What is the Public Healthcare System like in Italy? What does Horizons offer in addition?

At Horizons, we prioritize the health and well-being of our employees, offering a range of benefits to ensure they have access to quality healthcare. While Italy’s public healthcare system is known for being highly accessible and providing excellent care, we understand that some employees may seek additional coverage. That’s why we offer optional private medical insurance through our partnership with SafetyWing®, giving you the freedom to enhance your healthcare options if desired.

Italy’s Public Healthcare System: A Strong Foundation

Excellent and Accessible Care

Italy’s public healthcare system is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. Funded through taxation, it provides comprehensive medical services to all residents, ensuring that essential healthcare is accessible to everyone. The public system covers a wide range of medical needs, including general practitioner visits, specialist consultations, hospital treatments, and emergency care, often at minimal or no cost to the patient.

Why Additional Coverage Might Not Be Necessary

Given the high quality and accessibility of Italy’s public healthcare, it is not standard practice for employers to offer additional private health insurance. Most residents rely on the public system, which typically meets the majority of healthcare needs effectively. For many, the public system offers sufficient coverage without the need for extra insurance.

Optional Private Healthcare Insurance: When You Want More

However, for those who seek enhanced benefits beyond what the public system provides, Horizons offers optional private healthcare insurance through SafetyWing®. This private coverage is ideal for employees who want additional flexibility and faster access to certain medical services.

Benefits of Private Medical Insurance

Coverage Above Basic State Cover: Private insurance can offer more extensive coverage than the public system, including services or treatments that may not be fully covered by state insurance.
Free Choice of Doctors and Specialists: One of the key advantages of private insurance is the ability to choose your own doctors and specialists without the need for referrals or long waiting times, providing greater control over your healthcare decisions.
Access to Private Hospitals: Private insurance often includes access to private hospitals, where care may be faster and more personalized. This can be particularly beneficial for non-emergency procedures or specialist consultations, where waiting times in the public system might be longer.

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