HEALTH CARE FOR FOREIGNERS
Foreign nationals, EU or not, with subscription to the National Health Service (SSN) acquire the right to make use of all health care provided for equal treatment with Italian citizens, with the obligation to contribute to its validity time.
Citizens and non-EU foreigners, not covered by the SSN, however, have guaranteed the “patient care and hospital urgent or even essential to continuing illness and injury”, including preventive medicine programs to safeguard the individual and collective health.
Sources:
Ministry of Health (Circular 5 of 24.03.2000)
Ministry of Health (Directive 19/02/2008)
Department of Health Sicily (Decree 07/04/2003)
Department of Health Sicily (Directive 2293/2009)
1 FOREIGNERS WITH REGULAR ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT OF REGISTRATION TO SSN
2 FOREIGNERS REGULAR ATTENDANCE IS NOT ENTERED IN THE SSN
3 ENTRY AND RESIDENCE FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT
4 FOREIGN undocumented (non-EU)
5 CITIZENS COMMUNITY DWELLER NOT REGISTERED IN THE SSN
1 FOREIGNERS WITH REGULAR ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT OF REGISTRATION TO SSN
Who is obliged to subscribe to S.S.N.:
- Foreign nationals who hold residence permits for regular paid employment, self-employed or are registered with employment rolls;
- Foreign nationals legally residing or those who have applied for renewal of residence permits for employment, self-employment, family reasons, asylum, waiting for adoption, foster care, acquisition of nationality or for religious reasons;
- Dependent family members (legally residing) of foreign citizens in the categories above.
Foreign nationals not falling within these categories have no obligation to subscribe to S.S.N., though they must insure against the risk of disease, injury, and maternity through a valid policy in Italy, including for dependent family members.
How and Where to Register:
To subscribe to S.S.N., go to the Assisted Population offices of the territory where you reside or have actual residence, present in all Health Districts of the Provincial Health Authority. Required documents:
- Identity document
- Tax code
- Residence permit
- Self-certification of residence or stay (usual residence considered if hosted for more than three months at a reception center)
Upon enrollment, you can choose a family doctor or pediatrician for children under 14 years.
Validity of Registration:
Registration is valid for the duration of the residence permit and does not lapse during renewal: it can be renewed presenting proof of renewal request to the ASP. In case of non-renewal, revocation, or expulsion, registration ends unless the person proves an appeal has been filed.
Entitlements:
Upon registration, a “personal health card” is issued, granting access to free or contributory healthcare depending on income, including:
- General and specialist medical visits
- Home medical visits
- Hospitalization
- Vaccinations
- Blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds
- Medicines
- Rehabilitation and prosthetic assistance
2 FOREIGNERS REGULAR ATTENDANCE IS NOT ENTERED IN THE SSN
Foreign nationals legally residing but not required to enroll in SSN have two options:
a) Voluntary Registration:
- Non-EU citizens: residence permit over 3 months (except study permit)
- EU citizens: adequate financial resources or enrollment in study courses
Registration is not possible for health-related residence permits. Annual contribution applies.
b) Insurance:
Subscribe to an insurance policy for illness, injury, and maternity with an Italian or foreign institution, valid throughout Italy.
3 ENTRY AND RESIDENCE FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT
Visa and Residence Permit:
If entering Italy for medical treatment, request a specific visa at the Italian consulate in your country, possibly for an accompanying person. Within 8 days of arrival, apply for a residence permit at the local Police Headquarters, otherwise considered irregular.
Documents Required:
- Health certification of pathology
- Statement from accredited Italian healthcare facility specifying type, start, and duration of care and hospitalization
- Deposit of 30% of estimated total cost to the facility
- Proof of sufficient funds in Italy for healthcare, lodging, and food
- Proof of resources for return travel for patient and companion
- Certification issued abroad must be translated into Italian
4 FOREIGN UNDOCUMENTED (NON EU)
Those not complying with entry and residence rules still have the right to urgent or essential outpatient and hospital care for illness or injury in public or accredited private facilities.
STP Card (Straniero Temporarily Present):
- Valid 6 months, renewable
- Requires declaration of identity and insufficient resources
- Can be issued anonymously
Entitlements with STP:
- Basic healthcare
- Non-urgent admissions, day-hospital care
- Urgent or essential ambulatory and hospital care
- Protection of pregnancy and maternity
- Child health protection
- Vaccinations according to law and regional prevention campaigns
- International prophylaxis
- Diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases
Access to healthcare does not involve reporting to authorities, except in specific public order or serious cases.
5 CITIZENS COMMUNITY DWELLER NOT REGISTERED IN THE S.S.N.
EU citizens present longer than 3 months in poverty, without SSN registration requirements and without TEAM (European Health Insurance Card) or other proof from their country, are entitled to urgent and essential care.
Code ENI (European Non-Inscribed):
- Issued by the same offices as STP (Population Registry or dedicated hospital offices)
- Valid 6 months, renewable
- Requires identity document and statement of temporary inability to register and poverty
Entitlements with ENI:
- Basic healthcare
- Non-urgent admissions, day-hospital care
- Urgent or essential ambulatory and hospital care
- Protection of pregnancy and maternity
- Child health protection
- Vaccinations according to law and regional prevention campaigns
- International prophylaxis
- Diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases
Translation by: Associazione Culturale Acuarinto – Agrigento