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Hospitals in Italy for Visitors and Expatriates: Reliable Care

From the Rome American Hospital to the Milan Medical Center, Italy boasts a network of reliable hospitals for expatriates and travelers to seek treatment. However, navigating Italian healthcare can be a daunting task without knowledge of local hospitals and without health insurance coverage. 

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By securing health insurance coverage, expatriates can choose the physician they prefer and be treated in private hospitals with better facilities than their public counterparts. This ensures your healthcare needs are met without lengthy wait times and overcrowding. 

In this article by Pacific Prime, we provide a comprehensive list of the top hospitals in Italy, an overview of the Italian healthcare system, and a detailed explanation of why health insurance is crucial for expatriates and visitors.

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The Best Hospitals for Expatriates in Italy 

Image of Daytime View Of Venice, Italy With Canals And Historic Architecture with text overlay of "The Best Hospitals for Expatriates"

The top hospitals in Italy are Rome American Hospital, Concordia Hospital, Salvator Mundi International Hospital, Osedale Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, Ospedale Pediatrico Meyer Hospital, Milan Medical Center, and San Raffaele Hospital. 

For those in need of top-notch medical attention, we have compiled a list of some of the finest hospitals in Italy:

Rome American Hospital, Rome 

This hospital is well-known for its international patient services, offering a wide range of medical treatments with English-speaking staff and doctors. It is a preferred choice for expatriates and travelers seeking quality healthcare in Rome.

Concordia Hospital, Rome 

Concordia Hospital provides comprehensive medical care with a focus on patient comfort and convenience. The hospital is equipped with modern facilities and has a team of English-speaking medical professionals.

  • Contact details: Address: Via delle Sette Chiese, 90, Rome, Italy; Tel: +39 06 5160 0248
  • Website: Concordia Hospital

Salvator Mundi International Hospital, Rome 

A leading private hospital in Rome, Salvator Mundi International Hospital is known for its specialized medical services and English-speaking staff. It caters to both local and international patients with high standards of care.

Ospedale Santa Maria Nuova, Florence

Located in the heart of Florence, this hospital offers general medical services and is well-equipped to handle emergencies. It is one of the oldest hospitals in the city, providing reliable care to residents and visitors alike.

Ospedale Pediatrico Meyer, Florence 

A top pediatric hospital in Florence, Ospedale Pediatrico Meyer specializes in children’s healthcare, offering advanced treatments and specialized services for young patients. It is recognized for its excellent care and research in pediatric medicine.

    • Contact details: Address: Viale Gaetano Pieraccini, 24, Florence, Italy; Tel: +39 055 56621

Hospital of Innocents, Florence

Known for its historical significance and quality care, the Hospital of Innocents in Florence provides medical services with a focus on maternal and child health. It is an important healthcare institution in the region.

    • Contact details: Address: Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, 12, Florence, Italy; Tel: +39 055 20371

Milan Medical Center S.R.L., Milan

A private medical center catering to Milan’s large expatriate community, Milan Medical Center S.R.L. offers a variety of healthcare services with multilingual staff, including English, French, and German-speaking doctors.

    • Contact details: Address: Via Angelo Mauri, 3, Milan, Italy; Tel: +39 02 4399 0401

San Raffaele Hospital, Milan

One of Milan’s leading hospitals, San Raffaele Hospital is renowned for its state-of-the-art medical facilities and specialized departments. It provides comprehensive care and is a hub for medical research and innovation.

    • Contact details: Address: Via Olgettina, 60, Milan, Italy; Tel: +39 02 26431

Ospedale Niguarda Ca’ Granda, Milan 

A major public hospital in Milan, Ospedale Niguarda Ca’ Granda, is equipped with a wide range of medical specialties and an emergency department. It is known for its high-quality care and extensive healthcare services.

    • Contact details: Address: Piazza dell’Ospedale Maggiore, 3, Milan, Italy; Tel: +39 02 64441

Ospedale Antonio Cardarelli, Naples

One of the largest hospitals in Naples, Ospedale Antonio Cardarelli, offers extensive medical services, including emergency care. It is a key healthcare provider in the region, known for its expertise and comprehensive patient care.

    • Contact details: Address: Via Antonio Cardarelli, 9, Naples, Italy; Tel: +39 081 747 1111

Ospedale Evangelico Villa Betania, Naples 

A reputable healthcare institution in Naples, Ospedale Evangelico Villa Betania provides a wide range of medical services with a focus on compassionate care. It serves both the local community and international patients.

    • Contact details: Address: Via Argine, 604, Naples, Italy; Tel: +39 081 591 2111

Ospedale Santobono, Naples 

Specializing in pediatric care, Ospedale Santobono is a leading hospital in Naples for children’s healthcare. It is well-regarded for its specialized services and dedicated care for young patients.

    • Contact details: Address: Via Mario Fiore, 6, Naples, Italy; Tel: +39 081 220 5111

The Italian Healthcare System: What You Need to Know

The Italian healthcare system, known for its universal coverage, offers a unique blend of public and private services. Managed primarily by regional governments, the system provides comprehensive care to all residents, including expatriates and visitors.

Listed below are some key considerations to make when navigating Italian healthcare: 

  • Universal Healthcare Coverage: Italy’s healthcare system is based on the principles of universal coverage and equity. Every resident, including foreign nationals with legal status, has access to essential health services. 
  • Public and Private Healthcare Options: Public hospitals and clinics provide most services, often free at the point of use, especially for urgent and emergency care. Private healthcare offers faster access to specialists and more comfort but comes at a higher cost.
  • Regional Variability in Healthcare Quality: Northern regions, like Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna, generally offer higher standards of care; in contrast, southern regions may struggle with longer wait times and less access to certain treatments, leading some patients to seek care in the north.
  • Cost of Healthcare: Healthcare in Italy is relatively affordable compared to the U.S., but costs can still add up, particularly in the private sector. So having supplemental private health insurance may be beneficial for expatriates who prefer private services.
  • Organized Emergency Services: Emergency medical services in Italy are well organized and accessible. The emergency number is 118, and services are free. Ambulance services are a mix of public and private providers, often staffed by volunteers.
  • Planning for Healthcare Needs: Before moving to or traveling to Italy, it’s important to familiarize yourself with how the healthcare system operates in your region. You might want to consider private health insurance for faster access to services or specialized care.

The Importance of Health Insurance for Expatriates and Visitors in Italy

Navigating healthcare in Italy is significantly easier with proper health insurance, especially for expatriates and visitors. This ensures access to quality care, emergency services, compliance with visa requirements, and financial protection in the event of sudden expenses. 

Listed below are the key reasons to secure health insurance as an expatriate or visitor in Italy: 

  • Guaranteed Access to Quality Care: While the Italian SSN offers comprehensive care, including hospitalization, specialist visits, and emergency services, many expatriates and visitors opt for private health insurance to ensure quicker access to healthcare services and English-speaking doctors.

  • Coverage for Medical Emergencies: Medical emergencies can occur unexpectedly, and without insurance, the cost of emergency services in Italy can be substantial. Even though emergency care is covered under the SSN, having private insurance ensures that you can access private facilities or services.

  • Compliance with Residency Requirements: For non-EU expatriates, health insurance is mandatory for obtaining a residency permit (permesso di soggiorno) in Italy. Proof of private health insurance is often required during the application process, especially if residency status is still pending.

  • Financial Protection: In Italian healthcare, out-of-pocket costs can still add up, especially for prescription medications, specialist consultations, or services not covered by the SSN. Private health insurance offers financial protection against these costs.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do I need health insurance to access medical care in Italy as an expatriate or visitor? 

While Italy offers a public healthcare system with universal coverage, expatriates and visitors are strongly advised to secure private health insurance. Private insurance ensures quicker access to specialists, shorter wait times, and care at private facilities. 

What are the main differences between public and private hospitals in Italy? 

Public hospitals in Italy provide comprehensive care and are often free at the point of use, especially for emergencies. Private hospitals, on the other hand, typically offer faster access to services, more comfort, and often have multilingual staff.

How can I choose the right hospital in Italy for my healthcare needs?

For general care and emergencies, public hospitals are reliable and widely available. However, for specialized services, faster access, or care in English, private hospitals such as Rome American Hospital or Milan Medical Center are excellent choices.

Conclusion

While Italy offers a comprehensive public healthcare system with universal coverage, securing private health insurance is essential for expatriates and visitors to ensure quick access to high-quality care, financial protection, and compliance with residency requirements.

For expatriates and visitors in Italy, obtaining comprehensive health insurance is crucial to avoid the financial strain of unexpected medical expenses and to guarantee access to the top-tier care available in the country’s medical institutions.

If you’re looking to secure a tailored health insurance plan for your time in Italy, Pacific Prime is here to help. With years of expertise, we can find a plan that fits your budget while ensuring you have the coverage you need.

Reach out to us today to compare plans and receive a free quote!

Content Writer/Marketer at Pacific Prime
Piyanat is a Marketer and SEO Content Writer with an affinity for storytelling and marketing. He works with a team of experienced professionals at Pacific Prime who create a range of engaging and informative content aimed at helping both individuals and companies understand the importance of and benefits of insurance.

Upon graduating from Mahidol University International College’s International Relations program, he spent his career in marketing and business development, working for an international subcontractor, a marketing research firm, an international news agency, a software development company, and a creative agency. His journey now continues at Pacific Prime, where he hopes to make an impact by simplifying insurance and writing a gargantuan amount of SEO articles to draw in billions of leads.

In his free time, Piyanat is an avid martial artist and musician, spending most of his time at boxing gyms in Nakhon Pathom and music studios with his friends in the music industry.
Piyanat Jantharot
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