Umbria on a Whim: Volume 2: Healthcare, an Insider's Guide for Moving to Umbria

By Tara OSH

Now that you are ready to make your move to Umbria, you may be feeling invincible with excitement. However, it is important to not take your health for granted or get overconfident about your physical and mental well-being. If this is your first time embarking on an expat life, you may feel a little uncertain about how t

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tara Alisha Footner
• Release date: Dec 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9781955541398

Book preview

UMBRIA ON A WHIM

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Umbria on a Whim:

Volume 2: Healthcare, an Insider’s Guide for Moving to Umbria

Copyright © 2024 by Tara OSH

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoeverwithout the author's written permission exceptin the case of brief quotations embodiedin critical articles and reviews.

The information in this book is distributed on an as is basis, withoutwarranty. Althougheveryprecautionhas beentaken in the preparation of this work, neither the author nor the publisher shall have any liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in this book.

Paperback: 978-1-955541-38-1

eBook: 978-1-955541-39-8

Hardcover: 978-1-955541-40-4

Library of Congress Number: Pending

Cover and Interior Design by Ann Aubitz

Published by FuzionPress

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INTRODUCTION

N

ow that you are ready to make your move to Umbria, you may be feeling invincible with excitement. However, it is important to not take your health for granted and get overconfident about your physical and mental well-being. 

Depending on which visa you are seeking to enter Italy with, proof of some form of health insurance will be required to obtain it. Therefore, it is a good time to consider your insurance situation. Having a good private policy can make a huge difference should you want to consider accessing private care in Italy. This is not to say the public social healthcare system should be bypassed, but one never knows what a situation might require.

If this is your first time embarking on an expat life, you may feel a little uncertain about the quality of care or availability of your medical needs in a foreign country, rest assured that Italy and Umbria are fully equipped to treat most ailments. More importantly, the cost in a public system without insurance will not, in most—though not all—cases, cost you an arm and/or a leg. Still, if you aren’t comfortable after a visit, then Rome or another large city is not too far away where private care can be accessed. 

So, whether you feel in full health or are dealing with regular concerns, this volume provides an overview of the various aspects in maintaining overall wellness. It will cover the emergency care system, ongoing treatments, physiotherapy, and share options for maintaining your well-being.

As always, this is just a starting point. Not everything can be covered for every situation or town that exists. Only what is known or can be researched is what you will find here. If you know of something that is missing or have your own recommendations, please share and it can be added in future versions of this volume. 

Thank you for reading. Now, let’s get to it!

ITALIAN PUBLIC HEALTHCARE SYSTEM–OVERVIEW

T

he Italian healthcare system, known as the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), is a publicly funded universal health care system that provides comprehensive medical services to all Italian residents—including foreigners (you!). It is based on the principles of solidarity, equality, and accessibility.

Key features of the Italian healthcare system include:

Universal Coverage: The SSN covers all Italian citizens and legal residents, regardless of their income or employment status. Everyone is entitled to receive essential healthcare services.

Regional Administration: The SSN is administered at the regional level, with each of Italy's 20 regions responsible for organizing and delivering healthcare services within their territories. This allows for some regional variations in terms of service delivery and quality.

Public Funding: The SSN is primarily financed through general taxation, with both the central government and regional authorities contributing to the funding. The government allocates funds to the regions based on their population size, age structure, and health needs.

Primary Care: The Italian healthcare system places strong emphasis on primary care, which is usually provided by general practitioners (GPs) and family doctors. Primary care acts as a gateway to specialized services and is responsible for preventive care, early diagnosis,