As a foreigner living in Siena, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Siena, you will have access to public healthcare. Italy's healthcare system is regionally based, so the quality and availability of services can vary. However, Siena is known for having a good standard of healthcare. The public healthcare system in Italy is known as Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) and it provides free or low-cost healthcare to residents, including hospital care, medical tests, medications, and consultations with specialists. As a foreigner, you will need to register with the SSN to access these services. Once registered, you will be assigned a general practitioner from whom you can receive referrals to specialists if needed. The public healthcare system in Italy is generally well-regarded, with a high standard of care. However, it's worth noting that there can sometimes be long waiting times for non-emergency procedures and appointments with specialists. Many doctors and medical staff in Siena will speak English, but this is not guaranteed. It may be helpful to learn some basic Italian medical terms or to bring a translator to appointments. In addition to the public healthcare system, there are also private healthcare options available in Siena. These can offer faster access to specialists and procedures, but at a higher cost. Overall, as a foreigner in Siena, you should be able to access good quality healthcare, but it's important to register with the SSN and understand how the system works," remarked another expat who made the move to Siena, Italy.