Healthcare for foreign citizens
How to navigate registration with the National Health Service, health cards, family doctors and STP assistance.
Access to healthcare
Access rules depend on nationality, residence status and length of stay. Many regularly resident foreign citizens must register with the National Health Service and receive the same covered services as Italian citizens.
Other people may qualify for voluntary registration. People without regular residence documents still have access to urgent and essential care through the STP system under the applicable rules.
What to do
1. Find the local health authority
Registration is handled by the ASL responsible for your residence or, where allowed, your declared domicile.
2. Prepare documents
Bring identification, tax code, residence permit or application receipt, and proof of residence or domicile.
3. Choose a doctor
After registration you can choose an available family doctor and, for children, a paediatrician.
4. Check the expiry date
For many non-EU citizens, health registration follows the duration of the residence permit. Verify it when renewing.
Before you start
- Keep copies of your permit and renewal receipt.
- Ask the ASL to check your status if the physical health card has not arrived.
- Use emergency services only for urgent or serious situations.
- Call 112 in a medical emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register with a renewal receipt?
Often the receipt, expired permit and other documents can be used to maintain registration. Ask the ASL to confirm your case.
Is registration always free?
Mandatory and voluntary registration follow different rules. Tickets may still apply unless you qualify for an exemption.
What is an STP code?
It allows people without regular stay documents to receive urgent and essential care, prevention and protected maternal and child healthcare.
Need a first orientation?
Ask Sportellino in your language, then verify the information with the responsible authority.