Studying in Italy is a very exciting move.
However, there is one more condition that cannot be negotiable: you need to have legitimate health insurance in order to receive and maintain your residence permit.
In a case where the students come alone, the choice is not often complicated.
And when one arrives with a spouse or children, it is even more complicated- since Italy has various insurance routes, each having various regulations, prices, and benefits.
This guide demystifies everything.
You will find out how the system of healthcare in Italy functions, how insurance influences your residence permit, which professionals are the best to serve the family, and how to find the right combination between the public and the private one.
To begin with the background: the access to healthcare among Italian students.
How the Healthcare System Works for International Students in Italy
Italy has a strong reputation for high-quality healthcare.
The country operates a universal system known as the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), which provides public healthcare at low or no cost to residents.
But here’s the catch.
Access depends on your residency category, nationality, and the type of insurance you hold.
Non-EU/EEA Students
Non-EU students have two primary options:
- Voluntary registration with the SSN — typically €150–€200 per year for students.
- A private insurance policy — required for the residence permit and valid from your arrival date.
SSN registration gives broad access to public healthcare, including GP services, specialist consultations, emergency care, and hospital services.
It’s comprehensive, but it may come with waiting times for non-urgent visits.
Meanwhile, private insurance is mandatory for obtaining your permesso di soggiorno (residence permit).
Most students buy an annual emergency-only private policy for €100–€200, which satisfies immigration rules while keeping costs low.
EU/EEA Students
EU/EEA students benefit from the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), which grants access to medically necessary public healthcare in Italy.
But the EHIC alone doesn’t provide shorter waiting times or full private coverage.
This is why many EU students—especially those with families—still choose a supplementary private plan.
Top 10 Family-Friendly Health Insurers for International Students in Italy
Students with dependents have more to consider than visa compliance.
They often look for faster specialist access, better continuity of care, maternity benefits, or global travel coverage.
Here are the ten most commonly used family-friendly insurers among students and expats in Italy.
1. Allianz Care
Allianz offers one of the most comprehensive expat-friendly medical policies globally.
Families appreciate the high annual benefit limits, hospital coverage, mental-health care, maternity options, and worldwide protection.
If your family travels frequently or might relocate again, Allianz is a top-tier option.
2. AXA Global Healthcare
AXA provides flexible plans designed for international families.
You can choose your annual limit, outpatient options, and deductibles, and many plans include maternity benefits after a waiting period.
It’s especially appealing for families needing customisable coverage without sacrificing reliability.
3. NOW Health International
NOW Health offers modern, global expat plans with digital-first service.
Families can select deductibles, add maternity coverage, and include dental benefits.
The plans are known for transparency and speed, making them helpful for students juggling multiple administrative tasks.
4. Bupa International
Bupa is one of the world’s most trusted insurers.
Their global plans come with extensive direct billing networks, high limits, evacuation benefits, and even routine vaccination coverage.
Families value Bupa’s smooth claims process and access to leading private hospitals.
5. Aviva
Aviva offers private health insurance with:
- Inpatient and outpatient cover
- Optional dental and optical
- Annual health checks
However, Aviva does not cover maternity, which may be a limitation for some families.
Still, it’s a cost-effective option for those looking for core medical benefits.
6. Generali
Generali is one of Italy’s major insurers.
Their international health plans include inpatient, outpatient, maternity, emergency evacuation, and even optical benefits.
For families wanting strong local and international networks under a well-established brand, Generali is a solid choice.
7. GeoBlue
GeoBlue is widely used by U.S. citizens studying abroad.
Its plans offer unlimited annual benefit limits, telemedicine, and excellent U.S. provider access—ideal for families who travel back and forth.
The costs sit at the higher end, but the global flexibility is unmatched.
8. A+ International Insurance
A+ offers modular expat plans with competitive pricing.
Students can choose lower annual benefit limits or higher deductibles to reduce premiums while still having strong core coverage.
Families on a tight budget often appreciate A+ as a more affordable alternative to Allianz or Bupa.
9. HealthCare International
HealthCare International (HCI) includes benefits not common in other insurers, such as acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.
Plans are customisable with optional co-pays to help control costs.
It’s an attractive option for families looking for a holistic approach to health management.
10. UniSalute
UniSalute is a local Italian private insurer known for fast access to private specialists, diagnostic tests, and hospitals.
Families living solely in Italy often choose UniSalute for its affordability and strong domestic network.
Unlike international plans, UniSalute focuses on Italy rather than global medical mobility.
Typical Costs and What They Cover
Insurance costs in Italy vary widely.
Your choice depends on your visa needs, family structure, travel habits, and risk tolerance.
Here’s a useful overview:
Public SSN (for Students)
- €149–€200 per year for students
- €2,000 minimum per year for dependents
SSN gives comprehensive access to public healthcare, but the costs rise sharply when adding family members.
Private Student Plans
- €200–€800 per year
- €50–€150 per dependent per month
These plans offer faster access than SSN and are tailored to satisfy student visa requirements.
International Expat Plans
- €300–€1,200 per adult per year
- Pricing depends on age, region, deductible, and benefit selections
These plans provide:
- High coverage limits
- Global networks
- Medical evacuation
- Maternity (in higher-tier plans)
- Travel coverage
- Repatriation
They’re the most flexible option for families expecting to move or travel during their stay.
What Most Plans Include
The structure of coverage varies, but most family-friendly plans include:
- Hospitalisation
- Emergency treatment
- Outpatient care
- Specialist consultations
- Prescriptions
- Diagnostic testing
Comprehensive international plans may also offer:
- Dental and orthodontics
- Optical benefits
- Maternity (with waiting periods)
- Alternative therapies
- Rehabilitation
- Evacuation and repatriation
Families traveling between Italy and their home country often find evacuation and overseas care especially valuable.
Comparing the Main Insurance Options for Families in Italy
To help you choose, here is a simple comparison table summarising the role, advantages, and limits of each category:
Insurance Options in Italy
| Option Type | Key Providers | Role for Students & Families | Key Pros | Key Limits |
| Public SSN | Italian National Health Service | Basic public healthcare, low cost | Affordable; essential service coverage | Long waits; limited for non-emergency care; dependents pay more |
| Private Student Plans | UniSalute, university partnerships, specialised student insurers | Faster access; designed for student needs | Fast service; some family plans available | May exclude pre-existing conditions; limited global cover |
| International Expat Plans | Allianz Care, AXA, Bupa, GeoBlue, etc. | Comprehensive global coverage for families | High limits; evacuation; worldwide access | Higher cost; medical underwriting; visa certificate may need validation |
Practical Tips for International Students with Families
Choosing the right insurance involves more than just comparing prices.
You need to think about immigration, travel habits, family size, and any ongoing medical needs.
Here are actionable tips to guide your decision:
1. Check Visa and University Requirements
For the residence permit (permesso di soggiorno), non-EU students must show:
- A private policy covering emergency healthcare
- Coverage valid in Italy for the entire intended stay
- Clear policy documentation in Italian or English
Universities sometimes negotiate discounted group plans, so always check their website before purchasing an individual plan.
2. Decide Whether You Need Local or International Coverage
If your family will live only in Italy and won’t travel much, a local Italian insurer may be enough.
But choose an international plan if your family:
- Visits home frequently
- Travels through Europe
- Might relocate to another country
- Needs broader hospital options
International plans offer continuity across borders, which matters for long-term security.
3. Ensure Your Policy Clearly States Visa Compliance
Your insurance certificate should specifically mention:
- Emergency care coverage
- Hospitalisation
- Validity across Italy
- Coverage dates
- Beneficiary names
Ambiguity in the certificate is one of the top reasons students face delays during the residence-permit renewal process.
4. Review Waiting Periods and Exclusions Carefully
Many plans include waiting periods for:
- Maternity
- Dental
- Pre-existing conditions
- Mental health services
If your family is planning pregnancy or ongoing treatment, the waiting period matters enormously.
5. Make Use of University Partnerships
Some Italian universities have agreements with insurers, offering:
- Discounted premiums
- Shorter waiting periods
- Preferential access to networks
- Better coverage for pre-existing conditions
This can significantly reduce your overall cost—especially for families.
Choosing the Right Family Health Insurance in Italy
Italy offers a rich cultural experience, world-class universities, and a healthcare system that supports residents well.
But for international students—especially those arriving with families—navigating health insurance can feel overwhelming at first.
Start by meeting visa requirements.
Choose whether SSN, private, or international insurance works best for your lifestyle.
Then compare benefits, check waiting periods, and ensure your certificate is immigration-compliant.
When you approach it methodically, the process becomes manageable.
And once you secure the right insurance, you can focus on the real reason you’re in Italy—your academic journey and the experience of living in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries.
References:
- Allianz Care. (2024). International health insurance plans. https://www.allianzcare.com
- AXA Global Healthcare. (2024). Health insurance for individuals and families. https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com
- Bupa Global. (2024). Worldwide private medical insurance. https://www.bupaglobal.com
- Generali Global Health. (2024). International health insurance solutions. https://www.generaliglobalhealth.com
- GeoBlue. (2024). Health insurance for international students and expats. https://www.geoblueglobal.com
- HealthCare International. (2024). Private medical insurance plans. https://www.healthcareinternational.com
- Italian Ministry of Health. (2024). Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) information for foreigners. https://www.salute.gov.it
- NOW Health International. (2024). Worldwide health insurance plans. https://www.now-health.com
- UniSalute. (2024). Private health insurance in Italy. https://www.unisalute.it
- Aviva. (2024). Health insurance products. https://www.aviva.it
- Italian Police / Immigration Office. (2024). Residence permit requirements for non-EU students. https://www.poliziadistato.it
- A+ International Insurance. (2024). International medical plans. https://www.aplusinsurance.com
