Those arriving in Italy with a long-term visa often face an important question: how to access the healthcare system? The Italian public healthcare system is of good quality, but access for non-EU citizens is not always automatic and varies depending on the reason for the stay.
In this guide, I explain in a simple and practical way how healthcare works for foreigners in Italy, particularly for those who have a visa for elective residence, study, work, or family reunification. Let us see together when registration with the National Health Service (SSN) is mandatory, how to obtain the health card for foreigners, and which services are included.
When registration with the SSN is mandatory or voluntary
Registration with the SSN with a visa is mandatory only in specific cases. If you have a residence permit for subordinate or self-employment, job-seeking, asylum, or subsidiary protection, you must register with the SSN without exceptions.
If, on the other hand, you are in Italy with a visa for elective residence, religious reasons, study, or you are a dependent family member, registration is voluntary, but strongly recommended. Alternatively, you can take out private health insurance, but the latter does not always guarantee the same coverage as the Italian public healthcare system for foreign residents.
How to register with the National Health Service
To proceed with registration with the national health service, you must go to the local ASL office (now ATS or ASST, depending on the region) and present:
- residence permit or receipt of application
- tax code
- identity document or passport
- certificate of residence or self-certification
- receipt of payment of the contribution (if registration is voluntary)
In the case of voluntary registration, an annual payment must be made using the F24 form, with amounts varying depending on the category (for example, for healthcare assistance for elective residence, the minimum amount is 2,000 euros per year).
Once the procedure is completed, you will receive the health card for those holding a visa, valid for the same period as the residence permit. This card allows you to choose a general practitioner and access medical visits, tests, and hospital care at reduced or free rates, according to the essential levels of care provided by the SSN.
What healthcare covers for those with a residence permit
Healthcare for those with a residence permit varies slightly depending on the type of registration, but generally includes:
- visits to the general practitioner and pediatrician
- access to emergency rooms and hospitalizations
- diagnostic and specialist tests
- vaccinations
- care related to maternity, chronic diseases, and prevention
For those who voluntarily register with the SSN, this coverage is valid throughout the national territory and guarantees continuous assistance, even in case of transfer from one region to another.
Alternatively, those who opt for private health insurance must carefully check the conditions: many policies do not cover urgent care or treatments for chronic diseases, which instead fall within the scope of healthcare for foreigners in Italy guaranteed by the public service.
An important choice for living safely in Italy
Choosing whether and how to register with the SSN is one of the first practical decisions for those settling in Italy. The possibility of accessing an efficient healthcare system, without having to pay high costs for each service, represents important protection for health and personal peace of mind.
For those arriving with a long-term visa, understanding how to access healthcare in Italy with a visa can make the difference between feeling lost and feeling protected. If you have doubts about the procedure, timing, or required documentation, it is always advisable to be assisted by an expert professional in the field.
The Boschetti Law Firm, through the Italy Visa Investments brand, supports dozens of people each year in their relocation to Italy, even in the most practical aspects such as healthcare and bureaucracy. If you are planning your arrival and want to move safely and well-informed, there is always someone ready to assist you with competence and discretion.
