Top Hospitals in Italy by Specialty
Summary: If you're moving to Italy or recently arrived, it's important to know about the country's top hospitals for specific medical conditions. Here's a primer.
Italy offers a high standard of healthcare, with both public and private hospitals providing excellent medical services. The Italian healthcare system is regionalized, meaning the quality of care can vary between regions. Expats, international retirees, and digital nomads living in Italy can access public healthcare if they are registered with the National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale). Private healthcare is also an option for those seeking shorter wait times or specific specialists. However, for highly specialized treatments or rare medical conditions, some expats might prefer to return to their home country. Here's a guide to the top hospitals in Italy for various medical conditions and surgeries.
Top Hospitals in Italy for Heart Surgery and Chronic Heart Conditions
The San Raffaele Hospital in Milan is renowned for its cardiology and cardiac surgery department, offering advanced treatments for complex heart conditions. The Policlinico Sant'Orsola-Malpighi in Bologna is another leading hospital in cardiology, known for its innovative research and high-quality care. Additionally, the Gemelli University Hospital in Rome has a top-notch cardiovascular department, providing specialized care for heart conditions.
Best Hospitals for Cancer Care
The European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan is a premier cancer treatment and research center, offering cutting-edge therapies and personalized care. The National Cancer Institute "Regina Elena" in Rome is another top choice for cancer treatment, focusing on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various cancers. The Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV in Padua also provides excellent cancer care and is a leading center for cancer research.
Top Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units
The Buzzi Children's Hospital in Milan has a highly specialized neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), providing care for critically ill newborns. The Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Polyclinic in Bologna also has a top-tier NICU, offering advanced care for premature and sick newborns. In Rome, the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital is a leading pediatric hospital with a state-of-the-art NICU.
Best Hospitals for Diabetes
The San Raffaele Hospital in Milan is known for its comprehensive diabetes center, providing advanced care and research in diabetes treatment. The Gemelli University Hospital in Rome also has a specialized diabetes unit, offering personalized care for patients with diabetes. Additionally, the University Hospital of Padua provides excellent diabetes care and is a leading center for diabetes research.
Top Hospitals for Kidney Treatment and Care
The San Raffaele Hospital in Milan has a renowned nephrology department, offering specialized care for kidney diseases. The Policlinico Sant'Orsola-Malpighi in Bologna is another top choice for kidney treatment, providing advanced care for patients with kidney conditions. In Rome, the Gemelli University Hospital has a specialized nephrology unit, offering comprehensive kidney care.
Best Hospitals for Neurology
The Carlo Besta Neurological Institute in Milan is a leading center for neurological disorders, providing advanced diagnosis and treatment options. The University Hospital of Padua also has a top-notch neurology department, offering specialized care for neurological conditions. Additionally, the Gemelli University Hospital in Rome provides excellent neurological care and is a leading center for neurology research.
Top Hospitals for Stroke Treatment
The Niguarda Ca' Granda Hospital in Milan has a specialized stroke unit, offering advanced treatment for stroke patients. The Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Polyclinic in Bologna also has a top-tier stroke unit, providing comprehensive care for stroke patients. In Rome, the Umberto I Polyclinic offers excellent stroke treatment and is a leading center for stroke research.
Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery
The Humanitas Research Hospital in Milan is renowned for its orthopedic surgery department, offering advanced treatments for orthopedic conditions. The Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute in Bologna is another leading center for orthopedic surgery, providing specialized care for orthopedic patients. Additionally, the Gemelli University Hospital in Rome has a top-notch orthopedic surgery unit, offering comprehensive orthopedic care.
Top Hospitals for Pediatric Care
The Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome is a premier pediatric hospital, providing advanced care for a wide range of pediatric conditions. The Buzzi Children's Hospital in Milan is another top choice for pediatric care, offering specialized treatment for children. In Bologna, the Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Polyclinic provides excellent pediatric care and is a leading center for pediatric research.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Italy Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Italy
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Italy
- Best Places to Live in Italy
- Real Estate in Italy
- Guide to Real Estate in Italy
- Pros & Cons of Living in Italy
- Cost of Living in Italy
- 8 Incredible Hidden Gems in Italy
- 14 Best Places to Live in Italy (2026 Update)
- Healthcare in Italy
- 5 Expat Moms Talk about Having a Baby in Italy
- 2026 Guide to Living in Italy
- Pros and Cons of Living in Italy 2026
- 2026 Guide to Moving to Italy
- More Advice about Retiring in Italy


