Health care for pregnant foreigners

The following is basic information regarding health care for pregnant foreigners

What kind of assistance are they entitled to?

In Italy, the state of pregnancy is protected and free assistance is guaranteed both at the consultatory level and at birth centers, regardless of the legal status of the foreign woman.

In particular, the law provides that those who are in a condition of irregularity can apply for a residence permit for medical treatment (pregnancy) that allows them to enroll in the SSR and therefore access to full health care, under conditions of equal treatment and full equality of rights and duties compared to Italian citizens.

The residence permit for medical treatment is also issued in favor of the cohabiting husband of the pregnant woman, who can then enroll in the SSR.

What is needed to enroll in the SSR?

To apply for a residence permit for medical treatment (pregnancy) you need:

• photocopy of the identification document
• certificate of pregnancy with the indication of the expected date of delivery
• euro 14,62 revenue stamp
• 4 passport-sized photographs

Once the application has been made or the residence permit for medical treatment (pregnancy) has been obtained, the following are required for registration with the SSR:

• residence permit or receipt of payment of the residence permit
• tax code
• certification, also self-certification, related to the effective residence in the regional territory

How long is the registration to the SSR valid for those who have a residence permit for medical treatment (pregnancy)?
Registration with the SSR can be done from the moment in which the state of pregnancy is certified and for the period of six months following the birth of the child.

The residence permit for medical treatment is revoked in case of voluntary interruption of pregnancy, but it is renewed up to six months from the presumed date of birth of the child, even in case of death of the unborn child at the time of birth.