How to enroll in the Italian National Health Service (SSN)
SSN enrollment arrangements for foreign nationals legally present in Italy vary according to the reason for residence.
All tourists (all those present in Italy for a period not exceeding 90 days), are eligible for urgent and elective health care services on a fee-for-service basis, according to regional rates.
All foreign nationals with a legal residence permit can register for the SSN directly with the ASL of the municipality of their registered residence, or actual domicile indicated on their residence permit.
If you are a foreign national resident in Italy, enrollment in the National Health Service (SSN) allows you to access public health care, choose your family doctor, and obtain a health card. Find out who can enroll, what documents are needed, and the differences between mandatory and voluntary enrollment.
What does enrollment in the National Health Service allow?
The SSN allows the choice of primary care physician. Health care is extended to all dependents of the enrollee who are legally residing in Italy.
SSN enrollment: compulsory or voluntary
Mandatory
This registration is for all non-EU foreign nationals who meet the following requirements:
- legal residents who have ongoing regular employment or self-employment activities or are registered on the employment lists;
- regularly residing or who have applied for renewal of residence permit for employment or self-employment, family reasons, waiting for adoption, foster care, for acquisition of citizenship, asylum seekers and holders of forms of protection provided by current legislation;
- awaiting the first issuance of a residence permit for salaried employment or family reasons.
To be eligible for all benefits provided by the National Health Service, one must have a health card, which proves enrollment.
SSN enrollment for foreign nationals
It is necessary to go to the relevant ASL with the following documents:
- Valid residence permit or application for renewal of permit attested by the receipt issued by the Post Office or Police Headquarters;
- self-certification of residence or, in the absence of the latter, a statement of actual residence, as it appears, on the residence permit;
- tax code or self-certification
- Receipt certifying the submission of the application for issuance of the first residence permit for employment issued by the Post Office.
How long is the enrollment?
It has the same duration as the residence permit.
Volunteer
All foreigners legally residing in Italy, for a period of more than three months, who are not entitled to compulsory registration, are required to insure themselves against the risk of illness, accident and for maternity by taking out a private insurance policy or by voluntary registration with the SSN.
They have the right to voluntarily enroll in the NHS:
- students and au pairs even for periods of less than three months.
- those who hold residence permits for elective residence and are not engaged in any work activity, religious personnel, diplomatic and consular personnel, and all other categories identified by exclusion from those who qualify for compulsory registration.
Foreign nationals holding residence permits for medical treatment and tourism cannot be voluntarily enrolled in the SSN.
Voluntary enrollment in the NHS requires payment of an annual contribution. The amount varies according to the category of membership and current regulations. Students and some specific categories benefit from subsidized rates.
In some cases, legislation also allows health coverage obligations to be met through dedicated insurance solutions. Welcome Association Italy offers support to foreigners in choosing available solutions and fulfilling the necessary paperwork. Discover packages dedicated to members.
