Health insurance for the Italian student visa: SSN or a policy
Students with a study permit can join Italy's National Health Service (SSN) for at least €700 a year, according to article 34 of Legislative Decree 286/1998 on Normattiva read on 31 October 2026. For the residence permit application itself, the 2026/27 procedures list three forms of cover: a consular declaration under a health agreement, or a foreign or Italian policy with no limits on urgent hospital care.
SSN voluntary registration, students, a year: at least €700
Sources: Normattiva, Legislative Decree 286/1998, art. 34 (voluntary registration with the National Health Service); Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Procedures for the entry, stay and enrolment of international students, academic years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028. Read on 31 October 2026.
Not legal or immigration advice. This page reports what the Italian ministries and the regional scholarship calls said on the date we read them. The consulate decides on your visa, and the agency or university decides on your scholarship after checking your documents. Always read the official call before you apply.
The three options in the procedures
- A consular declaration of your right to health care under an agreement between Italy and your country.
- A foreign insurance policy valid in Italy, “non dovranno comportare limitazioni od eccezioni alle tariffe stabilite per il ricovero ospedaliero urgente per tutta la sua durata” (with no limits or exceptions on the charges for urgent hospital care for its whole duration).
- A policy with an Italian insurer, with the insurer's declaration that it has no such limits.
Separately, the law opens voluntary registration with the SSN to “dagli stranieri soggiornanti in Italia titolari di permesso di soggiorno per motivi di studio” (foreigners in Italy with a study permit). The contribution is “Il contributo non è in ogni caso inferiore a euro 700 annui nei casi di cui al comma 4, lettera a)” (at least €700 a year for students) and does not cover dependants. The law allows a yearly decree of the Health Ministry to update the minimum, so ask your ASL for the amount when you register. The procedures do not list SSN registration among the forms of cover for the permit application, so ask your university's international office what to show until you are registered.
Sources: Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Procedures for the entry, stay and enrolment of international students, academic years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028; Normattiva, Legislative Decree 286/1998, art. 34 (voluntary registration with the National Health Service). Read on 31 October 2026.
Questions people ask
How much is the SSN voluntary registration for students in Italy?
At least €700 a year: the law (art. 34 of Legislative Decree 286/1998) sets that minimum for students with a study permit. The registration does not cover dependent family members. The law lets the Health Ministry update the amount by decree, so check it with your local health authority (ASL).
Is private health insurance accepted for the Italian student permit?
Yes, if it is valid in Italy and has no limits or exceptions on the cost of urgent hospital care for the whole stay (a foreign policy), or if an Italian insurer declares the same (an Italian policy). A consular declaration under an agreement between Italy and your country also works.
When do I show the health insurance?
When you apply for the residence permit, according to the 2026/27 procedures, which list a consular declaration, a foreign policy or an Italian policy. SSN voluntary registration is open to students who hold a study permit.