Visiting a Doctor in Italy
In Italy, if you are registered as a patient with the National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) and have a Medical Card (Tessera Sanitaria Nazionale) you are entitled to medical care from a GP and/or a paediatrician of your choice.
Foreign citizens without a valid residence permit are not entitled to free care from the Health Service; however, they can receive a special medical card which they can show to a medical practitioner in case of emergency.
The Italian state guarantees all citizens the right to health assistance through the 'Essential Assistance Levels' (Livelli Essenziali di Assistenza); these guarantee the basic health assistance that the state gives to its citizens. Some of this healthcare is free of charge, whilst other services will require payment.
For detailed information on the Italian National Health Service, see Servizio Sanitario Nazionale and the connected articles (available in Italian).
This guide gives information on receiving medical care and arranging a doctor's appointment in Italy. For more information, see:
