Italy is moving toward a significant change in how healthcare works for citizens living abroad – a new measure would allow Italians registered with AIRE and residing outside the EU and EFTA to regain access to Italy’s national health system by paying an annual fee.
The proposal would let them enroll with a local health authority and receive a health card after paying a non-refundable €2,000 yearly contribution. Minors would be covered without charge as long as at least one parent or guardian enrolls.
Currently, Italians listed in AIRE lose routine access to public healthcare and can only receive emergency treatment during short stays – up to a maximum of 90 days per year. The new rule aims to restore full access, including non-urgent services, under the same conditions as residents. Supporters argue that the change would fix an inequality in the system and remove a long-standing reason some avoided registering with AIRE in the first place.
If approved, the law would give Italians abroad the option to rely on the Italian healthcare network when they return. The reform highlights a broader effort to strengthen ties with expatriate communities and ensure that citizenship continues to carry meaningful social rights, no matter where someone lives.
“As the first sponsor of this proposal – and above all as an Italian citizen living abroad – I’m proud to announce that we’ve put an end to this injustice and restored to our community the full right to healthcare guaranteed by the Constitution,” said Andrea Di Giuseppe.
“We would have liked the government to accept our amendments to make the proposal stronger and more inclusive for our communities abroad. Still, it’s a step forward – an important foundation to build on. Our hope is that improvements can be made in future measures,” said Cristian Di Sanzo.
