Healthcare
Italy — Healthcare: Major Hospitals
Italian hospital care is delivered by public hospitals (district and regional) and accredited private providers within the tax-funded SSN, organised by 19 regions and two autonomous provinces.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceWHO European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies – Italy country pageLast reviewed: 2026-10-26
Key facts
- Public providers such as district and regional hospitals and accredited private providers deliver services within the National Health Service (SSN).
- Regions organise, plan and deliver health services; the central government sets the benefits package (LEAs) and provides resources.
- Northern and central regions generally have higher capacity and more advanced technology, and patients often travel to them for care.
- The SSN is funded by national and regional taxes and covers all citizens and residents; temporary non-EU visitors pay for care.
- There are 19 regions and two autonomous provinces.