New Italian Healthcare Law: What It Means for Italians Living in Albania

 

 

 

Italy’s Chamber of Deputies has approved a bill that allows Italian citizens living outside the European Union — including those residing in Albania — to access Italy’s National Health Service (SSN) by paying an annual contribution of €2,000.

The proposal, introduced by Andrea Di Giuseppe, applies to Italian nationals registered with AIRE (the Registry of Italians Residing Abroad) who live in non-EU and non-EFTA countries. Albania, not being a member of the EU or EFTA, falls fully within the scope of the measure.

Why This Matters for Albania

Albania hosts a significant Italian community, including:

  • Retirees

  • Entrepreneurs and investors

  • Professionals working in Italian-Albanian businesses

  • Dual nationals registered with AIRE

Until now, many Italians living in Albania hesitated to register with AIRE because doing so meant losing automatic access to Italy’s public healthcare system. As a result, some remained formally resident in Italy while living abroad, creating administrative inconsistencies.

The new law attempts to resolve this issue by offering a clear option: maintain legal residence abroad and regain access to Italian public healthcare through a structured annual payment.

Key Conditions

  • Annual contribution: €2,000

  • Minors: Free access (no payment required)

  • Eligibility: Italian citizens registered with AIRE and residing outside the EU/EFTA

  • Enrollment: Through an Italian local health authority (ASL) during stays in Italy

The contribution is fixed (not income-based), although the government has indicated that future adjustments could introduce more flexible criteria.

Economic and Political Impact

Lawmakers estimate that about 40% of eligible Italians abroad could opt in. With roughly four million Italians living outside the EU, projected revenues could reach €3–4 billion annually.

For Albania specifically, the impact could be substantial because:

  1. Many Italians in Albania frequently travel back to Italy.

  2. Healthcare standards and specialist care in Italy are often perceived as more advanced.

  3. Retirees living in Albania may find the €2,000 annual fee worthwhile compared to private international insurance.

Administrative Cooperation

The bill also introduces:

  • Dedicated AIRE–ASL information desks

  • Coordination between Italy’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Foreign Affairs

  • Digital interoperability between civil and healthcare registries

This could simplify cross-border administrative processes for Italians residing in Albania.

What Happens Next?

The bill must now pass through the Italian Senate before becoming law.

If approved, it may significantly reshape healthcare planning for the Italian community in Albania — particularly retirees and long-term residents balancing life between the two countries.