Student health coverage in Italy: updated regulations 2026
Studying in Italy is the dream of many foreigners. The privileged location in the heart of Europe and the Mediterranean makes this country a coveted place for travelers and also for those who want to broaden their cultural horizons. In major Italian cities, one has the opportunity to attend the oldest universities in the world while enjoying a climate pleasant year-round.If you are considering studying in Italy, there is one thing you cannot ignore: thehealth insurance.
It is not just a bureaucratic formality. It is a mandatory requirement for obtaining and renewing a residence permit and, most importantly, it is what allows you to accessing medical care during your college career.
Studying in Italy and protecting one’s well-being
Those who want to come to Italy to study must protect their health during their stay in the country. For this, it is important to know how the public health system works.
The National Health Service (SSN) is divided into Local Health Units Companies (AUSL or ASL) to which one can turn for medical care depending on the city in which one resides and studies.
To explore this further, you can read the articles we have written in the past about opportunities for international students to receive health care in Italy.
Foreign student health insurance: is it mandatory?
Yes. If you are an international (especially non-EU) student, you need to prove that you have a health coverage valid in Italy.
Without insurance:
- you can’t get a visa
- you cannot apply for a residence permit
- you can’t renew it
In addition, the duration of the residence permit cannot exceed the duration of health coverage.
Health coverage for EU students
Students from a European Union country who have the European EHIC health cardvalid, they can directly access the health and medical services they need. To receive health care, they will be able to show their EHIC card and go to a practitioner on the general practitioner (GP) list. In addition, they can go to the public or contracted health care facilities. The only cost to be incurred might be that of an extra contribution (also called “ticket“) for specialist visits and diagnostic tests prescribed by prescription.
It should be specified that in the event that the stay exceeds 90 days, EU citizens are obliged to register with the registry office of the municipality where they live. To carry out residence registration, the municipality mandatorily requires the submission of a health care coverage covering all health risks in the country.
Health coverage for non-EU students
Students from non-EU countries have two main options:
- Make voluntary enrollment in the SSN;
- Take out private medical insurance.
1. Enrollment in the National Health Service (NHS).
If you decide to enroll in the SSN, you will have to pay a contribution annual flat rate of minimum 700€, not fractionable. SSN enrollment is valid from January 1 until December 31.
By signing up you get:
- assignment of a general practitioner
- access to public hospitals
- Access to care on par with Italian citizens
Important: You can only register if you have a residence permit of more than 3 months.
2. Purchase of private medical insurance
It is often preferred by students because:
- costs less than the NHS
- is faster to activate
- can be activated for the duration of the study residence permit and not necessarily for the entire calendar year.
In addition, those who subscribe to private medical coverage:
- can simultaneously carry out enrollment in the NHS, accessing the care of a primary care physician;
- can claim reimbursement for medical expenses incurred in a public hospital on an emergency basis.
The rising cost of enrollment in the NHS for those who want to study in Italy
At the end of 2023, the Council of Ministers announced the’increase in costs for foreign nationals from non-EU countries who wish to voluntarily enroll in the SSN. Thus, the cost increased from 149€ to 700€. In this category are. including international students and generally those who hold study permits. For this reason, many students discouraged by the increased cost of voluntary enrollment in the SSN prefer to purchase a private policy.
Foreign student insurance and residence permit
Many students are confused about the link between health insurance and residence permit. The rule is actually simple : without health insurance valid, the residence permit is not issued or renewed.
Among the required documents you always find:
- Proof of health coverage;
- Duration consistent with the permit.
Basic elements of private student insurance
Let us recall some important elements for the validity of private health insurance for a student coming to Italy:
- the header of the policy must be in the name of the student who is applying for the residence permit;
- the policy must cover the risk of illness, accident and maternity;
- coverage must be valid in Italy for the duration of the course of study that is intended to be pursued.
If you need assistance and further clarification regarding this topic, please feel free to contact our Union.
