How wealthy international residents access world-class healthcare in Milan and beyond: private GPs, specialist referrals, hospital VIP programs, and insurance options.
Italy has the world's second-best healthcare system according to the WHO. For HNWI relocating from London, Dubai, or Singapore, the quality is comparable or better — but the system works differently. This guide explains how to set up a healthcare framework that provides immediate, English-speaking, world-class care for you and your family.
All Italian residents are entitled to public healthcare through the SSN (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale). Registration is through your local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) and provides access to GPs, specialists, and hospital care at minimal cost. However, wait times for specialist appointments can be weeks or months. This is why most HNWI build a parallel private healthcare framework.
The cornerstone of your healthcare setup. A private GP who speaks fluent English, is available for same-day appointments and house calls, and knows your full medical history. In Milan, several doctors specialize in international patients and offer retainer-based relationships (typically €3,000-€8,000 per year for a family) that guarantee availability and continuity.
| Hospital | Speciality | International Patient Services |
|---|---|---|
| San Raffaele (Milan) | Cardiology, neurology, oncology | International Patient Office, English-speaking coordinators, private suites |
| Humanitas (Milan) | Oncology, orthopedics, emergency | Dedicated international department, interpreter services, VIP rooms |
| IEO - European Institute of Oncology | Oncology (all types) | World-class cancer care, second opinion services, clinical trials |
| Istituto Clinico Humanitas (Rozzano) | Robotic surgery, cardiology | Private wing, concierge services |
| Policlinico di Milano | Complex surgery, transplant | Public hospital with private ward options |
Building relationships with trusted specialists before you need them is essential. Your private GP should be your primary referral source, but having direct access to a cardiologist, dermatologist, orthopedic surgeon, and pediatrician (if applicable) means no delays when issues arise. Milan has specialists who trained at Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, and Harley Street and practice both publicly and privately.
| Provider | Coverage | Annual Premium (family) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bupa Global | Worldwide, all hospitals | €15,000 - €40,000 | Full flexibility, global coverage |
| Cigna Global | Worldwide + wellness | €12,000 - €35,000 | Strong US coverage if needed |
| Allianz Care | Europe + selected global | €8,000 - €25,000 | Europe-focused, competitive rates |
| Generali (Italy) | Italy + EU | €5,000 - €15,000 | Local coverage, Italian-speaking support |
| Intesa Sanpaolo Assicura | Italy + emergency abroad | €3,000 - €10,000 | Basic Italian private coverage |
Many HNWI combine international insurance (Bupa/Cigna) for global coverage and catastrophic events with a lighter Italian policy for routine private care. Under the flat tax regime, health insurance premiums paid in Italy are deductible up to €1,549.37 per year.
For retirees, healthcare is often the primary concern — more than taxes or property. Italy excels here: geriatric care is sophisticated, home care culture is strong, and live-in caregivers (badanti) are a well-established part of Italian healthcare. A full-time live-in caregiver costs approximately €1,500-€2,200 per month including board, significantly less than equivalent care in the UK or US.
Flat tax residents can choose to opt out of the SSN and rely exclusively on private insurance. However, SSN registration costs approximately €400 per year per family member and provides emergency and hospital coverage as a safety net. Most advisors recommend maintaining SSN registration alongside private coverage.
You can bring a personal supply (typically up to 3 months) of prescribed medications. For ongoing prescriptions, your Italian GP can prescribe equivalent Italian/EU medications. Some US-specific drugs may not be available in Italy; your GP can identify alternatives or arrange import through international pharmacies.
Italian dental care is largely private (the SSN covers very little dentistry). Quality is high, and costs are 30-50% lower than London or Zurich. Milan has several English-speaking dental clinics catering to international patients, with services ranging from routine care to implantology and orthodontics.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information as of March 2026. Healthcare regulations and insurance products change. Consult qualified professionals. The Italian Gateway sets up your complete healthcare framework as part of our relocation service.