Italian Healthcare

The inspiration that drove me to write this blog post on the Italian Healthcare system was my Mother and my Nonna.  They are currently in Italy together visiting my family and relatives.   My Nonna has been there for two months, and my Mom is spending two weeks there.   Since I have never been there before, I have so many questions and wonders about what life is like in Italy.   In thinking about what to write, I thought it would be cool to look into their healthcare system.  I want to get more of an insight on the type of healthcare my relatives have access to in their every day lives.  

Italy is ranked among the World Health Organizations's top 10 countries for quality health services.  Private medical insurance seems to be what most patients have.  In small towns, mostly in the South, it is more common to have private doctors and hospitals, all of which are covered by the private medical insurers.   For example, my Mother's cousin is a doctor in a small town of Italy called Naples.  He works in a very small hospital there as well. From what I have read in this 'International Living' article on Italian healthcare,  the best medical care is located in northern Italy in cities such as  Milan, central Italy, and Rome.  That makes the most sense because those seem to be the biggest cities in Italy, where the most tourist attend to.  It is also said, these have the best emergency hospitals, because they have the most English-speaking doctors. 

The national health plan Italians use is called Servizio Sanitario Nazionale.  Like many other countries, this system provides them medical benefits for the people and hospitals.  If you are a legal resident of Italy, you are provided this healthcare.  With this plan, everything is either universal or very low costs.  This includes everything from consults with a physician, to hospital visits, and prescribed medications.  This is something that the U.S. does not fully cover.  We have copays, and less access for certain citizens to have health care.  There must be requirements.  However, the main thing Italian's need to pay a small co-pay for is a non-urgent hospital visit.  Urgent visits are reported free. 

From my readings, I learned a whole lot of things about what access my ancestors have in living in the great country of Italy.  Overall, it seems as if they are treated fairly in the aspects of healthcare.  It is interesting to compare where I live, and what systems and rights I have access to, to my family in a different country.  I look forward to learning more about other countries healthcare systems, and look forward to hearing about my Mother and Grandmother's experience back in their homeland when they return!  I am sure I will have many questions!