Is Health Insurance Required When Moving to Italy?

When planning a move to Italy as an expat or digital nomad, one of the essential considerations is healthcare. Italy has a public healthcare system, known as the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), which provides comprehensive coverage to residents. However, before you can access this system, you must first become a legal resident, which can take some time. During this period, and as part of the residency application process, you are required to have health insurance. The Italian government mandates that this insurance must cover all risks in Italy and have a minimum coverage amount that is generally aligned with the standards of the SSN. The length of coverage required typically extends for the duration of your stay or at least until you are enrolled in the public healthcare system.

Does Expat Health Insurance Meet the Requirements?

Expat health insurance policies are designed to meet the needs of individuals living abroad temporarily or permanently. To satisfy Italian residency requirements, expat health insurance must provide comprehensive coverage that is equivalent to or greater than the coverage provided by the SSN. This means that the policy should cover general medical expenses, hospitalization, emergency services, and possibly repatriation. It is crucial to ensure that the insurance policy explicitly states that it is valid in Italy and meets the minimum coverage requirements set by the Italian government. It's advisable to have the policy details in Italian to facilitate any bureaucratic processes. Before purchasing a policy, expats should confirm with the insurance provider that their plan is accepted by the Italian authorities for residency purposes.

Which local health insurers offer this type of insurance?

In Italy, there are several local health insurance companies that offer plans suitable for expats and digital nomads awaiting residency. Some of the well-known insurers include Generali Italia, Poste Assicura, and UnipolSai. These companies provide a range of health insurance products that can be tailored to meet the government's requirements for residency applications. Local insurers are familiar with the Italian healthcare system and the bureaucratic processes involved, making them a reliable choice for newcomers. Additionally, having a local insurer can be beneficial in terms of customer support and ease of communication, as they will have offices and representatives who speak Italian and can assist with any claims or questions you may have.

Advice from Expats in Italy about Health Insurance

Experienced expats in Italy often emphasize the importance of thoroughly researching and understanding the terms and conditions of any health insurance policy before purchasing it. They recommend looking for plans that offer direct billing with hospitals and clinics to avoid out-of-pocket payments. It's also important to check for any exclusions or limitations in the policy, such as pre-existing conditions, and to ensure that the policy covers not only emergencies but also routine healthcare needs. Expats advise choosing a reputable insurer with a track record of prompt and fair handling of claims. Lastly, they suggest that newcomers should consider the geographical coverage of the policy, especially if they plan to travel within Europe, and to opt for a plan that provides coverage across the Schengen Area.

Expats Talk about Health Insurance in Italy

"Health Insurance in Italy is based on the "breadwinner's" income and then a nominal amount for family members. For us: middle income retirees...c. E1600/yr total. Rx very inexpensive," said one expat who moved to Italy.