Italian Healthcare System as a Non-Citizen: A Guide for Tourists and Expats

Understanding how healthcare works in a foreign country can be daunting, especially for tourists and expatriates. In Italy, the healthcare system is robust and offers various levels of care to both citizens and non-citizens. This article aims to demystify the process and provide clear guidance on how non-citizens can access healthcare services during their stay in Italy.

Healthcare for Non-Citizens

Italy’s healthcare system, known as the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), is funded by the government and offers extensive medical services. For non-citizens, the type of healthcare access varies depending on their status as tourists, EU citizens, or permanent residents.

Emergency Medical Care for Tourists

If you are visiting Italy and face a medical emergency, you are entitled to receive basic care. Public hospitals in Italy are obligated to provide emergency services to anyone, regardless of their nationality or insurance status. This means you can go to any emergency room (ER) for urgent medical issues. However, patients are to pay a fee, known as “ticket”, which is usually a small cost.

Healthcare Benefits with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

For EU citizens traveling within Europe, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a valuable asset. This card entitles you to the same healthcare services as Italian citizens at reduced costs or sometimes free of charge. It covers public primary care physicians, emergency room visits (for emergencies only), and access to specialists and diagnostic procedures if referred by a doctor within the SSN.

Choosing Between Public and Private Hospitals

In Italy, non-citizens can choose between public and private healthcare facilities. Public hospitals offer both emergency and non-emergency services. Emergency services at public hospitals are typically free or require a small fee, while non-emergency services are chargeable. Keep in mind that you might be waiting more than 2 hours for a basic issue. Private hospitals, on the other hand, tend to have much shorter waiting times and offer more personalized care, but at a higher cost.

Understanding Prescriptions: Ricetta Rossa vs. Ricetta Bianca

Prescriptions in Italy are issued in two forms:

• Ricetta Rossa: This prescription allows you to purchase medicines either free of charge or at a subsidized rate, as it is covered by the National Health Service (NHS).

• Ricetta Bianca: Issued by private doctors, this prescription is for medicines that are not covered by the NHS and must be paid for in full.

As a tourist, you will typically receive a Ricetta Rossa for medications unless you have an EHIC and are prescribed medication by a public healthcare provider.

The ‘Ticket’ System for Healthcare Services

Non-citizens without an EHIC visiting Italy may still access healthcare services by paying a fee known as a “ticket.” This ticket is a nominal fee for accessing public healthcare services like doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and treatments at public facilities.

Practical Steps for Accessing Healthcare in Italy as a Non-Citizen

1. Identify the Nearest Public Hospital or Clinic: In case of emergency, head straight to the emergency room of the nearest public hospital.

2. Carry Your EHIC: If you are an EU citizen, ensure you carry your EHIC with you at all times.

3. Understand the Prescriptions: Know the difference between Ricetta Rossa and Ricetta Bianca and what it means for your medication costs.

4. Prepare for Non-Emergency Care: For non-emergency visits, be prepared to choose between public and private facilities based on your healthcare needs and budget.

There are better choices than public hospitals, if you need help for nonurgent matters, not because these provide lower quality assistance, but because it might not be worth it to spend that much time as hospitals are usually quite busy. There are convenient private services, like Ready Help, that you can consider as valid alternative.