Living Abroad

Healthcare in Italy for UK Nationals: SSN Registration, Ticket Fees and the S1

3 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. What do you need to register?
  3. What do you pay?
  4. How does the S1 work in Italy?
  5. What about students and posted workers?
  6. Common mistakes
  7. FAQ
    1. Do dependants register too?
    2. What happens to an S1 dependant when the pensioner claims their own pension?
    3. Where can I compare other countries?
  8. Key takeaways
  9. Related guides
  10. Sources

How do UK nationals get healthcare in Italy? GOV.UK describes three ways: register with the Italian state health system, use a UK-issued GHIC or EHIC for temporary stays such as studying or posted work, or register a UK-issued S1 form with the Italian health system. If you are not covered by one of these, you need private health insurance.

Quick answer

  • Employed or self-employed: register free through iscrizione obbligatoria. Dependants can be registered at the same time.
  • Not working or paying social security contributions: you may register voluntarily by paying an annual fee (iscrizione volontaria).
  • Otherwise, you need private health insurance.
  • Registration is through your local ASL after you obtain a permit of stay or residency.
  • You must show proof of healthcare cover before registering as a resident and when applying for a visa.

What do you need to register?

Registration is done through your local ASL, after you have obtained a permit of stay or residency. You will need documents such as your passport, codice fiscale and proof of employment. Only people registered under the obligatory scheme may get an Italian EHIC (TEAM).

What do you pay?

Service Cost after registration
Emergency care Free
Hospital admission Free
GP appointments Free
Specialist referrals, diagnostic tests, prescriptions A Ticket co-payment, unless exempt (for example for a chronic condition or low income)

How does the S1 work in Italy?

You may be eligible if you are a resident in Italy receiving a UK State Pension or an exportable benefit, or if you are a frontier worker. Check with HMRC or NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. Register the S1 with your local ASL to receive a health card valid throughout Italy. If you are an S1 dependant of a State Pensioner, your cover ends once you start claiming your own UK State Pension.

What about students and posted workers?

Posted workers sent temporarily by a UK employer can use a GHIC, EHIC or S1. Students should apply for a Student GHIC for medically necessary state healthcare during their studies. They may need private insurance or voluntary ASL registration at a reduced fee of about 150 euros per year, so ask your university.

Common mistakes

  • Trying to register before you have a permit of stay or residency.
  • Assuming voluntary registration is free. It has an annual fee.
  • Expecting a TEAM card without obligatory registration.
  • Forgetting the Ticket for specialist care and prescriptions.

FAQ

Do dependants register too?

GOV.UK says dependants can be registered at the same time under the obligatory scheme.

What happens to an S1 dependant when the pensioner claims their own pension?

Cover ends once they start claiming their UK State Pension.

Where can I compare other countries?

See Spain, Portugal and France.

Key takeaways

  • Register through your local ASL after your permit or residency is in place.
  • Obligatory registration is free; voluntary registration has a fee.
  • The Ticket applies to specialist care and prescriptions.

Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change, so check GOV.UK and your local ASL.

Sources

  • GOV.UK: Healthcare for UK nationals living in Italy

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