Healthcare Coverage for International Student
Students with European Union (EU) Citizenship
- If you have the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC – TEAM card):
If your EU home country has issued you a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC – TEAM card), you are entitled to receive all medically necessary healthcare services in Italy.
You can register with a General Practitioner (GP) at your local ASL (Local Health Authority).
Healthcare services are provided free of charge, except for any applicable co-payment (“ticket”), which you must pay and cannot claim for reimbursement.
However, the EHIC does not cover planned medical treatments abroad, meaning treatments that can be scheduled in advance (e.g. non-urgent dental care, spa treatments, etc.).
- Other cases:
If you do not have an EHIC card, you must register with the Italian National Health Service (SSN) to access healthcare services.
As an EU student, voluntary registration requires the payment of a fixed, non-refundable annual fee.
International Students from Non-EU Countries
Non-EU students must have valid health insurance in Italy, which is also required to obtain a residence permit.
If you hold a valid residence permit, you can register with the SSN by paying an annual, non-refundable fee. You must apply at the ASL office in your municipality of residence, or, if you are not yet a resident, in the municipality where you are officially domiciled according to your residence permit.
Registering with the Italian National Health Service (SSN) allows you to choose a General Practitioner (GP) from the ASL’s list and grants you 4 credits towards the Integration Agreement requirements.
Once you have applied for a residence permit, you must visit a Single ASL Service Desk (CUP) to activate your health coverage and select a GP. Bring the following documents:
- Passport.
- Italian tax code (codice fiscale).
- Receipt of payment for the annual SSN fee.
- Postal receipt confirming your residence permit application (or your valid residence permit, if already issued).
- University enrolment certificate or Arrival Declaration for exchange students.
- Voluntary registration form for non-EU citizens (available at the Single ASL Service Desk – CUP).
⚠ Important: Private health insurance policies do not include SSN registration or GP assignment.
- They usually require advance payment for medical expenses, with reimbursement requests submitted to the insurance provider. Before purchasing a policy, carefully check the reimbursement terms and conditions.
- Medical costs in Italy can be very high, especially for hospital stays. It is recommended to confirm with your insurance provider which treatments are covered and to what extent.
📌 For further information, visit salutelazio.it.