Italy is famed worldwide for its history, architecture, cuisine, and top-notch education. Annually, many international students flock to Italy for studies. Yet, securing health insurance is crucial before starting your academic journey.
Health insurance is essential for international students in Italy, whether for a short course or a full degree. It is required for visas, residence permits, and healthcare access. This guide explains the insurance needs for students and lists the top 10 providers that fulfill legal, academic, and personal criteria.
🛂 Health Insurance Requirements for International Students in Italy
For Non-EU/EEA Students:
- Health insurance is compulsory for both visa applications and residence permit issuance.
- Minimum coverage of €30,000 is required for:
- Medical expenses
- Hospitalisation
- Emergency care
- Repatriation
- Medical expenses
- Insurance must be valid for your entire stay in Italy.
- Options include:
- Private health insurance (purchased abroad or in Italy)
- Voluntary enrollment in the Italian National Health Service (SSN) for a fixed fee
- Private health insurance (purchased abroad or in Italy)
For EU/EEA Students:
- May use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for necessary state healthcare services.
- EHIC does not cover repatriation, private hospitals, dental, or extended specialist care.
- Recommended to supplement EHIC with private insurance for broader coverage and peace of mind.
- Registration with the local ASL (health authority) may be needed for full access to services.
🏥 Public vs. Private Insurance Options
🏛 Italian National Health Service (SSN)
- Cost: €120–€700 per year, depending on the region.
- Validity: January 1st – December 31st, not prorated.
- Services covered:
- General practitioner (GP)
- Hospital services
- Emergency care
- Basic specialist visits
- General practitioner (GP)
- Application:
- Requires residence permit, tax code (codice fiscale), and university enrollment proof
- Enroll at the local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale)
- Requires residence permit, tax code (codice fiscale), and university enrollment proof
🧾 Private Health Insurance
- Required for visa/residence permit applications (especially upon arrival)
- Must include:
- Minimum €30,000 coverage
- Hospitalisation and repatriation
- Validity in Italy
- Minimum €30,000 coverage
- Fast online purchase and instant policy certificates
- Many international and local providers offer student-tailored plans
🏆 Top 10 Health Insurance Providers for International Students in Italy
Here’s a curated list of trusted health insurance providers that meet Italy’s requirements for international students.
1. Swisscare
Website: https://www.swisscare.com
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- Visa-compliant: Yes
- Offers student insurance packages with up to €500,000 coverage
- Covers medical emergencies, hospitalisation, and repatriation
- Affordable pricing with instant online purchase
2. Aon Student Insurance
Website: https://www.aonstudentinsurance.com
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- Visa-compliant: Yes
- Offers comprehensive student plans covering health, dental, accident, and liability
- Recognized by many Italian universities
- Available for students from over 150 countries
3. Welcome Association Italy (WAI)
Website: https://wai.welcomeassociation.it
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- Visa-compliant: Yes
- Specifically designed for international students in Italy
- Annual fee: only €122–€125
- Accepted by the Italian Embassy and Questura
- Covers emergencies and basic health needs for residence permit
4. Cigna Global
Website: https://www.cignaglobal.com
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- Visa-compliant: Yes
- High-end coverage tailored to students and expats
- Options to include dental, vision, mental health, and evacuation
- 24/7 multilingual support, flexible deductibles
5. AXA Schengen
Website: https://www.axa-schengen.com
- Visa-compliant: Yes
- Meets Schengen visa standards, includes €100,000 coverage
- No deductible, fast and simple online purchase
- Policy delivered instantly in English and Italian
6. IMG Global (International Medical Group)
Website: https://www.imglobal.com
- Visa-compliant: Yes
- Offers several plans including mental health, evacuation, repatriation
- Covers medical treatment throughout the Schengen Area
- 24/7 emergency support
7. Feather Insurance
Website: https://www.feather-insurance.com
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- Visa-compliant: Yes
- Monthly cost: around €72
- Simplified claims process, fast setup
- Specifically designed for foreign students in Europe
- Covers hospital stays, outpatient care, and emergencies
8. International Student Insurance
Website: https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com
- Visa-compliant: Yes
- Offers custom plans for Italy’s visa/residence permit requirements
- Quick confirmation, easy online purchase
- Covers doctor visits, hospitalisation, evacuation, liability
9. Atlas Travel Insurance / WorldTrips
Website: https://www.worldtrips.com
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- Visa-compliant: Yes
- Meets all Schengen and Italy visa standards
- Emergency care, evacuation, AD&D (accidental death and dismemberment)
- Affordable, short- and long-term plans available
10. APRIL International
Website: https://www.april-international.com
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- Visa-compliant: Yes
- Specialized in insurance for EU students and expats
- Multilingual support, telehealth, quick reimbursements
- Covers medical, dental, evacuation, and repatriation
📄 What Should Be Included in a Quality Student Health Plan?
To ensure visa approval and sufficient coverage during your studies, a robust health insurance policy should cover:
- ✔ Medical treatment (GP and hospital care)
- ✔ Emergency care and ambulance transportation
- ✔ Emergency repatriation and medical evacuation
- ✔ Prescribed medications
- ✔ Accidents and liability protection
- ✔ Optional extras like dental, vision, and mental health
- ✔ 24/7 customer support and English-language documentation
💡 Practical Tips for International Students in Italy
- Purchase your insurance before arrival to ensure smooth visa processing.
- Keep your insurance certificate (in English or Italian) with you at all times for visa checks or immigration appointments.
- Check with your university: Some institutions offer group plans or have partnerships with specific insurers.
- Review the validity: Ensure your policy covers the entire period of your study—including permit renewals if needed.
- Consider combining SSN with private insurance for more comprehensive protection.
- Renew or extend your insurance early to avoid any gaps in coverage.
🎓 Conclusion: Stay Protected and Compliant in Italy
Understanding Italy’s healthcare and immigration systems can be daunting, but selecting the right health insurance provider eases the journey.
Choose either budget-friendly public SSN access or a premium private provider to ensure a visa-compliant, comprehensive, and dependable plan for your stay. With reputable options like Swisscare, WAI, Cigna, and Feather, international students can confidently maintain their health and safety while experiencing their academic journey in Europe’s iconic destinations.
