Where do I pay the co-payment?
TIK-et — Italian uses the English word 'ticket' for the healthcare co-payment. Stress on first syllable.
Ask where to pay after receiving care at a public hospital or clinic. Some payments happen before tests, some after.
'Ticket' in Italian healthcare = co-payment ('compartecipazione') for public health services. It applies to: specialist visits, diagnostic tests, and some medications. The ticket is charged at the 'cassa' (cashier) or 'sportello ticket'. Some categories are exempt ('esenti'): low income, chronic diseases, children under 6, pregnant women, pensioners above certain conditions.
Sono esente dal ticket. Ho il codice di esenzione.
I am exempt from the co-payment. I have the exemption code.
Exemption codes ('codice di esenzione') appear on the health card or prescription
Quanto costa il ticket per la visita specialistica?
How much does the co-payment for a specialist visit cost?
Specialist visit ticket in Italy: typically €20-50 depending on the service and region
Posso pagare con la carta di credito?
Can I pay by credit card?
Most Italian hospital cashiers now accept credit and debit cards
The Italian 'ticket sanitario' (health co-payment) is a politically controversial topic. Amounts vary by region and service type. Some regions have abolished the ticket for GP visits but maintain it for specialist services. The system of exemptions is complex and depends on income, age, and medical conditions. Unpaid tickets accumulate as debt to the Italian tax authority ('Agenzia delle Entrate') and can eventually affect tax returns.