Best Expat Health Insurance in Italy (2026)

Cigna offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient coverage with access to private hospitals across Italy. Their documentation is familiar to Italian consulates, which matters in a system where unfamiliar paperwork can cause delays.

The tradeoff is cost. Cigna is a premium option, and for short-term stays or younger, healthier applicants, the coverage level may exceed practical needs. But for Elective Residency applicants—typically retirees who need thorough coverage—the investment is usually justified.

Allianz has deep roots in Europe and strong recognition with Italian authorities. Their plans are structured to align with the documentation expectations of Italian consulates—clear coverage terms, no ambiguous exclusions, and straightforward policy certificates.

For Elective Residency applicants—who are typically older and planning long-term stays—Allianz offers the stability and clarity that both consulates and applicants value. The income requirement for Elective Residency (€31,000+ annually) suggests applicants can afford premium coverage.

SafetyWing offers affordable monthly pricing with no long-term commitment—attractive for those uncertain about their stay duration. The remote-first design and easy sign-up process fit the lifestyle of mobile workers.

Important caveat: Italy's visa requirements are stricter than some other EU countries. SafetyWing may not meet all Elective Residency requirements, which often specify no co-pays and comprehensive coverage. Before relying on SafetyWing for your visa application, verify your specific policy meets Italian consulate requirements.

SafetyWing can work well as supplemental coverage once you have SSN (public healthcare) access, or for those with work visas whose employers provide primary coverage.

For Elective Residency, consulates typically require private health insurance valid in Italy with comprehensive coverage. The policy must be active at the time of application and cover the full duration of your intended stay. Some consulates specify no co-payments on essential services.

Work visa applicants may have different requirements depending on employer coverage and the specific visa category. However, having private coverage during the application and transition period is generally expected.

The Investor Visa has similar insurance requirements to Elective Residency—comprehensive private coverage is mandatory.

Elective Residency applicants must demonstrate approximately €31,000+ in annual passive income (pensions, investments, rental income). This isn't a budget pathway—applicants are expected to be self-sufficient, including for healthcare costs.

Because the visa prohibits work in Italy, you won't have employer-provided coverage. Private international insurance is your only option until you qualify for SSN enrollment, which typically happens after receiving your permesso di soggiorno.

Consulates expect comprehensive coverage. Travel insurance doesn't qualify. Policies with significant co-pays or coverage limits may be questioned. Premium international plans from established providers are the safest choice.

During the application process: You'll likely need private coverage for the visa application itself. Once you have a job offer and nulla osta approval, confirm what coverage your employer provides and when it begins.

The transition gap: There's often a gap between arriving in Italy and having employer coverage or SSN access activate. Private coverage for this period is essential.

EU Blue Card holders: Similar considerations apply, though the higher salary threshold (€1.5x national average) means more flexibility in coverage choices.

Once you have a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) and codice fiscale (tax code), you can register with the SSN at your local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale). Registration provides access to public healthcare, including a general practitioner.

However, you need private insurance to get the visa that leads to SSN access. It's sequential: private insurance first, public healthcare later.

Many expats maintain private coverage even after SSN registration. SSN is good but can involve wait times for specialists and non-urgent care. Private coverage provides faster access to specialists and private hospitals. The combination offers comprehensive protection.

Elective Residency applicants (retirees): Premium international coverage is the safest choice. Cigna or Allianz documentation is widely recognized, and the income threshold (€31,000+) suggests affordability. The path to permanent residency is 5 years—plan for long-term coverage.

Work visa applicants: Coordinate with your future employer on coverage timelines. Bridge the gap with private coverage during the transition. Once SSN access is established, evaluate whether to maintain private coverage as a supplement.

Investor Visa applicants: Given the investment required (€250k-2M), insurance costs are marginal. Use premium coverage for hassle-free documentation.

Families: Coverage breadth, pediatric care, and hospital access matter more than minimizing costs. Cigna's family plans are commonly used.

Short-term stays: If testing Italy before committing, flexible coverage like SafetyWing may work—but only if it meets your visa requirements.