The healthcare system in Tuscany is a mix of public and private services. The public healthcare system, known as the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), provides free or low-cost healthcare to all residents, including foreigners. However, many expats and digital nomads also opt for private healthcare services for more specialized care.
Italy’s Healthcare System
The public healthcare system in Italy, the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), is funded by taxes and provides free or low-cost healthcare to all residents, including foreigners. The quality of care in public hospitals in Tuscany is generally high, and they are often recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries. However, public hospitals can be crowded and wait times can be long. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Italy. However, many expats prefer to use private hospitals for their healthcare needs. Private hospitals in Tuscany are known for their high-quality care and shorter wait times, and many people recommend them for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Tuscany
There are several hospitals and clinics in Tuscany that are recommended for expats. These include:
- Ospedale Santa Chiara (Public, located in Pisa)
- Ospedale Santo Stefano (Public, located in Prato)
- Clinica San Rossore (Private, located in Pisa, specializes in cardiology)
- Ospedale San Donato (Public, located in Arezzo)
- Clinica Cellini (Private, located in Florence, specializes in orthopedics)
Emergency Services in Tuscany
There are ambulance services available in Tuscany. In case of an emergency, you can call 118 to request an ambulance. The response time can vary depending on the location and the severity of the emergency, but generally, the services are reliable and efficient.
Health Insurance Companies in Tuscany
There are several popular private health insurance companies in Tuscany, including UnipolSai, Generali Italia, and Allianz. These companies offer a range of health insurance plans, including comprehensive coverage and hospitalization plans. While some expats and digital nomads opt to use these local companies, many prefer to use specialized expat health insurance providers for their healthcare needs in Italy.
Insider Tips from Expats in Tuscany: Health Care
“I’ve been living in Tuscany for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely possible, but it does require some planning and budgeting. The cost of living in Tuscany can vary greatly depending on the city and neighborhood you choose to live in. For example, living in the heart of Florence, which is one of the most popular and expensive cities in Tuscany, can be quite pricey. The rent for a decent apartment in the city center can easily reach $2,000 a month. On top of that, you have to consider utilities, groceries, transportation, and other living expenses. However, if you move a bit outside of the city center, you can find cheaper accommodations. For instance, neighborhoods like Rifredi or Novoli are more affordable and still offer good access to the city center. If you’re looking for a more rural experience, you might want to consider smaller towns like Lucca or Siena. These towns are less expensive than Florence and still offer a lot of the charm and beauty that Tuscany is known for. In these towns, you can find a nice apartment for around $1,000 a month. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the luxuries you’re used to. For example, dining out at high-end restaurants or frequent trips to the theater can quickly eat into your budget. However, Tuscany offers a lot of affordable options for dining and entertainment. The region is known for its delicious and reasonably priced local cuisine. There are also plenty of free or low-cost cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Another thing to consider is transportation. Owning a car in Italy can be quite expensive due to the high cost of gas and maintenance. However, Tuscany has a good public transportation system and many towns are also very walkable. In terms of healthcare, Italy has a public healthcare system that is free or low cost for residents. However, as an expat, you might want to consider getting private health insurance, which can add to your monthly expenses. Overall, living in Tuscany on $5,000 a month is doable, but it requires careful budgeting and some sacrifices. However, the beauty and charm of the region, along with the rich culture and delicious food, make it well worth it,” commented an expat living in Tuscany.
