SettledkitVoluntary SSN registration in Italy: 2026 cost, who needs it, how to pay
Not every foreign resident in Italy gets free public health care. Workers, family members and several other groups register for free. Students, au pairs, elective-residence holders and some others must either buy private insurance or pay to join the national health service (SSN) voluntarily.
How much it costs
These minimums have applied since 1 January 2024 (Law 213/2023, art. 1 c. 240) and were still in force in October 2026:
| Who | Yearly contribution |
|---|---|
| Students with a study permit | €700 minimum. Health offices usually ask for a self-declaration that you have no income other than Italian public grants or scholarships; with other income, or with dependants, the general rule applies |
| Au pairs | €1,200 minimum |
| Everyone else (for example elective residence) | Income-based, €2,000 minimum |
The income-based amount is 7.5% of your previous year's total income up to €20,657.28, plus 4% on the part between €20,657.28 and €51,645.69, never less than €2,000. It also covers dependent family members.
The amounts can change through the yearly budget law and can be indexed to inflation by ministerial decree, so ask the health office for the current year's figure before paying.
The calendar-year trap
Voluntary registration always runs from 1 January to 31 December. It cannot be split, reduced or backdated. Join in October and you pay the full year, then pay again in January.
How to pay
With an F24 form, section "Sezione Regioni", tax code 8846, plus your region's code and the year the payment covers. The health office desk usually calculates the amount and gives you the codes (Lombardy uses region code 10). You can pay an F24 at any bank, post office or through home banking. Then bring the receipt to the health office's "Scelta e Revoca" desk.
What you do not get
Voluntary registration gives the same services as an Italian resident, including a family doctor, but not the European Health Insurance Card (TEAM/EHIC). Buy travel insurance for trips to other EU countries.
Sources: D.Lgs. 286/1998 art. 34 on normattiva.it; salute.gov.it (assistenza ai cittadini extra UE); agenziaentrate.gov.it (F24 code 8846). Checked October 2026.