5 Things Every Expat Parent Should Know About Italian Healthcare
Moving to Italy or navigating pregnancy and early parenthood as an expat can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to understand a healthcare system that works very differently from what you may be used to. Italy offers excellent maternal and pediatric care, but knowing how the system works (and what your options are) makes a huge difference.
Here are five key things every expat parent should know about Italian healthcare, particularly during pregnancy, postpartum, and the early months with a baby.
1. Italy Has a Public Healthcare System — and It’s Very Pregnancy‑Friendly
Italy’s public healthcare system is called the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). If you are registered with the SSN, most pregnancy-related care is fully covered (ie-free), including:
Prenatal check-ups
Ultrasounds
Blood tests and prenatal screenings (free in most cases)
Hospital birth
Postpartum check-ups
Pregnancy is considered a protected state of health, which means pregnant and recently post-partum women are exempt from most, if not all, healthcare fees (known as ticket costs). Every woman who has an SSN card can access all these services through the public system, but you are also free to choose to combine public care with private or complementary support, such as prenatal education or postpartum care if you want something more personal and supportive.
2. Midwives are an Integral Part of Your Care — but Their Role May Look Different Than What You Expect
In Italy, midwives (ostetriche) are highly trained professionals and play an essential role in maternity care. They will be present during labor and they will be the ones assisting in healthy hospital births. Doctors are always available, but your main reference will be a midwife. This may be different than what you expect or may have experienced in the past if you come from a country where doctors are the main professional during healthy births. On the other hand, if you come from a country where midwife-led care is the norm, you may be surprised to see doctors present or participating in healthy births.
What you may experience:
You may see multiple providers rather than one continuous caregiver
Appointments can feel rushed
Emotional and educational support may be minimal
Many expat parents choose additional independent midwifery support for:
This blended approach allows families to benefit from the strength of the public system while receiving more individualized care.
3. Language Barriers Can Affect Care — Even in Big Cities
Even in international cities like Milan, English-speaking healthcare providers are not guaranteed, particularly in public hospitals.
This can be challenging when:
Trying to understand how and when to set up appointments and tests
Discussing test results
Making decisions about interventions
Understanding hospital procedures
Navigating postpartum instructions
Many expat parents find reassurance in working with English-speaking professionals who can:
Assist in setting up a plan to access prenatal visits, tests, and care
Accompany women to their appointments to explain medical terminology and care plans clearly
Help prepare questions for appointments
Advocate for informed decision-making
Feeling understood and confident in your choices is an important part of a positive pregnancy and postpartum experience.
4. Postpartum Support Is Limited — and Often Overlooked
One of the biggest surprises for expat parents is how little structured postpartum support exists once you leave the hospital.
Typically:
Hospital stays are short (usually about 2 days for vaginal births and 3 days for c-section births)
Follow-up visits are minimal
Hands-on newborn support may be limited, and lactation guidance often overlooked
Culturally, there is often an expectation that families will manage independently or rely on relatives. For expat families without local support networks, this can feel isolating.
This is where postpartum home visits, lactation consulting, and emotional support can be incredibly valuable—helping parents feel supported, confident, and cared for during a vulnerable transition.
5. You Are Allowed to Ask Questions and Seek Support
Perhaps the most important thing to know is this: you are allowed to ask questions, seek clarity, and request support.
Italian healthcare professionals are highly skilled, but the system may not always prioritize:
In-depth explanations
Shared decision-making
Emotional reassurance
As an expat woman, it’s okay to:
Ask for explanations in plain language
Seek second opinions
Combine public care with private support
Build a care team that meets your needs
You deserve care that respects both your medical needs and your emotional well-being.
Final Thoughts
Navigating Italian healthcare as an expat parent doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right information and support, many families find the experience both safe and empowering.
Understanding how the system works—and where extra guidance can help—allows you to make informed, confident choices throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
If you’re an expat parent in Italy and would like personalized, English-speaking support during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or postpartum recovery, The Mama Place offers compassionate care designed to complement the Italian healthcare system.
Remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
How I Can Support You
If you’re navigating pregnancy, birth, or early parenthood in Italy and would like personalized, English-speaking support, The Mama Place is here to help.
I offer:
Prenatal education and birth preparation tailored to expat families
Lactation consulting for breastfeeding challenges and questions
Postpartum care and home visits to support recovery and newborn care
Whether you’re looking for guidance, reassurance, or hands-on support, care can take place in your home or by appointment.
👉 Get in touch to book a consultation or ask a question here
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