Coverage requirements and guidance for international students at Unicollege.
Coverage Requirements
Your health insurance policy must meet the following minimum criteria set by Italian immigration authorities:
Apply Before Your Visa Application
You must secure health insurance before submitting your student visa application. The insurance certificate is a required document in the Italian consulate visa package. Coverage must commence from your first day of arrival in Italy.
Unicollege Recommended Provider
Blue Assistance
Unicollege recommends Blue Assistance (part of the Reale Group), an insurance provider specialised in coverage for international students studying in Italy. Blue Assistance plans are designed to meet all Italian visa and residence permit requirements.
Plans typically include:
- Medical coverage up to and exceeding the €30,000 minimum
- Emergency hospitalisation and urgent care
- Outpatient medical visits and specialist consultations
- Repatriation coverage
- Documentation compliant with Italian consulate requirements
Detailed enrollment instructions and a direct link to Blue Assistance student plans will be provided by the Unicollege Inbound Office after your acceptance is confirmed.
EU / EEA Students
Students who are citizens of an EU or EEA country and hold a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may use their EHIC card for access to the Italian public healthcare system (SSN) on the same terms as Italian nationals.
However, the EHIC does not cover all healthcare situations (e.g. private clinics, repatriation, or some specialist services). Unicollege strongly recommends that EU students also obtain supplemental private insurance for comprehensive coverage during their stay.
If you are unsure whether your home country's public insurance covers you sufficiently in Italy, please consult your national health authority before departure.
Optional: Italian National Health Service (SSN)
International students have the option — but are not required — to enroll in Italy's national public health service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, SSN). Enrollment in the SSN allows access to public hospitals, GPs, and health centres at reduced cost.
Enrollment instructions for the SSN are provided to students after their arrival in Italy. Unicollege staff can assist you with this process during the on-site orientation.
How to Get Your Insurance
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Receive your Acceptance Letter
After Unicollege confirms your acceptance, you will receive a welcome email with detailed insurance instructions and a link to the recommended provider portal.
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Choose your coverage period
Select a plan that covers your entire stay in Italy — from your arrival date through your housing checkout date. Ensure coverage begins on day 1.
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Purchase your policy and download your certificate
Complete your enrollment online and save your official insurance certificate. This document will be required for your visa application and when you arrive in Italy.
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Include the certificate in your visa application
Submit the certificate along with your other visa documents at the Italian consulate in your country. Your consulate may have specific format requirements — check their official checklist.
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Bring the original document to Italy
Keep a printed copy of your insurance certificate with you at all times during your stay. You will need to present it when applying for your residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) after arrival.
Questions?
For insurance-related questions, contact the Unicollege Inbound Office: francesca.serra@unicollege.eu — or call +39 055 093 7508. Our staff will guide you through the process and confirm which documents are required.