Benefits of Living in Italy

QUALITY HOSPITAL SYSTEMS

Italy has a universal healthcare system that provides coverage to all citizens and residents. The system is known as Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) and is funded through taxes. Under this system, Italians and permanent residents have access to a range of health services, including general practitioners, specialist care, hospital treatment, emergency care, and prescription drugs.

The quality of healthcare in Italy is generally regarded as high, and the country consistently ranks in the top 20 public healthcare systems in the world. Italian doctors and healthcare professionals are well-trained and highly skilled, and many speak English or other languages. There are also numerous public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centres throughout the country.

General practitioners (GPs), also known as family doctors, play a critical role in Italy's healthcare system. They provide primary care services, including routine check-ups, consultations, and referrals to specialists. Patients can choose their GP, and visits to GPs are free of charge.

In addition to GPs, there are also a variety of specialist doctors available, including cardiologists, neurologists, and paediatricians. Referrals to specialists are typically made through GPs, and the cost of specialist visits is covered by the SSN.

Emergency services in Italy can be contacted through the 118 emergency number, which can be used for medical emergencies, accidents, and other urgent situations. Emergency care is provided free of charge, regardless of whether the patient has health insurance or not.

Prescription drugs are available through pharmacies, and the cost of drugs is partly covered by the SSN. However, patients are usually required to pay a small co-pay for each prescription. Some drugs may not be covered by the SSN, and patients may have to pay the full cost out of pocket. If you’re reading this as an American, out of pocket costs are typically under €100. This might come as a shock, but Italian prescription drugs are significantly less expensive than what is charged in the USA.

EASY ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOOD

Italy is renowned for its healthy and delicious cuisine, which features fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The country is home to a rich culinary tradition that emphasises simplicity, quality, and the use of fresh ingredients. Italian food is also characterised by its regional diversity, with each area having its own distinct culinary specialties.

When it comes to healthy food, Italy has a lot to offer. One of the reasons for this is that Italians have a strong tradition of purchasing local produce at farmer's markets. These markets can be found in virtually every town and city throughout Italy, and they offer a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that are both fresh and of high quality. By buying locally, Italians can be sure that they are getting produce that is both in season and at its peak flavour.

In addition to fruits and vegetables, Italians also purchase fresh meats from local butchers. This means that they can be sure that the meat they are buying is of high quality. Supermarkets in Italy also typically have a butchery located in the deli section, making it easy for people to find fresh meat even if they didn’t make it to a local butcher in time.

When it comes to traditional Italian dishes, there are plenty of healthy options to choose from. For example, many Italian dishes are based around whole grains, such as pasta made from whole wheat flour or polenta made from cornmeal. These dishes are high in fibre and other essential nutrients and are an excellent source of sustained energy.

It's also worth noting that Italian cuisine is built around the use of seasonal ingredients. This means that the food is naturally low in preservatives and additives, and is free from many of the chemicals found in processed foods.

CONVENIENT AND INEXPENSIVE TRAVEL OPTIONS

Italy is a country with an excellent public transportation network that can get you almost anywhere you want to go. The train system is particularly noteworthy, as it covers the entire country and offers a convenient and affordable way to travel long distances. The trains are comfortable, reliable, and run frequently, making them an ideal choice for both locals and tourists.

In addition to trains, there is also a robust network of buses that can take you to smaller towns and rural areas. These buses are often the only way to reach remote destinations if you don’t have a car.

You can buy tickets for both buses and trains at stations, online, or in apps. There are also several ticketing apps which offer discounts. TrainPal, Omio, Rome2Rio, Moovit, and Trenitalia are a few must haves!

If you have an adventurous spirit, you’ll love Italy for its frequent and cheap flights. There are several budget-friendly airlines that operate in Italy, such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz. These carriers offer flights to popular tourist destinations throughout Europe. You can easily find round-trip flights for less than €100, making it easy to plan weekend getaways and more.

INEXPENSIVE MOBILE PHONE AND INTERNET SERVICES

Fast internet connectivity has become a vital aspect of our daily lives. Italy has made significant strides in improving its internet infrastructure, making it easier for people to stay connected.

Inexpensive mobile phone plans are something Italians have come to expect. You’ll have no problem finding a phone plan for less than €25 per month. These plans often come with unlimited calls, SMS, and high speed mobile data. In this Old Lady’s experience, Vodafone and WindTre provide the best coverage throughout the country, and offer 4G and 5G in most locations. Any carrier running on one of those networks should provide you with coverage just about anywhere you go.

With remote work and online education becoming increasingly prevalent, having a reliable and fast internet connection at home is crucial. Italian internet service providers offer a range of broadband plans, with speeds commonly ranging from 50 Mbps to 2 Gbps. It is extremely easy to find a high speed data package for less than €40, especially if you’re in a larger city.

HIGH QUALTY OF LIFE, LOW COST OF LIVING

Italy is a country that offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other European or Western countries. This means that individuals and families can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. One of the most significant benefits of this low cost of living is that you can maintain a high quality of life without making any sacrifices. As we’ve discussed in this page, Italy clearly offers all of the comforts people have grown to expect, so what’s stopping you from moving?