Healthcare in Italy, through the public Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), offers essential services largely free or at low cost for residents and citizens, funded by taxes. While primary care, emergencies, and hospital stays are typically covered, patients usually pay small co-payments (tickets) for specialist visits, diagnostics, and some prescription drugs, though exemptions exist for low-income, elderly, pregnant, or chronically ill individuals.
For these reasons, although public healthcare in Italy is free for both expat residents and Italians, most foreigners and many Italians still opt to utilise private healthcare if they can afford to.
The price to see a doctor in Italy is usually much lower than in the US. Each doctor decides the price to charge for a consultation, we do not influence the doctor's fees. The price usually varies from about 20 euro up to 150 euro on average.
Most services are free at the point of use, though small co-payments (“ticket”) may apply for prescriptions, tests and some specialist visits. Those who are not yet resident, such as people on temporary visas or new arrivals, must have private health insurance that meets visa and residence-permit requirements.
Public dental care in Italy
Italian residents have access to dental care through the public healthcare system. Certain individuals may receive free dental care depending on age, health conditions, and economic status. In an emergency, dental care is also covered by the SNN.
The average price of Colonoscopy in Italy is $667, the minimum price is $580, and the maximum price is $754. Data verified by Bookimed as of January 2026, based on patient requests and official quotes from 180 clinics worldwide.
Travel medical coverage
Italy offers excellent healthcare, but foreign visitors must pay out of pocket if they don't have international medical coverage. The country does not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, which means travelers without a policy could face significant medical expenses.
Cardiac Anesthesiologist – $700K Annual Compensation.
No, a U.S. citizen cannot just move to Italy; you must obtain the correct long-stay visa before you go, as you can only stay for 90 days visa-free for tourism, and longer stays (over 3 months) require a specific visa like a work, elective residence (for passive income), digital nomad, or student visa, followed by applying for a permesso di soggiorno (permit to stay) upon arrival. The process involves applying at an Italian consulate in the U.S., gathering extensive documentation (proof of income, housing, etc.), and can take several weeks or months.
If you become ill in Italy, the country's health care system provides excellent medical services. For non-emergency situations, contact a health center or private clinic. For emergencies, call 118 for ambulance services. Most health care professionals in urban areas speak English.
Prescription medicines are not free in Italy, but with an EHIC or GHIC , and an Italian prescription, you will pay a reduced rate.
In case of an emergency, any individual can call an ambulance by dialling 118. Emergency medical care is a right in Italy, so patients don't need to pay for such service.
Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance. If you want, they can inform your family and friends.
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan has you covered worldwide. If you need medical care outside the U.S, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands you can rest assured that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan offers worldwide coverage.
Expats must have both their residency status finalized and have an Italian identity card in order to apply for an Italian insurance card or “tessera sanitaria”. To receive the card, an expat has to go to their nearest health authority office, the ASL, and apply for the card with all their supporting documentation.
Some health insurance companies allow travellers to receive free treatment from GPs (General Practitioners) in Italy. However, the additional payments are the same as for Italian patients. Tourists can go directly to a GP's surgery. A list of GPs can be found through the local ASL.
A monthly net income of €1,500-€2,000 could be comfortable in a small southern town, covering living costs with some disposable income. However, in Milan or Rome, a net salary of €2,500-€3,000 or more would be needed for a similar standard of living, due to significantly higher housing costs.
Italy guarantees medical assistance to anyone who needs it and goes to a public hospital or similar facility (emergency rooms, polyclinics, doctor's surgeries). In these cases, there is no charge.
If you're registered as a resident and signed up for the SSN (either mandatorily through employment or voluntarily) you're covered for most medical needs. That includes emergencies, hospital stays, specialist visits, and prescriptions, usually at no cost or with a small co-payment (called a “ticket”).