Insurance requirements for studying in Italy
Insurance information for Italy
If you are going to study and live in Italy, you want to be fully prepared before starting your adventure. Among other things, you want to make sure your insurance covers everything you need, without paying too much
EU Citizens
Students from EU/EEA countries, who are in possession of valid health insurance in their home country, may use the European Health Insurance Card (see FAQ EHIC). This is a free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland under the same conditions and at the same cost (free in some countries) as people insured in that country. Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance.EHIC does not guarantee free services. As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country.
For a period longer than 3 months, the registration with the Italian National Health Service (SSN) is requested. For a complete health coverage you should obtain the S1 form (see below). Application must be submitted at the Local Health Authorities (Azienda Sanitaria Locale – ASL) according to the area of residence. There are no fees and the Italian Health Insurance Card (Tessera Sanitaria) will be issued immediately and free of charge by the ASL.
Non-EU Citizens
Please note that for non-EU students it is compulsory to hold a health insurance (or a health insurance payment receipt) in order to apply for the residence permit. The residence permit will have the same validity in time of the health insurance and viceversa (the residence permit has a maximum validity of 12 months).
Non Eu students can choose among three alternatives to obtain a health coverage.
- 1.Register with the Italian National Health Service SSN
- 2.Subscribe a private health insurance policy abroad
- 3.Subscribe a private health insurance policy in Italy
No worries, we've got you covered. Together with our partner Aon, we are going to make sure you get the perfect insurance package. Your study abroad adventure will be awesome, but insured for all risks, including health care.
Is this enough?
It is important to understand that the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is not always enough, Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance, and that the local offered health insurance will probably not cover:
- (Additional) medical costs
- Repatriation
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
- Worldwide cover
You will need an insurance policy also covering, but also arranging for you, for example:
- You returning home if a close relative is seriously ill or dies;
- Up to two close relatives visiting you in if you fall seriously ill;
- Your medical repatriation to your home country for hospitalization or rehabilitation treatment;
- or in the worst possible situation, returning a body home for burial.
- Tuition Fee Insurance for international students what is it and why its useful
Free quote from Aon
Via our partner Aon, you can easily discover details that apply to your specific situation. To get advice and insight in the costs of insurance, you can freely request an instant quote.
About Italy
Italian universities offer affordable education with undeniable quality. They have a rich cultural and educational heritage, being home to Europe's oldest university, the University of Bologna, established in 1088. Renowned for fashion and architecture, Italian universities also offer various English-taught degrees. In your free time, you can indulge in the pleasant Mediterranean climate, refreshing sea breeze, and savor the delicious cuisine while exploring iconic historic sites like Rome's Colosseum or Pantheon.
Frequently asked questions
Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance
(European Health Insurance Card - Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion - European Commission (europa.eu))
An EHIC gives the student the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in another EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.
When you are in possession of a valid EHIC during your study period in Italy, it only provides coverage for emergency medical expenses. Please note that this does not include any costs for medical evacuation, physical therapy, acupuncture or emergency dental expenses. You are also not covered for your personal possessions, liability, legal aid, emergency assistance and extra travel expenses.
The validity of the EHIC depends on your home country and your insurer in your home country. It may not cover the full period of studies. Please verify the validity of your EHIC with your insurer in your home country for your study period abroad in Italy.
However, the coverage of the European Health Insurance Card or private insurance may not be sufficient, especially in case of repatriation and specific medical intervention. In that case, a complementary private insurance might be useful.
Taking out an additional insurance during your study abroad in Italy is specially needed for the risks that are not covered for with your EHIC. This to be certain that you are properly insured during your study period.As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country like Italy.
