Insurance in Italy

Introduction

For foreign nationals moving to Italy, securing compliant health insurance is not merely a safety precaution; it is a mandatory administrative requirement for obtaining a visa and a Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno). The specific requirements differ significantly depending on your nationality (EU vs. Non-EU) and the type of visa you are requesting.

This guide outlines the verified insurance rules for the 2025/2026 period, including the updated costs for voluntary enrollment in the Italian National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale or SSN).

Short-Stay: Schengen Visa (Type C)

If you are entering Italy for tourism, business, or short-term study (less than 90 days) and require a Schengen Visa, proof of travel medical insurance is compulsory. This applies to citizens of non-Schengen countries who do not have a visa-waiver agreement with the EU.

Mandatory Coverage Requirements

• Minimum Coverage: The policy must cover at least 30,000 EUR ($31,500 USD, Jan 2026).
• Scope: Valid for the entire Schengen Area (not just Italy).
• Duration: Must cover the full duration of the intended stay.
• Services Included: Must cover emergency medical attention, emergency hospital treatment, and repatriation (transport of the body in case of death).

Long-Stay: National Visa (Type D)

For stays exceeding 90 days, you must apply for a National Visa. The insurance requirements for this category are more stringent and vary by the purpose of your stay.

International Students

Non-EU students must provide proof of health insurance to obtain their visa. Consulates generally accept two forms of coverage:

1. Private Health Insurance: A policy valid in Italy with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR ($31,500 USD, Jan 2026). It must cover emergency medical expenses and repatriation.
2. Consular-Specific Policies: Some consulates may recommend or require specific policies (e.g., WAIS/Welcome Association Italy) that are known to meet their criteria.

After Arrival: Once in Italy, students can voluntarily register with the public healthcare system (SSN) for a fixed annual fee. As of 2025, the cost for students is 700 EUR ($735 USD, Jan 2026) per calendar year. This registration expires on December 31st each year, regardless of when it was paid.

Elective Residency Visa (ERV)

The Elective Residency Visa is strictly for individuals who can support themselves without working. Access to the public healthcare system is not automatic.

• Visa Stage: You must present a private health insurance policy valid in Italy. The coverage must be comprehensive, with a minimum of 30,000 EUR ($31,500 USD, Jan 2026), though many consulates prefer higher or "unlimited" coverage for this visa category to prove you will not burden the state.
• Residency Stage: Unlike workers, ERV holders do not get free access to the SSN. You must maintain private insurance or voluntarily enroll in the SSN by paying an annual contribution.
• 2025 Cost Update: The minimum annual fee for voluntary SSN enrollment for non-student residents (including ERV holders) has increased to 2,000 EUR ($2,100 USD, Jan 2026). This fee may be higher depending on your income.

Digital Nomad Visa

Applicants for Italy's Digital Nomad Visa must provide proof of health insurance that covers the entire period of their stay. Unlike other visas where a short-term policy might suffice until SSN registration, authorities often require a comprehensive private policy covering all medical risks, including hospitalization and repatriation, for the full duration of the visa (usually one year).

Workers and Employees

Non-EU citizens moving for employment (subordinate work) are automatically covered by the SSN once their employment contract begins and they are registered by their employer. However, for the initial entry visa, you may still be asked to show travel insurance to cover the period between your arrival and the finalization of your employment contract.

Public Healthcare Enrollment Costs (2025/2026)

While most workers receive free healthcare, other categories of foreign residents must pay to join the Italian National Health Service (SSN) voluntarily. These fees are paid via an F24 postal form and are valid for the calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31).

• Students: 700 EUR ($735 USD, Jan 2026) per year.
• Au Pairs: 1,200 EUR ($1,260 USD, Jan 2026) per year.
• Other Categories (e.g., Religious, Elective Residents): Minimum 2,000 EUR ($2,100 USD, Jan 2026) per year. Rates are calculated based on income for Elective Residents.

Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements

Italy has bilateral healthcare agreements with several non-EU countries. Citizens of these nations may access emergency healthcare in Italy using specific forms issued by their home country.

• Countries Include: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Macedonia, Montenegro, Monaco, San Marino, Serbia, Tunisia, and Vatican City.
• Limitations: These agreements typically cover only urgent/emergency treatment. They are rarely accepted as a full substitute for the private health insurance required for long-term visa applications (like the Elective Residency Visa).
• UK Citizens: The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) is valid for temporary stays (tourism) but is not accepted for residency applications. UK nationals moving to Italy must purchase private insurance or, if they are state pensioners, register an S1 form.

Practical Steps Before Moving

1. Check Consular Requirements: Visit the website of the specific Italian Consulate where you will apply. Requirements can vary slightly by jurisdiction (e.g., some US consulates are stricter on coverage limits than others).
2. Purchase Before Applying: You must have the Certificate of Insurance in hand before your visa interview. The certificate must explicitly state "Valid for Schengen Area" (for Type C) or "Valid in Italy" (for Type D) and list the coverage amount.
3. Duration Matching: Ensure the dates on your insurance policy match or exceed the dates of your intended entry and initial stay.
4. Print Multiple Copies: You will need to show the original policy at the Consulate, and you may be asked for it again by border control upon entry or by the Questura when applying for your Residence Permit.