Comunicazioni rivolte a Studenti e Studentesse
[13/03/2024] National Health Service (SSN) for foreigners
We need to inform you of significant updates and changes regarding the enrollment process for the Regional Health Service (SSR). The Budget Law of December 30, 2023, No. 21, particularly Articles 240-241, introduces substantial amendments concerning the minimum contributions for voluntary enrollment in the National Health Service (SSN) for foreigners, as specified in Article 34 of the Consolidated Text on Immigration Law and the Status of Foreigners (Legislative Decree No. 286, July 25, 1998).
Key updates include a change in the minimum contribution for foreign students, which has been increased from €149.77 to €700. For all other categories, the contribution has risen from €387.34 to €2,000.
In anticipation of a clarifying circular from the competent Ministries, and to ensure healthcare coverage for those who have already applied before the approval of Law 213 of December 30, 2023, we provide the following guidelines:
For those who have already paid the voluntary enrollment contribution to the SSR for the year 2024 “before January 1, 2024,” according to the previous regulations, temporary coverage is guaranteed until February 29, 2024. A balance of the amount paid (non-refundable) is required to extend the coverage to 12 calendar months, i.e., until December 31, 2024, calculated based on the new amounts.
For new enrollments from January 1, 2024, the updated rates will apply, and the coverage period remains the calendar year from January 1 to December 31.
We regret that the educational system may not be in a position to express its disagreement with these changes, which significantly affect international students. Therefore, we recommend the following:
● For those who have paid €149.77 and are covered until February 29, 2024, and who have already obtained a residence permit, consider paying an additional amount to cover the increased fee and then proceed to the local health authority (ASL) to receive the health card valid until December 31, 2024.
● For those in the process of renewing their residence permit but have not yet completed the photo-identification process, the Immigration Office is aware of these updates. Therefore, the amount previously paid (€149.77) may not be sufficient to ensure the success of the renewal or new permit application. We advise paying the additional amount to meet the new €700 requirement. Please note that there may be delays in permit issuance and procedural uncertainties during this transition period.
Additionally, under the new healthcare and immigration regulations, citizens may independently purchase either an Italian or international private insurance policy with a coverage cap of €30,000, valid in Italy and the Schengen area, and articulated in Italian or English (often, Immigration Offices require exclusively Italian documentation). Those opting for this route should ensure that the policies are adequately structured in terms of rights and services. Be cautious of excessively cheap insurance policies, as they often do not offer real coverage. Based on our experience, there have been cases where individuals, not in a severe health state but requiring access to the national health service and subsequent hospitalization, have faced extremely high bills.
Please consider these updates seriously and take the necessary steps to ensure your healthcare coverage and legal status in Italy.For any questions please contact internationalwelcomedesk@unimore.it
Comunicazione da Direzione Servizi agli Studenti
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