Health Care in Italy

Learn more about health care in Italy in IL Postcards.

As far as health care is concerned, Italy ranks among the World Health Organization's top 10 countries for quality health care services (by contrast, the U.S. only holds 37th place, despite being the highest spender.) However, although medical facilities are considered to be adequate for any emergencies, many public hospitals are overcrowded and underfunded.

Italy has a national health plan (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale), which provides for hospital and medical benefits. U.S. and Canadian citizens who are legally resident in Italy can apply to join the plan. Eligibility for the plan depends on certain criteria, (i.e. your nationality, work permit etc.)

If you are a resident of Italy and covered by the national health plan, hospital services will be provided to you and your dependents free of charge. Visitors, or persons not enrolled under such a plan, are expected to pay full hospital charges and then claim a reimbursement from their insurance provider. In case of an emergency, head for the nearest hospital. Most general and regional hospitals have emergency rooms (pronto soccorso), which are open 24 hours a day. To call an ambulance, dial 118 (toll free) from any telephone in Italy. Help can also be sought through the police, by dialing 113, which is equivalent to 911 in the U.S.

With a green cross outside the window, pharmacies usually have the same opening hours as shops: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can visit them for minor ailments. In larger towns and cities, you'll find a farmacia that's open all night and others that offer 24-hour service. Their addresses are displayed outside all the local pharmacies.

Learn more about health care in Italy in IL Postcards.