STP stands for Straniero Temporaneamente Presente (temporarily present foreign national). It is a code used by Italy’s National Health Service to give non-EU citizens who do not comply with entry or residence rules access to the care guaranteed by law.
It is not a standard health card
People often call it an “STP card”, but it may be a paper certificate showing an individual code. The code identifies you within the health system; it is not a residence permit and does not replace ordinary National Health Service registration. It is generally valid for six months and can be renewed.
Which care is guaranteed?
With an STP code, public and accredited health facilities can provide:
- urgent or essential outpatient and hospital care, including continuing treatment;
- emergency-department care when needed;
- pregnancy and maternity care;
- health protection for children;
- vaccinations and preventive measures;
- diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases;
- essential mental-health care and continuing treatment when clinically necessary.
Health professionals determine which services are urgent or essential. If you have a serious or urgent problem, do not delay treatment because you do not yet have the code.
How do you obtain it?
You can request an STP code from the local health authority (ASL) or a public health facility. You will be asked for the information needed to issue the code and for a declaration about your circumstances. If you need urgent treatment before obtaining it, go to a health facility anyway: the code can also be assigned when care is provided.
Practical arrangements can differ between regions and ASLs. Ask for the foreign-patients office or the facility’s registration desk.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge for issuing the code. A co-payment (ticket) may apply to some services, as it does for other health-service users. If you have no financial resources, you can declare indigence and, where the rules provide for it, receive an exemption from the ticket.
Will health staff report you to the authorities?
Using a health facility without a residence permit does not lead to a report to the authorities solely because of your administrative status. The ordinary legal duties to report particular situations still apply in the same way as they do for everyone else.
Protecting health is the priority: seeking medical assistance is a right.
Remember
- Keep the paper or certificate showing your STP code.
- Take it to later appointments so your treatment can continue correctly.
- If it expires and you still need care, ask for renewal.
- If you have or later obtain a status that allows ordinary National Health Service registration, ask the ASL which procedure to follow.
For official information, see the Ministry of Health page on health-service registration and care for foreign citizens.
