Italy – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in Italy?

As with other wealthy nations, Italy’s greatest health burden stems from non-communicable diseases. In 2022, cardiovascular diseases and cancer together accounted for more than half of all deaths in the country. These are followed by conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke, and diabetes — all of which are closely tied to lifestyle choices and the reality of an increasingly elderly population.

Approximately 23.7 million people in Italy live with at least one chronic disease, while around 12.2 million are managing two or more simultaneously. Among the most prevalent conditions are cardiovascular disease, diabetes, COPD, asthma, osteoporosis, and arthritis. This pattern mirrors trends seen across ageing European societies, though Italy’s particularly mature demographic profile makes it especially evident.

Italy carries an estimated standardised prevalence rate of 15% for “high-impact” chronic diseases — a composite measure drawing on data for diabetes, cancer, COPD, dementia, and mental health conditions. The weight of this burden falls most heavily on the elderly: among people aged 65 and over, approximately 60.8% have at least one chronic disease.

The leading causes of disability-adjusted life years (YLDs) in Italy include low back pain, falls, and headache disorders — conditions that diminish daily quality of life even when they are not directly fatal. At the same time, the mortality burden attributable to Alzheimer’s disease has climbed by more than 50% since 2000, a trend largely explained by demographic ageing rather than rising incidence alone.

Regional disparities are a defining feature of Italy’s health landscape. Despite recording higher disability rates, northern regions generally achieve better overall health outcomes — including greater life expectancy, more healthy life years, and lower years of life lost — when compared with their southern counterparts. Expats settling in the south or on Sicily and Sardinia may therefore encounter differences in both healthcare quality and population health compared with those living in northern cities such as Milan or Turin.

Is Italy considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

By any standard international measure, Italy stands among the world’s healthiest nations. According to OECD data, Italy holds the top position in the European Union for life expectancy, recording 84.1 years in 2024 — matching Sweden and sitting six months above pre-pandemic levels. This is a particularly striking recovery for a country that experienced one of the harshest COVID-19 impacts in Europe.

In the two decades before the pandemic, life expectancy at birth had risen steadily from 79.6 years in 2000 to 83.4 years by 2019. The pandemic caused it to fall to 82.2 years in 2020, with only a partial rebound to 82.7 years in 2021. The 2024 reading of 84.1 years represents both a full recovery and a new record, confirming the continuation of a long-term upward trend.

Healthy life expectancy — meaning the years a person can expect to live free from significant illness or disability — also stands out. Italy recorded 70.9 healthy life years in 2021, well above the EU average of 62 years and seven months recorded in 2022. This figure underscores the growing challenge of supporting quality of life in later years, even as overall longevity continues to improve.

Cardiovascular diseases and cancer remain responsible for more than half of all deaths, while preventable mortality is concentrated in lung cancer, COVID-19, and ischaemic heart disease. Even as Italy’s population ages rapidly, older Italians tend to fare better than the EU average, though significant challenges persist — including widespread under-diagnosed or inadequately managed hypertension and a recent uptick in smoking rates.

Over the past three decades, mortality rates from cardiovascular diseases have dropped by more than half, and those from cancers by nearly a third. Nonetheless, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are on the rise alongside chronic respiratory diseases, hypertension, and respiratory infections such as influenza and pneumonia. For the most current figures, expats should consult the WHO’s Italy country profile or the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT).

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in Italy?

Italy presents a low risk of serious infectious disease by global standards. The standard vaccinations recommended in most countries — for measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, tetanus, and seasonal influenza — are recommended and readily available through Italy’s national health service. No specific vaccinations are required as a condition of entering Italy, though expats should consult their home country’s travel health authority for any updates both before and after relocating.

Vector-borne diseases are present in Italy but do not constitute a major epidemic threat. Tick-borne encephalitis occurs in forested parts of northern and north-eastern Italy, while Lyme disease-carrying ticks can be found in rural and wooded zones throughout the country. West Nile Virus has been detected in northern Italy — particularly in the Po Valley — during the warmer months, spread via mosquito bites. Expats who spend time outdoors in rural settings should use insect repellent and carry out tick checks after returning from wooded areas. Italy’s climate also brings significant sun exposure, and unprotected skin can be at risk from ultraviolet radiation, which may contribute to conditions including skin cancer over time.

Italy’s water supply is generally adequate, though summer droughts — particularly in the south — can cause periodic shortages. In most urban settings, tap water meets safety standards and is suitable for drinking. However, water quality is more variable in certain rural areas, island communities, or parts of the south, where contamination from agricultural chemicals or ageing infrastructure can occasionally be a concern. In such situations, opting for bottled or filtered water is a sensible precaution.

Air quality represents one of the more serious environmental health concerns in Italy, especially across the northern Po Valley. Italians are exposed to ambient particulate matter (PM2.5) at an average of 14.3 micrograms per cubic metre, compared with an OECD average of 11.2 micrograms. Cities including Milan and Turin regularly see elevated pollution readings, especially during winter months when temperature inversions trap pollutants close to ground level. Expats with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD should weigh this factor carefully when choosing where to settle. Extreme summer heat and heatwaves also pose a genuine risk each year, prompting Italy to establish a Heat Wave Forecasting and Warning System. Elderly expats and those with chronic conditions should take summer temperatures seriously and plan accordingly.

For up-to-date vaccination guidance and travel health advice, consult the Italian Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute) as well as your home country’s travel health advisory service before relocating.

Is smoking common in Italy, and what are the laws around it?

Smoking continues to be a meaningful public health concern in Italy, notwithstanding decades of sustained effort to drive down its prevalence. Through the early 2000s, Italy made considerable progress in reducing smoking rates, supported by growing public awareness and progressively stricter tobacco control legislation. Since 2014, however, that positive trajectory has stalled and reversed: by 2022, the proportion of adults who smoke had climbed to 24.2%, marking the first notable increase since 2009. As of 2025, roughly 10,460,000 adults in Italy are smokers.

Tobacco use is linked to more than 90,000 deaths in Italy each year — a toll that explains why tackling smoking remains a central public health priority. Expats coming from countries with very low smoking rates, such as Australia or the Scandinavian nations, may be struck by how visible smoking remains in Italy, particularly at outdoor cafés and restaurant terraces.

Italy made history in 2005 by becoming the first major country in the world to introduce sweeping smoke-free legislation prohibiting smoking in all indoor public spaces — including bars, restaurants, and workplaces. Known as the “Sirchia Law” after the health minister who championed it, this legislation placed Italy ahead of most European peers at the time and remains well enforced in the vast majority of settings.

Despite the success of this initial framework, no substantial new national tobacco control measures have been introduced since 2005, and exposure to secondhand smoke remains a live public health issue. Some local authorities have gone further than the national rules: Milan, for example, has introduced outdoor smoking restrictions in certain public areas. Regulations also cover newer products: electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco devices cannot be used anywhere conventional smoking is already prohibited, and their sale to anyone under the legal age is banned.

Expats should note that while indoor smoking is comprehensively banned, smoking outdoors — including on café terraces and near building entrances — is widespread. For those with asthma, those who are pregnant, or anyone with particular sensitivity to secondhand smoke, this is a practical consideration when selecting a neighbourhood or deciding where to socialise.

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in Italy?

Relative to most other high-income nations, Italy maintains comparatively low rates of obesity. Self-reported obesity stands at 12% — well below the OECD average of 19%, as reported in the OECD Health at a Glance 2025 edition. This figure compares favourably with countries such as the United States, where obesity rates surpass 40%, and sits below the UK average of around 26%. Italy’s renowned Mediterranean diet — built around olive oil, fresh vegetables, legumes, fish, and whole grains — is widely acknowledged as a central driver of the country’s strong health indicators and exceptional longevity.

The picture is not without its complications, however. Metabolic risk factors including elevated blood pressure and high BMI remain public health concerns, and effectively addressing them requires sustained campaigns to encourage healthier lifestyle choices. Among younger Italians in particular, dietary habits are shifting away from traditional patterns, with processed foods and fast food consumption growing steadily. Widespread undiagnosed or poorly managed hypertension — closely associated with diet, sedentary behaviour, and excess weight — remains a notable gap in preventive care.

Efforts to address these trends are embedded within the Italian National Prevention Plan 2020–25, which sets shared objectives across multiple public health domains. Key initiatives include promoting regular physical activity, improving nutritional awareness, and expanding early screening for metabolic conditions. Expats arriving from countries with markedly different food cultures frequently find that embracing the local Mediterranean approach to eating is one of the genuine pleasures of life in Italy — and one that carries real health benefits.

Regional dietary variation is also worth noting. Southern Italian cooking remains most faithful to traditional Mediterranean principles, while diets in the north tend to feature more meat and dairy. Regardless of region, expats should bear in mind that convenience foods and sedentary urban lifestyles are increasingly prevalent, particularly in larger Italian cities, and the celebrated Mediterranean diet is not uniformly followed across all segments of Italian society.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in Italy?

Mental health has traditionally been a more guarded subject in Italy than in many northern European countries, with a degree of social stigma historically surrounding psychological difficulties and the act of seeking professional help. That said, attitudes are shifting — particularly among younger people and in urban centres such as Milan and Rome, where private psychological care has become increasingly normalised and openly discussed.

Anxiety disorders are the most frequently occurring mental health condition in Italy, affecting more than 6% of the population, followed closely by depressive disorders. One relatively positive finding is that the gap in depression prevalence between Italians at different income levels is notably smaller than in most other EU countries — suggesting a more equitable distribution of mental health burden, even if access to care remains uneven.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the prevalence of mental health difficulties across Italy. Between 2019 and 2021, anxiety disorders increased by 19.8% and depressive disorders by 17.3%, placing considerable additional strain on both public and private mental health services throughout the country.

Italy’s public mental health infrastructure is delivered through the Dipartimenti di Salute Mentale (Mental Health Departments) associated with local health authorities (ASL/AST units). These departments offer outpatient psychiatric and psychological care. Unlike systems in countries such as Australia or Canada — where GP-initiated referrals to subsidised psychology sessions are more streamlined — publicly funded therapy in Italy can involve lengthy waiting periods and navigating complex administrative processes, particularly for newly arrived expats. Private psychologists and therapists are plentiful in larger cities, and a growing number conduct sessions in languages other than Italian.

Italy’s healthcare system has been progressively decentralised, with the country’s 21 regional governments now bearing responsibility for managing their own health services. This structural shift, combined with austerity-driven budget pressures and the demands of an ageing population, has strained universal health coverage and widened inequalities between regions. Mental health provision mirrors this pattern: services are generally better resourced in the north than in the south.

Expats navigating the early challenges of relocation — including language barriers, unfamiliar bureaucracy, and social isolation — are encouraged to seek support sooner rather than later. Connecting with expat communities, joining language courses, or participating in local associations can all provide meaningful social anchoring. Private therapy remains reasonably accessible in major cities, though costs differ widely between providers and settings.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in Italy?

The great majority of expats relocating to Italy will not face dramatically unfamiliar health risks compared with other western European or high-income countries. Nevertheless, a number of practical considerations merit attention before and after arrival.

Climate adjustment: Heatwaves claim lives in Italy each year, and expats arriving from cooler climates should not underestimate the intensity of Italian summers. Keeping well hydrated, limiting outdoor exertion during the hottest part of the day — typically midday to 4pm — and recognising the early signs of heat-related illness are essential precautions, especially for older expats or those with pre-existing cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.

Air quality: Italy’s average ambient PM2.5 exposure of 14.3 micrograms per cubic metre exceeds the OECD average of 11.2 micrograms. Expats moving to the Po Valley — encompassing cities such as Milan, Turin, and Bologna — may find pollution levels higher than those they experienced at home. Those with asthma or other respiratory conditions should discuss their specific situation with a doctor before relocating, monitor daily air quality readings through the regional ARPA agencies, and confirm that their prescribed medications are obtainable in Italy.

Registering with a GP: Among the most important practical steps for any new expat is registering with a local general practitioner (medico di base or medico di medicina generale) through the relevant ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale). This registration is the gateway to the public health system, enabling access to referrals and prescriptions. Without it, all healthcare costs must be met privately.

Health insurance: Public funding covers just over 73% of total health expenditure in Italy — below the EU average of 80%. The remaining 27% is met privately, with nearly 90% of that coming from direct out-of-pocket spending. Expats who are not enrolled in the public system — for instance, those on short-stay or self-employment visas — should hold comprehensive private health insurance. Even those registered with the SSN (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) frequently supplement their coverage with private plans to reduce waiting times for specialist appointments.

Preventive screening: Cancer screening participation rates in Italy — particularly for cervical cancer — remain below the EU average. Expats should confirm that their routine cancer screenings are current and raise any relevant preventive health checks with their new Italian GP at the point of registration.

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in Italy?

Finding trustworthy health information in an unfamiliar country can feel overwhelming. The following official and well-established sources provide a solid foundation for expats researching health conditions and services in Italy.

• Ministero della Salute (Italian Ministry of Health): The central government body responsible for health policy, public health initiatives, vaccination schedules, and emergency health guidance across Italy. Portions of the website are accessible in multiple languages.
• Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS): Italy’s national public health institute, fulfilling a role comparable to the CDC in the United States or the UKHSA in the UK. ISS generates epidemiological research, disease surveillance reporting, and official health recommendations.
• ISTAT (Italian National Institute of Statistics): Publishes comprehensive health statistics, including chronic disease prevalence and life expectancy figures broken down at the regional level.
• WHO Italy Country Profile: The World Health Organization’s dedicated Italy data page provides internationally comparable health metrics, covering life expectancy, cause-of-death breakdowns, and health system performance.
• EU Country Health Profile (OECD/European Commission): The “State of Health in the EU” Italy profile is updated every two years and offers a thorough, accessible overview of Italy’s health system and population health status. The 2025 edition is the most recent available.
• Your local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale): The regional health authority responsible for GP registration, specialist referrals, and vaccination appointments. Contact details differ by region; your local comune (town hall) can point you towards the appropriate office.

Health guidelines, vaccination requirements, and official recommendations are subject to change. Expats should verify all specific information — including fees, eligibility criteria, and vaccination schedules — directly with authoritative Italian sources or their home country’s consular health advisory service, both prior to and following their move to Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in Italy

Is Italy a safe country to live in from a health perspective?

Italy holds the top position in the European Union for life expectancy at 84.1 years — equal with Sweden and a record high as of 2024. The country operates a universal public healthcare system and records low rates of most serious infectious diseases. It is broadly regarded as a very safe and healthy place to live, with health conditions that compare well with those in other western European nations.

Do I need any special vaccinations before moving to Italy?

No particular vaccinations are required as a condition of entry into Italy. That said, it is strongly recommended that expats ensure their standard immunisations are current — including those for measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, tetanus, and seasonal influenza. The Italian Ministry of Health publishes a National Immunization Prevention Plan that advocates a lifecourse approach to vaccination. Consult your home country’s travel health authority for personalised advice based on your immunisation history.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Italy?

Italy’s water supply is generally adequate, though summer drought conditions — most frequently in the south — can bring occasional shortages. Tap water in most urban areas complies with EU safety standards and is suitable for drinking. Quality becomes more variable in rural settings, on the islands, or in parts of the south, where ageing infrastructure or agricultural contamination can be factors. When in doubt, bottled or filtered water offers the safest option.

How does Italy’s smoking situation compare with other European countries?

In 2005, Italy became the first large country in the world to introduce comprehensive legislation banning smoking in all indoor public spaces, including bars, restaurants, and workplaces. Despite this pioneering step, smoking prevalence climbed to 24.2% in 2022 — the first significant rise since 2009. Smoking remains considerably more visible in Italy than in many northern European countries, particularly in outdoor settings such as café terraces.

Are there significant regional differences in health in Italy?

Italy’s health data reveals pronounced regional inequalities, with northern regions consistently recording better health outcomes than the south and the islands. Southern Italy faces a more fragile healthcare infrastructure, characterised by fewer available resources and a reduced capacity to meet population health needs. Expats are encouraged to investigate the healthcare landscape of their intended destination region before committing to a move.

How does Italy’s obesity rate compare internationally?

Italy’s self-reported obesity rate of 12% is substantially below the OECD average of 19%, as recorded in the OECD Health at a Glance 2025 report. The traditional Mediterranean diet receives much of the credit for this favourable outcome. However, dietary patterns are evolving — particularly among younger generations — and metabolic risk factors such as elevated blood pressure and high BMI continue to warrant attention as public health priorities.

Can expats access mental health services in Italy?

Public mental health care is provided through local Dipartimenti di Salute Mentale, though waiting times can be considerable and service quality varies markedly by region. Private psychologists and therapists are more readily available in cities such as Rome, Milan, and Florence, with a number offering sessions in languages other than Italian. The prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders rose substantially in the wake of COVID-19, increasing pressure on services across the entire system.

Is air pollution a significant health concern in Italy?

Italy’s population is exposed to an average of 14.3 micrograms of ambient particulate matter (PM2.5) per cubic metre — above the OECD average of 11.2 micrograms. The most severe air quality problems are concentrated in the Po Valley in northern Italy. Expats with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD should track daily air quality data published by regional ARPA agencies and discuss their medication requirements with a local GP once registered with the public health system.