One of the most important things to secure when relocating to Italy is access to the healthcare system. Italy provides high-quality healthcare services through its public system, the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). To access these services, expats need to obtain a tessera sanitaria, or health card. This card allows you to receive medical services and prescription medications at reduced costs or even for free.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of obtaining your tessera sanitaria, the documents you’ll need, and how to navigate the Italian healthcare system as an expat.
1. What is a tessera sanitaria?
The tessera sanitaria is Italy’s health card, which provides access to public healthcare services across the country. It contains your Codice Fiscale, Italian tax identification number (for which you can find instructions on how to obtain it) and serves as your key to the national healthcare system. The card is not only useful for accessing doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies, but it’s also required for certain administrative procedures.
The tessera sanitaria allows expats to:
Visit general practitioners and specialists
Receive hospital care
Access emergency services
Get prescription medication at reduced prices
Register with a family doctor
For expats planning a long-term stay, getting a tessera sanitaria is essential for ensuring that healthcare services are readily available.
2. Who is eligible for a tessera sanitaria?
Eligibility for the tessera sanitaria depends on your residency status and your specific circumstances. Here’s a breakdown of the most common scenarios for expats:
EU citizens
As an EU citizen, you are eligible for a tessera sanitaria once you establish residency in Italy. You’ll need to register with the SSN, which is a fairly straightforward process if you have a valid residency permit and an EU health insurance card (EHIC) from your home country.
Non-EU citizens
Non-EU citizens will need a valid residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) to apply for the tessera sanitaria. Non-EU expats are eligible for public healthcare coverage once they have secured their residency permit.
Employed expats
If you are working in Italy, either as an employee or self-employed individual, you are automatically entitled to healthcare coverage under the SSN. This is because healthcare contributions are made directly from your salary or self-employment taxes.
Students and retirees
Students and retirees may be eligible for healthcare coverage, but they may need to prove that they have sufficient financial resources or private health insurance. In some cases, they may be required to purchase private insurance for the first year, after which they can apply for public coverage.
3. How to apply for a tessera sanitaria
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of acquiring your tessera sanitaria.
Step 1: Gather the required documents
Before heading to your local health authority office (ASL – Azienda Sanitaria Locale), make sure you have the following documents:
A valid passport or ID
Your Codice Fiscale (tax identification number)
A valid residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno)
Proof of employment (if applicable), such as a work contract or proof of self-employment
Proof of residence in Italy (rental contract or utility bills)
If you’re an EU citizen, you may also need your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and proof of sufficient financial resources.
Step 2: Visit your local ASL office
Once you have all the required documents, you’ll need to visit your local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) office. Each region in Italy has its own ASL offices, so be sure to locate the one closest to your residence. You can search for your local ASL office online or ask at your local municipality (Comune).
When you visit the ASL office, make sure to bring all your documents, as you’ll need them to complete the registration process.
Step 3: Register for healthcare services
At the ASL office, you’ll be asked to fill out a registration form, which will require your personal details, such as your Codice Fiscale and residence information. Once you’ve completed the form, the staff will verify your documents and confirm your eligibility for public healthcare services.
Step 4: Choose your family doctor
As part of the registration process, you will be asked to choose a medico di base (general practitioner or family doctor). This doctor will be your primary point of contact for most healthcare needs, including referrals to specialists and prescriptions.
You can usually choose from a list of available doctors in your area. Once registered, you can switch doctors if necessary, but this must be done through the ASL office.
Step 5: Receive your tessera sanitaria
After registering, you’ll receive a temporary paper certificate, which you can use immediately to access healthcare services. Your official tessera sanitaria card will be mailed to your residence within a few weeks. Once you have the card, you’ll be able to present it at hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies for services and discounts.
Expat Bee pro tip:
Local immigration professionals can apply for the tessera sanitaria digitally on your behalf.
4. Using the tessera sanitaria in Italy
Once you have your tessera sanitaria, you’ll be able to take advantage of Italy’s public healthcare system. Here’s how it works:
Primary care: Your family doctor will handle most of your healthcare needs, including routine check-ups, prescriptions, and referrals to specialists.
Specialist care: If you need to see a specialist, your family doctor will provide you with a referral. Specialist visits may have a small co-pay, known as a ticket, but the cost is significantly reduced thanks to your registration with the SSN.
Pharmacies: You can use your tessera sanitaria to receive discounts on prescription medications at pharmacies. Simply present your card along with your prescription, and you’ll only pay a portion of the full price.
Emergency services: In case of emergencies, your tessera sanitaria allows you to access emergency care services without additional costs.
Additional healthcare options
While Italy’s public healthcare system is excellent, some expats choose to supplement their coverage with private health insurance. This can help you access private doctors and hospitals more quickly, as the public system sometimes has longer waiting times for non-urgent procedures.
5. Renewing your tessera sanitaria
Your tessera sanitaria is typically valid for the same duration as your residence permit. If your residence permit is set to expire, you’ll need to renew both the permit and your tessera sanitaria. To renew your tessera sanitaria, visit your local ASL office and present the renewed Permesso di Soggiorno and any updated personal information.
It’s important to start the renewal process early, as delays in renewing your tessera sanitaria could temporarily limit your access to healthcare services.
6. Common challenges and tips for expats
Dealing with Italian bureaucracy can be frustrating at times, especially when it comes to acquiring important documents like the tessera sanitaria. Here are a few tips to help avoid common issues:
Language barrier: While some ASL offices have English-speaking staff, it’s always a good idea to bring a friend who speaks Italian or use a translation app to avoid misunderstandings.
Incomplete documents: Make sure you bring all the required documents when visiting the ASL office. Missing paperwork can delay your application, and you may have to return multiple times.
Timing: Italian offices can be busy, and wait times may be long. Try to visit the ASL office early in the morning or outside of peak hours to avoid long queues.
Expat Bee pro tip:
It might be a good idea for expats and their employers to consider differences between public health care and private healthcare supported with health insurance.
Conclusion: Acquiring your tessera sanitaria
Obtaining a tessera sanitaria is an essential step for expats moving to Italy. It ensures you have access to the country’s healthcare system and provides peace of mind in case of medical emergencies or routine healthcare needs. By following the steps in this guide, you can secure your health card quickly and start enjoying the benefits of Italy’s excellent public healthcare.
How Expatbee can help?
At Expatbee, we connect expats with professionals who can assist with the Italian bureaucracy, including obtaining your tessera sanitaria. Our platform is free to use for expats and HR managers, making it easy to get the expert help you need. Whether you’re navigating healthcare, residency, or other aspects of your move, we’re here to help. Try Expatbee today and simplify your transition to life in Italy!