Italy is a beautiful country offering a range of different lifestyles and places for global citizens to set up home. From the picturesque Mediterranean coast to the stunning Dolomites and Italian Alps, to historical cities such as Rome and Venice, there truly is something for everyone.
With lots of opportunities for both work and study, it’s, therefore, no surprise that many expatriates move to Italy every year.
The Italian healthcare system is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world. In Italy, both public and private healthcare system exists.
Italy operates a national health service, the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), which is organised by the national government via the Ministry of Health but is administered regionally across the country. While the system is funded by taxation, Italian citizens will often still be required to make a small payment for any treatment they require, although those on low incomes may be able to access treatment with no charge at all.
Italian citizens also have the option to be referred to the private healthcare system if they wish, however, unless they have taken out a private health insurance plan they will have to pay for the privilege. Many Italians prefer to choose a private referral due to the long waiting times for public healthcare in some locations across the country.
When you move to Italy, you will be entitled to use public healthcare facilities. However due to limitations on the number of patients that public sector doctors are able to take on, depending on your location you may find it difficult to join a general practice. Being subject to long waiting times for treatment can also be an unnecessary source of stress when living in an unfamiliar location.
As a result, you may wish to consider taking out an international health insurance plan when you relocate. As well as ensuring that you can access the highest standards of healthcare, you will also be able to reduce waiting times and access a doctor quicker than you would usually be able to in the public sector.
Our international health insurance plans start from as little as EUR 26 per month for our WorldCare Essential Plan, which will cover you for any In-Patient and Day-Patient care you require while living in Italy, including major surgeries and emergencies. This plan is a great choice if you don’t expect to need frequent medical care but want reassurance you are covered should the worst happen.
Alternatively, if you want cover for day to day medical expenses including GP visits, physiotherapy and dental, then you can opt for one of our more comprehensive plans. For those on a tight budget we also offer our more affordable SimpleCare plan.
Join our family of Now Health International members and enquire about one of our market-leading international health insurance plans today.
“I am so grateful to the Now Health Team for everything they did for me and my family. My rare condition was completely unexpected and it was distressing to discover this while I was pregnant. However from the initial diagnosis all the way through to my kidney transplant, the team were nothing but supportive and ensured I could access the best care when I needed it most. Having the reassurance that my mother’s transplant donor costs would be covered was also a real relief. Thank you Now Health!”