A healthcare professional reviews patient notes and prepares for a consultation. (armmypicca (123RF))
Health Care in Italy
Italy’s health care access and medical quality as well as life expectancy rank among the highest globally. Though healthcare in Italy is not free, the fees are usually reasonable, and emergency medical assistance is provided to anyone in need without asking for up-front payment.
The health and dental care culture is different in Italy than what you might be used to. Understanding these differences will help you feel less nervous about going to an Italian provider.
Undressing is normal. Doctors will not hesitate to ask you to undress in front of them as they continue talking to you or calling in a specialist to greet you as you are partly dressed.
Things may not always happen quickly. Just as in the U.S., Italian health care can be slow. Address your concerns with the receptionist, even rescheduling your appointment if you need to. Going in with a good attitude, patience and understanding will make for a better experience.
Courtesy. Please show up to your appointment. If you can’t make it, let your provider know. If you do not show up, you could be charged for the missed appointment.
Patience. If you find yourself waiting past your scheduled appointment time, be patient or notify the staff and reschedule your appointment.
Understanding. Understand that health care in Italy may be different than what you are used to.
In order to have affordable health care, hospitals may not issue basic supplies like towels, gowns, soap and other toiletries. Be prepared to bring your own.
Italian pain medication management is an area that differs from the American medical system. If you are in pain or are not responding well to the prescribed treatment plan, stronger prescriptions may be available. Inform your medical team of prescriptions you currently take, ask your doctor questions and seek help with your Near Patient Team if a language barrier exists.
You may find a difference in privacy as well. Hospital rooms are often double occupancy and may have no privacy screens between beds. Take appropriate clothing that allows you to remain semi-dressed during exams. Additionally, host-nation doctors may not always have a chaperone when examining a patient of the opposite sex. If you feel uncomfortable, ask for an additional person. Remember, you can say no.
If you want to leave your room, get dressed and if you plan on leaving the ward, let the nursing staff know.
In anticipation of a healthcare emergency, learn the location of local clinics and hospitals. Have a bag packed of key items you would need in an emergency including but not limited to:
Military ID card or passport
List of current medications to include name of drug and dosage
Bottled water
Notebook and pen
Towel/washcloths
Pajamas, slippers, robe
Personal hygiene items
Reading materials
Extra clothing
Electronic devices and earphones
If you are not a TRICARE Prime beneficiary or if you receive care at a non-network civilian facility you will likely have to pay your bill up-front then submit a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Ask the cost of the visit in advance so you are prepared to pay for it.
Located at MTFs in Italy, host-nation patient liaisons are available for TRICARE beneficiaries and as time allows, other U.S. citizens affiliated with the military community.
Patient liaisons can:
Accompany patients to their first visit to a local host-nation provider (per request).
Help coordinate a transfer from an MTF to a host-nation medical facility or from a host-nation facility to the MTF by civilian ambulance or a privately owned vehicle.
Ease language barriers between patient and host-nation providers.
Upon beneficiary’s request, talk to host-nation providers about a patient’s medical condition and treatment plan to facilitate patient understanding and comprehension.
Answer questions about treatments, medical forms and host-nation hospital environment or culture.
Familiarize you with host-nation medical practices.
Assess and interpret patient concerns to determine specific assistance needs.
Visit daily to assess treatment progress or plans for the patient’s transfer to another hospital or MTF.
Assist with the discharge of a patient from a host-nation treatment center.
If you need emergency care, ask the hospital to contact a patient liaison or call the TRICARE service center’s RMC (below) to arrange a meeting. Once you have made contact, your patient liaison will help with any questions or needs. The patient liaison program is available and is open to TRICARE beneficiaries.
Sigonella Patient Liaisons are coordinated by the Referral Management Center (RMC)
USNH Sigonella, 2nd Floor (TRICARE office)
Phone: +39 095-56-4087 | DSN: 624-4087
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Wednesdays, 1 to 4 p.m. for training
The International SOS NPP team assists with host-nation inpatient management for TRICARE Prime active duty and family members.
They offer in-person support Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and 24/7 support remotely.
The team consists of one medical director, one lead nurse and five nurse specialists with diverse nursing backgrounds. The team will assist patients with translation services, facilitate understanding of medical information, and advocate for the patient. The team also works closely with the Case Manager (CM) and the TRICARE patient liaisons when coordinating planned admissions to the host nation facilities and transfers back to the MTF upon host nation discharge, if applicable.
International SOS Phone: +44-20-8762-8384
You can also access your NPP via the MyCare Overseas™ Beneficiary App.
