Tessera Sanitaria: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to obtain your national health card in Italy to access healthcare services and manage medical prescriptions.
The Tessera Sanitaria is the official national health card used to access medical services and manage prescriptions within the Italian healthcare system.
Who it's for
This card is available to all residents. If you are a resident in Italy, you are eligible to receive this documentation to ensure you can interact with the national healthcare system.
What you get
You receive a national health card that serves several vital functions. It allows you to access hospital services and is required for obtaining medical prescriptions. Additionally, the card serves as a way to use your Codice fiscale (tax code) for various administrative needs and medical identification throughout the country.
What it costs you
There is no cost to obtain this card. The government issues the card and sends it to your registered address via mail at no expense to you.
The catch to know
You must keep an eye on the expiration date; the card must be renewed if it expires to ensure your access to services is not interrupted. Furthermore, you should check the back of your card to verify its function as an EU health card, which is useful for healthcare needs when traveling within Europe.
How to apply
- Ensure your residency is correctly registered with your local municipality.
- Use the official portal to manage your information or check your current status.
- Monitor your mailbox for the physical card to arrive via mail.
- Once received, check the card details to ensure it is valid and functions as an EU health card.