insurance optional for faster specialist access. July 2026.
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