Healthcare Services
DISCLAIMER: For detailed and up-to-date information on the Italian healthcare system, students are advised to refer to the designated authorities. The University of Siena does not bear responsibility for the information provided on this page, which is intended merely to give students a preliminary overview of healthcare services.
In Italy, both public and private institutions deliver healthcare services, creating a comprehensive system designed to meet the diverse needs of its population. Italians use both the public and private healthcare systems, depending on their needs, preferences, and sometimes, the urgency of their medical situation.
The backbone of Italian healthcare is the public system, the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) (i.e., the National Health Service), which offers universal coverage to all citizens and residents. The SSN is founded on the principles of equality and universality, ensuring that healthcare is accessible and free or low-cost at the point of delivery, and is generally considered to be of high quality. For more information, please refer to the dedicated guide.
Non-EU Students
Non-EU Students must have comprehensive medical and hospitalization insurance. At the time of the Residence Permit application, once in Italy, students should provide evidence of one of the following insurance coverage:
- A consular statement verifying entitlement to healthcare, based on an agreement between Italy and the student’s home country.
- A valid foreign insurance policy in Italy without restrictions or exceptions to rates set for emergency hospitalization.
- An insurance policy from national bodies or companies, accompanied by a statement that ensures no exceptions or restrictions to emergency hospitalization rates throughout its duration.
WARNING: Depending on private health insurance policies that only meet the minimum requirements might lead to challenging situations in the event of medical needs. The University of Siena strongly encourages all its international non-EU students to take advantage of the National Public Health Service, which offers comprehensive medical coverage at a cost of 700 euros per calendar year.
EU Students
Students from EU countries can receive medical care in Italy by presenting the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), also known as TEAM in Italian, provided by their home country’s health authority. For more information, please refer to the dedicated guide.
