The Pros and Cons of Healthcare in Italy

One of the common questions I get as an expat coach is: "What's healthcare in Italy like?"

I have to say: it's a mixed bag. There are things that are infinitely better than in the U.S., but there are also things that are worse. Let's break it down.

Pros of Healthcare in Italy

1. The Social System Costs You Little.

The biggest benefit here is that the government funds healthcare. You don't need to spend hundreds every month on health insurance to see a doctor, get prescriptions, or even have surgery. You can buy private health insurance, but in my experience, it's not worth the cost.

Getting a tessera sanitaria may come with an expense, depending on the type of visa you have. Only in the last few years has Italy started requiring people with an elective residency visa to pay for theirs. Still, whatever the cost, it's less than what you paid in the U.S. for health insurance!

Once you've got your card, you can see your medico di base (primary care physician) for free. Prescriptions, bloodwork, and imaging are heavily discounted. And if you need surgery or a hospital stay, like I did last year, you won't pay anything!

2. Your Doctor MAY Be Easy to Reach

One thing that struck me when I moved here was that everyone texts their doctors. I have barely seen mine in four years, but when I need a prescription refill or a referral, I just send her a message on WhatsApp.

I say "may" be easier to reach because doctors, particularly in Calabria, are busy and don't always respond quickly. I sometimes have to wait a week before I hear back from mine, so I plan accordingly.

3. Their Annual Female Checks are Very Streamlined

Every woman is entitled to a free Pap smear and mammogram (after age 40 for the latter) each year. I found out that you don't even need to call them once you're in the system; they'll call you and set up the appointment. So you don't have to worry about forgetting!

4. Private Care is Also Affordable

If you can't wait for an appointment through the social system, you can opt to pay a private provider. But even then, the costs are a fraction of what you'd pay in the U.S. When I don't want to wait weeks for imaging, I'll book an appointment within days and pay €150 or less.

5. They're Nothing if Not Thorough

I've had my blood drawn, MRIs. and scans here more times than ever in my entire life. Doctors are very thorough in making sure they address any concerns. While it's stressful to go back to the hospital for all these services, I am glad that they're being proactive in making sure I'm in optimal health.

6. Their First Course of Treatment is Often Natural

I find that doctors in Italy prescribe pharmaceuticals far less frequently than in the U.S. Of course, if someone needs it, they'll prescribe antibiotics. But more often than not, my doctors start me with herbal products and supplements. If those don't get the job done, we can move to something stronger.

The Cons of Healthcare in Italy

1. Some Regions are Slower Than Others

Living in Calabria, I've been astounded at how overloaded the health system is. Sometimes you can't get an appointment for an entire year! That's where that private care comes in handy.

2. You May Have to Travel

Last year, my gynecologist told me I needed to have an ovary removed. She sent me to Rome to Gemelli Hospital because they have cutting-edge technology there that Calabria simply didn't have.

I was grateful that I would get the best care, but it was an ordeal to plan to travel and have somewhere to stay for the duration of the visit.

3. Appointments Aren't Organized How You'd Expect

In Rome, I learned just how different appointments could be from what I was used to. I checked in early in the morning and was given a number. We waited in a giant waiting room until my number was called. I had my blood drawn at the first appointment, then was told to sit down again and wait for my number to be called for the next appointment. I pinged back and forth from waiting room to visit over a period of several hours.

I was told they would call me to tell me precisely when the surgery would be. In the U.S., you have your appointment well in advance, so this made me a little uneasy. They called a day after they said they would. We were staying in a rented apartment near the hospital, twiddling our thumbs, waiting until we were told to go back for my surgery. Finally, we were given a time and date!

For better or worse, I've accepted healthcare in Italy as it is. It's easy to compare it to U.S. healthcare, but it's a different animal, so it's not fair to do so.