ITALY | Emegency | Healthcare system
Healthcare in Italy
The National Health Service is the institution that regulates all activities related to the human health and the prevention of disease. It is formed by public structures operating within the National Health Service. In Italy, the healthcare system is organised at regional level (there may be some differences from region to region) and it is often characterized by specialized clinics or departments (dermatology, ophthalmology, etc...).
A visit to a specialist or blood test that is not urgent must be prescribed by a doctor who works within the National Health Service. Afterwards, the patient must make an appointment and pay the prescription charge (about 35€).
Emergency medical care
In case of an emergency, it is possible to call the free number 118. If it is not necessary to go to the hospital, it is possible to call the emergency medical service (Guardia Medica). The helicopter ambulance service is available only if seriously injured or if the accident happens in a place that is difficult to reach. The 118 number is available 24 hours a day.
The emergency medical service is free and guarantees that a doctor will visit the patient at home when the doctors working within the National Health Service are not available. This doctor can only write prescriptions for emergency medicines and these prescriptions have a validity of no more than 3 days. The telephone numbers are available in the yellow pages. In case of an emergency during the night or on Sundays and holidays, the service is available from 2.00 p.m. to 8.00 a.m. of the following day and from 8.00 p.m. to 8.00 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays.
The emergency medical service for tourists is a seasonal service available everyday in all popular tourists locations. It serves people who are not residents.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are open on a rotating basis in order to guarantee service even during the night and on weekends and holidays. A list of open pharmacies is available in the newspaper and outside pharmacies.