Italy Imposes €2,000 Annual Fee for Foreigners Accessing Public Health Service

The Italian government has unveiled a plan to introduce a €2,000 yearly fee for non-EU foreigners residing in Italy to access the country's national healthcare system.

These fees are part of the 2024 budget, according to SchengenVisaInfo.com.

The government clarified that the fee structure will include undisclosed concessions for legal residents, international students, and au pairs. In contrast, asylum seekers and migrant workers will be exempt from this charge, addressing concerns raised by critics of the measure.

Giancarlo Giorgetti, the Minister of Finance and Economy, emphasized that as part of Italy's broader objectives, the government plans to reform the healthcare system as part of its budgetary measures. In addition to the proposed fees, an additional €3 billion per year will be allocated to the healthcare service in 2024. This funding will complement the resources allocated for the Sicilian region, the National Plan for Recovery and Resilience (PNRR), and an additional €4.2 billion starting in 2026.

While Italy currently offers free public healthcare not only to Italian citizens but also to foreign workers, job seekers, asylum seekers, and unaccompanied minors, there are already certain categories of foreigners who incur specific costs. For instance, foreign diplomats and students can access the Italian healthcare system at a variable fee based on their annual income. Student fees are capped at €150 per year, but for higher-income individuals, fees can go as high as €2,800 annually.

Last month, Italy's right-wing government issued a decree stipulating that migrants needed to pay over $5,200 to avoid detention while their protection claims were being processed. Despite the proposed reductions, the new fees could represent a significant increase for some individuals, potentially surging by 470%.

International students residing in Italy, who currently pay €150 per year, could face a new annual fee of approximately €700. Likewise, au pairs may see their annual costs rise to €1,200, compared to the current fee of €219, marking a substantial 547% increase.

A study by the Society of Medical Sciences (SISMED) conducted last year highlighted that despite Italy offering free healthcare services since 1982, Italians have borne the cost of some services through a co-payment system. While visits to general practitioners are free, specialist medical consultations often require payment.

Source: schengenvisainfo.com