Are hospitals free in Italy for tourists?

Hospital assistance and admission, if required, is free of charge if you have the EHIC card or the Italian Health Insurance Card (Tessera Sanitaria). If you don't, the fees are still very reasonable, and if you keep the receipts you may be reimbursed by your private medical insurance provider.



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Since 1978, healthcare in Italy has been provided through a mixed public-private structure. On the public side, the SSN, Servicio Sanitario Nazionale, provides free or very low-cost healthcare to all Italian citizens and non-citizens with residency status.

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Tourists can go directly to a GP's surgery. A list of GPs can be found through the local ASL. If necessary, the state GP will then refer the patient to a specialist. Regions and cities that regularly welcome a large number of tourists sometimes have separate medical practices for patients from abroad.

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In Italy, foreign visitors, both from EU and non-EU countries, have the same rights as Italian citizens, which means that in the event of a medical emergency they are assisted and medicated for free in the emergency ward of public hospitals.

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The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).

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