Health Care In Italy

In the north, standards are high and no one can be denied care for any reason. The south, though, is not as developed, nor as generous.

There is also a marked difference between the public and private hospitals according to the region. These differences follow the same pattern: Northern Italy is a more affluent area and tends to have better public medical facilities, while the south has lower quality public medical facilities.

For major surgery and management of more serious diseases and conditions, you would need to travel to the larger towns and cities.

Generally, non-EU residents will not be able to access the public health care system and will need to seek private care.

The National Sanitary Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale)

Italy’s Social Security entity. Held as a top notch service of international standards, the SSN provides citizens and residents low cost care of high class. But as stated before, the service isn’t even through the land.

Some SSN facilities have higher standards than regional counterparts. This is because regional governments take in charge of administering on a provincial level.

Even with these standards, most of the citizens prefer, if they have the chance, to get private insurance. This lets them combine the best of two worlds.

Routinely check-ups and minor treatments at public facilities… then leaving emergencies and high-priority treatments to private facilities.

Private Insurances Services in Italy

Private Insurance in Italy offers one of the most high-standard services available, as in most of western Europe. The bad news it that it comes with a price tag to match. This kind of service is used by citizens that need special and emergency treatments, or seniors in the regions.

Healthcare In Italy For Expats

Non-EU expats have to register for the SSN. Residents who obtain their resident ID (Carta d’identità) are then able to apply for the benefits.
Expats will be required to go to the nearest local health authority (Azienda Sanitá Locale) and apply.

Some of the required documents are:

• Residency permit
• Official Identification
• Proof of Employment
• Family status certificate (if the person wants for its family to obtain the benefits)
• Applicants then are able to choose a family doctor/pediatrician after they obtain their insurance card.

If expats don’t qualify for healthcare under the SSN, they need to have private insurance.

Cost of Healthcare in Italy

Most of the treatments and medicines are subsided. You only have to pay the excess. Special treatment can go up to 40 euros. The Italian Health Ministry will decide on the minimum cost for operations and special treatment.

Children under 6 years old, seniors above 65 years old, and low-income population pay a maximum of €3.50 per special treatment.