What health insurance do I need for Italy's digital nomad visa?
Updated · Income, costs & timing guide · Not legal advice
You need health insurance that covers medical treatment and hospitalisation, valid in Italy for the whole period of your stay; the law makes it a condition of the permit too. Some consulates add specifics: Canberra, for example, asks for cover of at least €30,000 including medical repatriation and emergency hospitalisation, with a certificate and table of benefits.
| Check | What to show |
|---|---|
| Territory | Italy (or Europe/worldwide including Italy) |
| Duration | The whole stay requested (usually a year) |
| Cover | Medical treatment and hospitalisation; some consulates also require repatriation |
| Amount | Some consulates set a minimum (e.g. €30,000 at Canberra) |
| Proof | Insurance certificate plus table of benefits / policy wording |
Travel insurance vs expat health insurance
Short trip policies usually cap the trip length and exclude routine care. An annual expat or international health policy that names Italy and covers a full year fits the requirement more cleanly.
After you arrive
Once you have the permesso, you may be able to join Italy's national health service by paying a yearly contribution. See public healthcare (SSN).
Quick answers
- Does the Italy digital nomad visa require insurance with no copays?
- The rule is cover for medical care and hospitalisation in Italy for the whole stay. Consulates may add conditions; check your consulate's list.
- Can I use credit-card travel insurance?
- Rarely for a year-long stay. Canberra accepts it only with bank letters and proof of eligibility.
- Do family members need their own policy?
- Each person needs cover; a family policy listing everyone works.
What to do next
We check your policy wording against your consulate's list in the $599 review.
Free eligibility check and checklist. Paid plans are one-time, flat fees for a human review of your full Italy visa file.
Sources
- Normattiva: Legislative Decree 286/1998 (Immigration Act), art. 27 incl. para. 1-sexies on digital nomads
- Embassy of Italy in Zagreb: digital nomads requirements (EN/IT, PDF)
- Embassy of Italy in Canberra: digital nomads / remote employees (IT, PDF, 2026)
Checked: . Rules change; confirm current values on the official pages above before you file.