Tessera sanitaria: joining Italy's health service
Quick answer
The tessera sanitaria is your Italian health card, issued when you enrol in the national health service (SSN). Workers are covered through contributions; students and some permit-holders enrol voluntarily for an annual fee (students pay €700/year since 2024). Enrol at your local ASL with your codice fiscale, permesso and residenza.
The tessera sanitaria is your Italian health card, issued when you enrol in the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). It gives you a family doctor (medico di base) and access to public healthcare. Some newcomers are covered automatically; others enrol voluntarily for an annual fee.
Mandatory vs voluntary enrolment
Enrolment is mandatory (and effectively free through contributions) for employed and self-employed workers and their dependants, and for some other categories. It is voluntary for people such as students and holders of some residence permits, who pay an annual contribution to join.
What voluntary enrolment costs
The voluntary annual fee depends on your category. Since 2024 students pay a fixed €700 per year. Other voluntary enrollees pay an income-based contribution with a set minimum. Confirm your figure with your local ASL, as amounts are updated periodically.
How to enrol
Register at your local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) with your permesso di soggiorno (or EU registration), codice fiscale, and residenza. You choose a medico di base from the available list, and your tessera sanitaria is issued and posted to you.
What you need
- ✓Codice fiscale
- ✓For non-EU: permesso di soggiorno
- ✓Proof of residenza / address
- ✓Payment receipt for voluntary enrolment (if applicable)
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Build my checklistFrequently asked questions
How much does health cover cost for students in Italy?+
Since 2024, voluntary SSN enrolment for students is a fixed €700 per year.
Do I need residenza before enrolling in the SSN?+
Full enrolment and a standard tessera sanitaria normally require residenza, along with your codice fiscale and, for non-EU citizens, a valid permesso.
What is a medico di base?+
It is your assigned family doctor (GP) under the national health service. You choose one from your ASL's list when you enrol.
Official sources
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Approdo provides information, not legal or tax advice. Requirements and figures change; always confirm with the official sources linked above.