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Healthcare System information/Insurance news |
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Healthcare in Italy is delivered through a publicly-funded healthcare system, which is mostly free at the point of use. The system is divided into two categories, namely the National Health System Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) and a private healthcare system. The SSN operates under the local health authorities. It is funded by central government via tax payment, which is paid by employers on behalf of employees; people who are self-employed also make contribution towards SSN through taxes. The program provides free or low-cost healthcare to all residents and their families, including citizens from other EU countries and emergency care to visitors, irrespective of their nationality. Services provided by SSN consist of in-patient treatment (including tests, medication and surgery during hospitalisation), visits to family doctors, medical assistance provided by specialists, out-patient treatment and dental treatment. The program also pays for partial, and sometimes the full cost, of drugs and medicines. Emergency health services are available to non-EU visitors but they are expected to pay full hospital charges.
Health insurance is compulsory for non-EU residents when applying for a visa or residence permit. If you are not entitled to public health benefits in Italy, you are advised to obtain a private health insurance. Many local Italians and foreigners in Italy also choose to opt for private health insurance above the basic SSN coverage. With private insurance, one has the choice to choose any doctor or specialist they want and be treated in private hospitals, avoiding long waiting times for an appointment or surgery. In private hospitals, accommodation is generally of the standard of a luxury hotel, rooms are air-conditioned, have en-suite bathrooms, TV, telephone and extra beds for relatives if required. Moreover, visiting hours are usually unrestricted. In contrast, public hospitals usually have restricted visiting hours of around two or three hours per day. Additionally, public hospitals provide only basic accommodation, normally consisting of wards with three to six beds. While free meals will be provided during the stay in public hospitals, whether the food is to your taste is another matter. Patients are required to bring their own necessities, including towels, toiletries and pyjamas.
Italian doctors are well-trained and very passionate about their profession. Medical care in public hospitals is on par with private hospitals as doctors in Italy often work for both state and private hospitals, however, private hospitals are normally better equipped with the latest medical equipment. The Ministry of Health in Italy sets minimum charges for all private operations, as such, private hospital treatments are usually very expensive. In order to ensure that you have no worries on medical costs and receive the most appropriate treatment during your stay in Italy, it is best to purchase a private health insurance plan for you and your family.
Like in any system, there are always some issues. There is a shortage of medical staff and lack of hospital facilities in the public health service in Italy. This has resulted in long waiting times and inadequate medical treatment. Moreoever, the Italian healthcare services focus more on curing illnesses instead of prevention or promotion of good health, therefore, little preventive medicine is available in Italy. Italy offers free and universal healthcare to its residents, however with the increase in ageing population and exemptions on medications granted to elderly, disabled individuals and people with low incomes, it has put a burden onto the healthcare system in Italy. This situation worsens when it couples with reduction in heathcare funding.
Globalsurance is a one-stop insurance brokerage service provider for you when travelling to Italy. We offer a wide range of policies to meet your individual needs, including benefits such as dental, maternity, inpatient, outpatient, specialist consultations and many others. Contact our professional advisers today to enjoy a full insurance protection such as Expat Health Insurance for yourself and your family.
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