Doctors in Italy: How to Find Medical Care as an Expat

Learn how to access doctors in Italy, including registration, appointments, and specialist visits. Discover costs, prescriptions, and private healthcare options. Access telehealth services with Travel Doctor for virtual consultations.

Introduction

Italy has one of the world's most efficient healthcare systems, ranking fourth in the Bloomberg Healthcare Efficiency Index (2022). With 4.1 doctors per 1,000 residents, it offers accessible healthcare for citizens and foreign residents. The Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) provides public healthcare, while private options offer shorter wait times and specialized care.

This guide explains how to register with a doctor in Italy, book appointments, access specialists, and understand medical costs.

Who Can Access Doctors in Italy?

• Italian citizens and residents: Access to public healthcare via Tessera Sanitaria (TS).

• EU citizens: Use European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for public healthcare.

• Non-EU citizens: Need private health insurance for doctor visits, specialists, and emergency care.

For remote medical care, Travel Doctor offers virtual consultations.

Finding a Doctor in Italy

To access healthcare, residents must register at their local Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) office. Once registered, you can select a General Practitioner (GP) for free.

English-Speaking Doctors in Italy

• Urban areas: Many doctors speak English, particularly in Rome, Milan, and Florence.

• Rural areas: Some hospitals provide interpreters; private clinics may offer English-speaking services.

• Online searches: Platforms like Doctors in Italy and Mobidoctor help locate English-speaking doctors.

For in-person visits, check out these locations:

• Paris: American Medical Center Paris

• Budapest: Expat Medical Budapest

• Berlin: Arztbesuche

• Bucharest: Expat Medical Bucharest

• Athens & Crete: Doctor Athens

• Krakow: Doctor Krakow

• Argentina & Mexico: Travel Doctores

Booking a Doctor’s Appointment

• GP Appointments: Call the office or book online.

• Specialists: Requires a referral from a GP.

• Centro Unico Prenotazioni (CUP): Call 800 098798 (landline) or 0721 1779301 (mobile) to book.

• Pharmacies: Some allow bookings for lab tests and minor checkups.

Visiting a Doctor in Italy

Bring the following:

• ID or passport

• Tessera Sanitaria (for public care)

• List of symptoms and medical history

Common Italian medical phrases:

• "Ho dolore" – I am in pain

• "Ho la febbre" – I have a fever

• "Ho mal di testa" – I have a headache

• "Ho la nausea" – I have nausea

Medical Specialists in Italy

Patients need a GP referral for public healthcare specialist visits. Private specialists can be accessed directly.

• Public specialists: Cost €36–€50

• Private specialists: Cost €50–€200

For faster access, Travel Doctor provides virtual consultations.

Cost of Medical Care

• Public healthcare: Free GP visits, but specialist visits and lab tests may require co-payments.

• Private healthcare: Varies, with insurance covering some costs.

Health Insurance Options

Expats may require private health insurance. Popular providers include:

• Allianz Care

• APRIL International

• Cigna Global

Emergency Doctors in Italy

For emergencies, call 112 (Europe-wide) or 118 (Italy-specific).

• Pronto Soccorso (Emergency Room): Available at public hospitals.

• Urgent Care Centers (Guardia Medica): Open outside GP hours.

Color-Coded Triage System

• Red: Immediate, life-threatening

• Yellow: Serious, urgent

• Green: Minor, requires attention

• White: Non-urgent, long wait times

Prescriptions and Medications

• Pharmacies (Farmacia): Dispense prescription and over-the-counter medication.

• Costs: Some medications are free or discounted via Tessera Sanitaria.

Making a Complaint About Healthcare Services

Patients can file complaints with:

• Ufficio Relazioni con il Pubblico (URP) – For public healthcare issues.

• National Contact Point (NCP) – Handles unresolved complaints.

Summary

• Italy offers high-quality public and private healthcare.

• Residents and expats can access doctors through SSN or private insurance.

• Virtual consultations via Travel Doctor are available for expats.

• Emergency services are accessible via 112 or 118.

FAQ

Can foreigners see a doctor in Italy?

Yes, foreigners can visit public or private doctors. EU citizens use EHIC, while non-EU nationals need private insurance.

How do I find an English-speaking doctor in Italy?

Search platforms like Doctors in Italy, Mobidoctor, or visit Travel Doctor for telehealth services.

Are doctor visits free in Italy?

GP visits are free for SSN-registered residents, but specialist visits may require co-payments.

For fast, reliable healthcare, expats can access Travel Doctor for virtual and in-person consultations.