Italy health insurance card

Italy Health Insurance Card (Tessera Sanitaria): What It Is, How to Get One, and Who Needs It (2025 Guide)

If you’re living in Italy or planning a long-term stay, having access to the national healthcare system is essential. That starts with obtaining the Tessera Sanitaria – Italy’s health insurance card, which allows you to access public healthcare (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale – SSN) and more.

This 2025 guide explains everything you need to know about the Italian health card: how to get it, who qualifies, how it’s used, and what it covers.

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What Is the Tessera Sanitaria?

The Tessera Sanitaria is Italy’s official health insurance card, issued to individuals registered with the SSN (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale). It serves as:

• Proof of health coverage
• Your personal ID in healthcare systems
• Access to doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and emergency services

It also doubles as your Italian tax code card (Codice Fiscale) and includes a magnetic stripe and barcode.

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Who Can Get a Tessera Sanitaria?

You are eligible for the Tessera Sanitaria if you:

• Are an Italian citizen or legal resident
• Have a Codice Fiscale (Italian tax code)
• Are enrolled in the SSN (free or paid, depending on your residency type)

Eligible applicants include:

• EU and non-EU residents
• Students with residence permits
• Workers and family members of workers
• Pensioners residing in Italy
• Refugees and asylum seekers

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How to Apply for a Tessera Sanitaria

You must apply in person at your local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) office. Here’s the general process:

Step-by-Step:

1. Get your Codice Fiscale
2. Register with the SSN at the ASL in your municipality
3. Bring required documents (see below)
4. Choose a family doctor (Medico di base)
5. Receive a temporary card while the plastic version is mailed to you

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Required Documents

• Valid passport or ID
• Residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) or EU registration
• Codice Fiscale
• Proof of residence (rental contract or utility bill)
• Work contract, self-employment documents, or proof of enrollment (for students)
• Marriage certificate or birth certificate (for dependents)

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Cost of the Tessera Sanitaria

Category	SSN Registration Fee (Annual)
Italian citizens / EU residents with work	Free
Non-EU residents with employment contract	Free
Self-employed / freelancers	May vary by region
Students or voluntary enrollees	Approx. €150–€300/year
Asylum seekers / low-income individuals	Free

The card itself is free once enrolled.

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Validity and Renewal

• Valid for the same duration as your residence permit or contract
• Renewed automatically when your permit or employment is extended
• A new card is issued automatically by mail upon renewal

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European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) Included

The back of the Tessera Sanitaria functions as the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which allows you to access healthcare in other EU/EEA countries during travel or temporary stays.

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What the Tessera Sanitaria Covers

With the card, you can access:

• Free or low-cost visits to your general practitioner (GP)
• Emergency room treatment
• Hospitalization and specialist care
• Diagnostic tests and lab work
• Discounted prescription medications

Note: Some services require a co-pay (ticket) unless you qualify for exemptions (based on income, chronic illness, pregnancy, etc.).

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How to Replace a Lost Tessera Sanitaria

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged:

• Report it to your ASL or via the Agenzia delle Entrate portal
• Request a new card
• A replacement will be sent by post

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