Non-EU students can register with the Italian National Health Service (SSN) from €149.77/year (scholarship holders) or €700/year, or use private insurance.
Last updated: March 2026
Best for: Non-EU students wanting full public healthcare access
Register at local ASL office. €149.77/year for scholarship holders, €700/year for others (since 2024). Same coverage as Italian citizens.
Learn moreBest for: Students preferring private care or unable to register with SSN
Accepted for visa applications. Covers medical emergencies, hospital stays, GP visits.
Learn moreBest for: Students wanting premium coverage with specialists and dental
Full private care, faster appointments, dental, optical, and specialist consultations.
Learn more| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| SSN Annual Registration | €149.77–€700/year | €149.77 for scholarship holders, €700 for other students (since 2024). Full public healthcare access. |
| Private Insurance (Basic) | From €20/month | Emergency and basic medical coverage for visa compliance |
| Private Insurance (Comprehensive) | €40–€70/month | Premium private care with specialists, dental, and optical |
| Prescription Co-Pays | €1–€5 per prescription | Small co-payment required with SSN coverage |
SSN Annual Registration
€149.77–€700/year
€149.77 for scholarship holders, €700 for other students (since 2024). Full public healthcare access.
Private Insurance (Basic)
From €20/month
Emergency and basic medical coverage for visa compliance
Private Insurance (Comprehensive)
€40–€70/month
Premium private care with specialists, dental, and optical
Prescription Co-Pays
€1–€5 per prescription
Small co-payment required with SSN coverage
Submit visa application with proof of private insurance or declaration to register with SSN upon arrival.
Within 8 days of arrival, apply for your Codice Fiscale (Italian tax code) at the local tax office (Agenzia delle Entrate).
Visit your local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) office with passport, Codice Fiscale, enrollment certificate, and payment receipt (€149.77 for scholarship holders or €700).
Select a General Practitioner from the ASL list. This is your primary contact for all medical needs.
Your SSN health card (Tessera Sanitaria) arrives by mail within 2–4 weeks.
Italy’s Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) is one of Europe’s best public healthcare systems, and as an international student, you have two options: register with SSN from €149.77/year (scholarship holders) or €700/year (since 2024), or use private health insurance.
Non-EU students can register with SSN at their local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) office after arriving in Italy. You’ll need:
Once registered, you’ll select a Medico di Base (GP), who becomes your primary healthcare contact. You’ll have the same access to public healthcare as Italian citizens.
SSN provides comprehensive coverage including:
With over 110,000 international students and world-renowned universities in cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Bologna, Italy offers high-quality education, rich culture, and affordable healthcare.
Choose between affordable SSN registration or flexible private insurance plans.
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