UPDATE (16/01/24): Voluntary contributions for public healthcare increased from January 2024 as reflected in this article. Read more here.

is it necessary?

Non-EU citizens require some form of valid health insurance for the duration of their visa. Similarly, EU citizens require health insurance to register for local residency, as required for any stays in Italy exceeding three (3) months. For more information on the different kinds of health insurance available, including recommended private health insurance providers, check out our full guide.

PRO TIP: To register for public healthcare as non-EU citizen, a Permit of Stay (Permesso di Soggiorno) is required. This means that public health insurance cannot be used to satisfy entry visa requirements, nor to obtain a Permit of Stay upon arrival in Italy. Non-EU citizens will therefore require private health insurance in sponsorship of their initial visa, after which point, any legal resident can then enrol for public health insurance in order to obtain the Tessera Sanitaria.

Advantages of public health insurance

Unlike private health insurance, SSN (national healthcare) coverage is not limited to emergencies—affording the same level of comprehensive care as Italian citizens, ensuring complete peace of mind. The following benefits are available to those registered with the SSN:

• An assigned local doctor (GP) for general medical needs

• Specialist visits (e.g., dermatology, gynecology, cardiology)

• Prescriptions at subsidized rates

• Emergency medical care & hospital treatment

• Diagnostic tests & screenings (e.g., blood tests, ultrasounds, X-rays)

• Mental health support (psychologists and psychiatrists)

• Vaccinations & preventive care

• Maternity and pediatric services

HOW TO APPLY

Step #1

Gather your required documents: Passport, Codice Fiscale, proof of address, university enrolment / work contract. If you are a non-EU citizen, you will also require a valid Permit of Stay (Permesso di Soggiorno).

Step #2

Pay a visit to your Local ASL office: This will save you a lot of time later! If you are a student or any persons not making INPS (social security) contributions in Italy, you should go there first to confirm the exact fee due for the period of your stay. 

For students, the current annual contribution is €700.00 per solar year.*

For non-students who are not otherwise working in Italy, the annual contribution is €2,000.00 per solar year.*

For workers who meet the minimum tax thresholds, no additional voluntary contribution is due.*

*Figures valid as of 2025

Step #3

Go to any Post Office to pay the voluntary contribution where applicable by completing an F24 payment form. After you’ve completed the form, pay at the kiosk and keep the receipt! You will need to show it later in evidence of your voluntary contribution!

Step #4

Take printed copies of the documents referenced in Step #1, along with the F24 payment receipt you received from the Post Office, and go back to your ASL office (Local Health Authority). After completing the registration forms with an operator, you will be invited to select a local doctor. They will show you the list of names and the addresses, but they won’t be able to tell you if the doctor speaks English. Also, if you do not know the street names, it may be hard for you to choose one who is conveniently located. It’s better to go prepared, knowing already the name and address of the doctor you wish to register with.

Step #5

Keep the registration certificate you receive from the ASL office: You will use this as a proof of your public healthcare enrolment until you receive your Tessera Sanitaria Card, delivered to your registered domicile address within 2 weeks.

Step #6

Take your registration certificate to the general practitioner (Medico di Base or Medico di Famiglia) that you selected, so that he/she can register you as an official patient. Expect that each Medico di Base will be part of a small practice with its own opening hours and protocols. Make sure to take note of your doctors office hours and phone number in case you need to ask for a house call.

Appointment anxiety? apply with the support centre

While it’s possible to obtain a Tessera Sanitaria on your own, many international students and expats find it helpful to have someone with experience and knowledge of the Italian healthcare system handle the application process for them. Our Support Services are designed to make your life in Italy easier and more convenient. Contact us today to learn more about our Support Services and how we can help you get your Tessera Sanitaria quickly and hassle-free.

Content and support is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as independent legal, taxation, or other investment advices.