Health Insurance for Students in Italy
You need health cover twice: for your study visa, and for your residence permit (the card that lets you stay in Italy). You may also choose to join Italy's National Health Service (SSN) for at least 700 euros (EUR) a calendar year.
Student Insurance Plan • Italy
Health Cover Rules for Italy
Italy checks your health cover for the visa and again for the residence permit.
Why You Need Health Insurance
- The visa office asks for it.
- The residence permit needs it.
- Hospital care without cover can be very costly.
Legal Requirements
- Visa: at least EUR 30,000 cover for emergency hospital care and travel home for medical reasons.
- Residence permit: SSN, foreign insurance valid in Italy, or Italian insurance with no limits on urgent hospital care.
Insurance Approaches for Different Students
National Health Service (SSN)
Pay at least EUR 700 a year and register at the local health authority (ASL) office.
Private insurance
A policy valid in Italy with no limits on urgent hospital care.
Your residence permit will not be longer than your health cover. Keep it running for your whole stay.
Your Options in Italy
For your residence permit, Italy accepts three kinds of health cover.
National Health Service (SSN)
Join as a student for at least EUR 700 a year. You get the same care as Italians and a family doctor.
Foreign insurance valid in Italy
A policy from home that is valid in Italy, with no limits on urgent hospital care.
Italian private insurance
A policy from an Italian company, with a statement that urgent hospital care has no limits.
How to Join the SSN
These steps are for students in the Bologna area. Other cities may differ a little.
Healthcare System Basics
- Italy's public health system is the National Health Service (SSN).
- Paying alone does not start your cover. You must register at the ASL desk.
Step-by-Step Care Guides
Joining the SSN
- 1Pay the yearly fee with an F24 form (a tax payment form), at a bank or online.
- 2Add the payment receipts to your residence permit request.
- 3Go to the local health authority (ASL) desk to start your cover and choose a family doctor.
- 4Your health card (tessera sanitaria) comes by post.
Questions and Links
Links and common questions.
Official Government Resources
University of Bologna: health care for international students
How to join the SSN as a student, step by step.
Visit Resource →Emergency Contacts
Emergency
112Ambulance, fire and police. Free from any phone.
Important: Save the local emergency numbers in your phone before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance do I need for the visa?
At least EUR 30,000 cover for emergency hospital care and travel home for medical reasons, valid in all Schengen countries (the group of European countries that share one visa area).
How much does the National Health Service (SSN) cost for students?
At least EUR 700 a year. It covers a calendar year, from January to December, and cannot be paid for part of a year.
Can I pay for two years at once?
Yes. You can pay for the current and the next calendar year, for example 2026 and 2027. Each year is a separate payment.
Does my insurance affect my residence permit?
Yes. A shorter cover means a shorter permit.
Who can join the SSN as a student?
Students who live in Italy and have a study residence permit, or have asked for one.
Complete Guide to Italy
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Pre-Departure - Detailed Guides
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