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Once in possession of the residence permit, you can register with your local health authority ('L'Unita Sanitaria Locale' or USL) to obtain your national health number. You can then register with a doctor ('medico convenzionato').

When you visit your doctor's surgery (ambulatorio), be prepared to wait, as there are no appointments - the system is first come, first served.

If the language barrier is a problem, the British Embassies usually hold contact details for English-speaking doctors in your area.

The Italian national health system ('Servizio Sanitario Nazionale' or SSN) offers low-cost health care of a good standard, with well-trained and dedicated doctors, though waiting lists can be long. The top private hospitals rival those of any country. State hospitals vary in quality, with little 'creature comforts'- hence the popularity of private health insurance.