Getting a doctor's appointment in Italy as an expat

Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but it comes with its own set of challenges. For expats in Italy, navigating the healthcare system can be daunting at first. However, understanding the process and knowing what to expect can make getting a doctor’s appointment a straightforward task. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about healthcare in Italy for expats, including the necessary steps, required documents, and some useful tips for a smooth experience.

Healthcare in Italy for expats: is it free?

Italian healthcare for expats is accessible through the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), or the National Health Service. The latter provides public healthcare to both citizens and residents. The SSN is funded through taxes, and most services are either free or require a nominal fee.

The SSN provides healthcare for expats through tessera sanitaria (health insurance card), which you must obtain to access public healthcare. Keep in mind free healthcare in Italy for foreigners is limited to these four categories:

• Foreigners legally residing in Italy who are engaged in regular employment/self-employment or registered as unemployed.
• Foreign citizens legally residing in Italy who have applied for renewal of their residence permits.
• Unaccompanied foreign minors, even while waiting for the issuance of a residence permit.
• Dependent family members.

How to register for public healthcare

Public healthcare in Italy for expats can be accessed via registering with the SSN. Here’s how:

• Residency permit: Ensure you have a valid residency permit. This is crucial as the SSN services are available to residents.
• Local health authority (ASL): Visit your local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) office to register.

Documents needed:

• Valid passport
• Residency permit
• Tax code (Codice Fiscale)
• Proof of address
• Tessera Sanitaria: After registering, you will receive a tessera sanitaria, which is your health insurance card. This card gives access to healthcare in Italy for expats and citizens and a range of health services under the SSN.

How to see a doctor in Italy

Once you have your tessera sanitaria, you can easily make an appointment with a general practitioner (GP). Here’s a step-by-step guide:

If you need to see a specialist, your GP will refer you to one. Specialist services are part of the SSN, but waiting times can vary. For urgent medical issues, you can go directly to the Pronto Soccorso (emergency room) at the nearest hospital.

Private healthcare in Italy for foreigners

In addition to the public system, private healthcare for expats is also widely available in Italy. Many expats opt for private healthcare for faster service or to see specific doctors in Italy. You can pay directly out-of-pocket or through private health insurance.

Learn how to get an Italian bank card in our blog.

Private healthcare in Italy for expats: best insurance companies & costs

As mentioned above, public healthcare is free. However, private services can add significantly to your cost of living in Italy. Find out what an individual insurance plan would approximately cost you at different companies:

Costs of private healthcare in Italy for expats vary depending on your age and needs, the plan you choose and level of coverage.

Healthcare in Italy for foreigners: key considerations

• Health insurance: While public healthcare for expats who are residents is available, having additional private insurance can be beneficial. It provides quicker access to specialists and more options for treatment.

• Language barrier: Although many doctors in Italy speak English, especially in larger cities, it’s helpful to know some basic Italian medical terms. Bringing a friend who speaks Italian or using translation apps can also be useful.

• Pharmacies: Pharmacies (farmacie) in Italy are well-stocked, and pharmacists can provide advice on minor health issues. Prescriptions from doctors are filled here.

Here are some basic terms in Italian you might find useful when navigating healthcare in Italy:

• Health Insurance - Assicurazione sanitaria
• Health Insurance Card - Tessera sanitaria
• National Health Service - Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN)
• Private Health Insurance - Assicurazione sanitaria privata
• Coverage - Copertura
• Appointment - Appuntamento
• Doctor - Medico
• General Practitioner (GP) - Medico di base / Medico di famiglia
• Specialist - Specialista
• Consultation - Consultazione
• Referral - Impegnativa
• Prescription - Prescrizione
• Medical Examination - Visita medica

How to save money as an expat in Italy

Settling down is more than just figuring out healthcare in Italy for foreigners. Another big thing many expats in Italy have to resolve is money transfers home. A traditional bank typically charges hidden fees and higher commissions and offers unfavourable exchange rates. If you don’t want to overspend on remittances, try Profee, your safe and reliable money transfer service with a European licence.

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