Health system
Italy's healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best in the world. It is a regionally based national health service known as Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN).
As an EU citizen, if you unexpectedly fall ill during a temporary stay in Italy - whether on holiday, a business trip or studying abroad - you are entitled to any medical treatment through the local public health service without incurring any costs.
You should always take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you on all trips abroad. This card is the proof that you are insured in an EU country. If you don't have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), or you can't use it (for instance, for private health care), you can't be refused treatment, but you might have to pay for your treatment upfront and claim reimbursement once you get home.
The EHIC may not cover private medical healthcare or costs such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, lost or stolen property or repatriation. Therefore, if you would like to be covered for such risks, you may want to take out travel insurance in addition to the EHIC.