Healthcare in Italy

Regarded as one of the best healthcare systems in the world, Italian healthcare is both high-quality and affordable. With renowned hospitals such as Policlinico Universitario Gemelli in Rome and Ospedale San Raffaele in Milan, having access to excellent services and physicians at little to no cost is a huge benefit to residing in Italy.

Italian citizens who reside in Italy can enroll in the national healthcare system to obtain their tessera sanitaria (health card). This coverage is free of charge for residents. To enroll, you must visit your local Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) office with your valid identity card, your codice fiscale (tax code), and proof of residence.

Prior to June 2026, Italians residing abroad were automatically removed from the national health insurance once they registered with A.I.R.E. Now, however, all Italians abroad—including those who have obtained citizenship jure sanguinis and have never resided in Italy—can receive Italian health coverage for only €2,000 per year. Specifically, this applies to those who reside outside of the EU/EFTA area. Such persons must also be formally registered with A.I.R.E., which can be done at your local consulate.

The tessera sanitaria—the Italian health card—grants you access to full medical services in Italy. Once enrolled you will be assigned a general practitioner (medico di base) and gain complete access to the public health network (covering everything from specialist appointments and routine treatments to complex surgeries and medical care). To obtain your card  you will need a valid identity card and a codice fiscale, Italian tax code. The codice fiscale can be obtained at your local Agenzie delle Entrate, if in Italy, or at your nearest Italian consulate abroad.

The Ministry of Health will be responsible for issuing and maintaining the specific guidelines governing this policy.

With Italian health insurance being significantly more affordable than many other places, the opportunity to receive its coverage while living abroad can be an immense benefit to many. This could be especially beneficial to those visiting Italy short-term or other places in Europe who would like the security of health coverage without needing to rely on emergencies or taking the time to fill out forms to receive temporary coverage.