SSN (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale)
€149.77/year (~€12.50/month)
Best for: Non-EU students wanting full public healthcare access
Register at local ASL office. Same coverage as Italian citizens. Includes GP, hospital, emergencies.
Learn more
Health Insurance for Students in Italy
Non-EU students can register with the Italian National Health Service (SSN) for €149.77/year or use private insurance.
5 requirements 3 plan options 5 setup steps
Compare Plans Insurance Requirements
- All students must have proof of health insurance for visa and enrollment
- Non-EU students can choose SSN registration (€149.77/year) or private insurance
- EU/EEA students can use European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
- SSN registration grants access to the same care as Italian citizens
- Private insurance must meet minimum coverage requirements for visa approval
Available Insurance Options
Private Health Insurance (Basic)
From €20/month
Best for: Students preferring private care or unable to register with SSN
Accepted for visa applications. Covers medical emergencies, hospital stays, GP visits.
Learn morePrivate Health Insurance (Comprehensive)
€40–€70/month
Best for: Students wanting premium coverage with specialists and dental
Full private care, faster appointments, dental, optical, and specialist consultations.
Learn moreCost Overview
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| SSN Annual Registration | €149.77/year | One-time annual payment. Full public healthcare access. |
| Private Insurance (Basic) | From €20/month | Emergency and basic medical coverage for visa compliance |
| Private Insurance (Comprehensive) | €40–€70/month | Premium private care with specialists, dental, and optical |
| Prescription Co-Pays | €1–€5 per prescription | Small co-payment required with SSN coverage |
Item
SSN Annual Registration
Cost
€149.77/year
Details
One-time annual payment. Full public healthcare access.
Item
Private Insurance (Basic)
Cost
From €20/month
Details
Emergency and basic medical coverage for visa compliance
Item
Private Insurance (Comprehensive)
Cost
€40–€70/month
Details
Premium private care with specialists, dental, and optical
Item
Prescription Co-Pays
Cost
€1–€5 per prescription
Details
Small co-payment required with SSN coverage
Visa & Insurance Requirements
- Student visa requires proof of health insurance for entire stay
- SSN registration certificate accepted (register after arrival)
- Private insurance must provide minimum €30,000 medical coverage
- EU students with EHIC can show EHIC card for visa
- Insurance validity must match visa duration
How to Get Insured
Apply for Student Visa
Submit visa application with proof of private insurance or declaration to register with SSN upon arrival.
Arrive in Italy and Get Codice Fiscale
Within 8 days of arrival, apply for your Codice Fiscale (Italian tax code) at the local tax office (Agenzia delle Entrate).
Register with SSN at ASL Office
Visit your local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) office with passport, Codice Fiscale, enrollment certificate, and €149.77.
Choose Your GP (Medico di Base)
Select a General Practitioner from the ASL list. This is your primary contact for all medical needs.
Receive Your SSN Card
Your SSN health card (Tessera Sanitaria) arrives by mail within 2–4 weeks.
Student Health Insurance in Italy
Italy’s Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) is one of Europe’s best public healthcare systems, and as an international student, you have two options: register with SSN for just €149.77/year, or use private health insurance.
SSN Registration for Students
Non-EU students can register with SSN at their local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) office after arriving in Italy. You’ll need:
- Passport and student visa
- Codice Fiscale (Italian tax code)
- University enrollment certificate
- €149.77 annual fee
Once registered, you’ll select a Medico di Base (GP), who becomes your primary healthcare contact. You’ll have the same access to public healthcare as Italian citizens.
What SSN Covers
SSN provides comprehensive coverage including:
- GP consultations (free with your Medico di Base)
- Hospital care and surgery
- Emergency treatment (Pronto Soccorso)
- Specialist referrals
- Prescription medications (small co-pays of €1–€5)
Why Choose Italy?
With over 120,000 international students and world-renowned universities in cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Bologna, Italy offers high-quality education, rich culture, and affordable healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can EU students use EHIC in Italy?
Yes, EU/EEA students with a valid EHIC have access to Italian public healthcare. No SSN registration required, but registration is recommended for longer stays.
What does SSN cover?
SSN covers GP visits, hospital treatment, emergency care, specialist referrals, and prescriptions (with small co-pays of €1–€5).
Is SSN or private insurance better?
SSN is more affordable and provides the same care as Italian citizens. Private insurance offers faster appointments and more flexibility, but costs more.
How do I see a doctor with SSN?
Contact your assigned Medico di Base (GP) for an appointment. For emergencies, visit Pronto Soccorso (ER) or call 118.
Can I switch from private to SSN?
Yes, you can register with SSN at any time during your studies by visiting your local ASL office.
Ready to Study in Italy?
Choose between affordable SSN registration or flexible private insurance plans.
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