San Marino Health Insurance

Officially known as the Republic of San Marino, this tiny enclave nation located within northeastern Italy covers only about 61 square kilometers with a population of fewer than 32,000 people. This small city-state dating back to the early 4th century is believed to be the longest standing sovereign nation in existence.

Its long history and unique micro-culture are magnetic for tourists, whose spending accounts for about half of the country's annual income. Other industries include ceramics, furniture, collectables and most significantly, banking. While not a member of the European Union, San Marino enjoys a exceptionally high standard of living with an average income of almost US$ 51,000, and all social provisions that are typically offered to EU residents are provided through the government. The national currency of San Marino is the Euro, the national language is Italian, and if it were not for cursory immigration procedures to enter its territory it would be easy to wrongly assume that San Marino is just another quaint historic Italian city. With a strong economy, beautiful surroundings, high income, good educational and healthcare systems, and good international relations, the future for this ancient country is very bright.

San Marino Health Insurance and Healthcare

Healthcare in San Marino is of very high quality, perennially ranked among the top nations in the world by the World Health Organization. It also has the highest doctor to patient ratio in the world at about 475:10,000 residents, though it is highly questionable how many actually reside in San Marino, or are just taking the tax benefits of registering a business in the country. Nevertheless, average health is excellent by worldwide standards with communicable disease easily contained, immunization at near-universal levels, and average life expectancy very high at 83 years.

Both public and private medical treatments are available in San Marino, and quality of care tends to be comparable between the two. Where private treatments stands out is in the personalized attention given the patient and the quick delivery of medical services. It is frequently noted that waiting times for private care in San Marino tends to be much shorter than at a public medical facilities for non-critical procedures. Still, most residents will continue to utilize public care as the cost is significantly lower than private treatment, unless they are covered by some form of private San Marino health insurance plan. Private care is only offered in clinics at this time, as no private secondary-care hospital is operational in San Marino.

Public care is funded by the state government and is a guaranteed right of all residents. San Marino's public clinics offer primary care on an outpatient basis only, with all standard treatments typically found in first world doctor's clinics along with some emergency critical care available. Treatments requiring hospitalization will require referral to the only hospital in the tiny country, the public San Marino Hospital. Here all modern technology is at their disposal to care for the needs of the patients, along with specialist treatment for many, but not all potential health issues. In the rare instance a condition cannot be treated within San Marino, international agreements are in place with Italy for patient referral to one of its first rate hospitals for needed care.

A compulsory socialized medical insurance scheme is in place in San Marino which provides free access to health care for all citizens and is available to foreign residents after a two year waiting period. This system provides access to public care through the general practitioner of your choice as well as hospitalization and necessary specialist treatments free of charge. It is funded through taxation of workers wages and covers the employee and his or her dependents. Additionally, high-risk persons such as the elderly, uninsured children, terminally ill, unemployed and pregnant mothers and their babies are all covered free of charge.

All foreigners not employed by a company in San Marino planning to relocate to the country are required to purchase comprehensive private San Marino medical insurance coverage for themselves and any family members that will be relocating with them. During the first two years of their residency they have the option of contributing to the nationalized health plan, and after completing this wait period may then begin taking advantage of public coverage. It is important to note that as San Marino is not an EU member, European Health Insurance Cards are not honored in the country at any of its healthcare outlets and reciprocal healthcare coverage is not offered, further EU social medicine insurance plans do not meet the requirement for private coverage during the two year wait time for new residents.

Thankfully, emergency medical treatments are extended to all persons free of charge in case of an accident or unforeseen illness. This does not include any treatments beyond point of stabilization however, and payment for all subsequent care will be required out of pocket unless protected by private medical insurance. It is strongly recommended that all persons take out necessary San Marino health insurance coverage for their protection for the entirety of their stay in the country, as both private and public treatments in San Marino are very costly.

San Marino Travel Insurance Information

Weather in San Marino is typical of its Mediterranean location, with hot summers and mild winters. Terrain is very uneven in San Marino as the entire city-state is on hillsides, while this makes for excellent vistas, all tourists should bring sturdy walking shoes and use caution as there are many steps and steep inclines throughout the city which could result in fall-injuries. Crime is strictly punished as revenue generated by the tourism industry is very important to the government's economy, however petty crime such as pick-pocketing still occurs. Always be aware of yourself and your valuables.

On par with other highly developed European countries, sanitation and clean water are universally available, and water is deemed safe for drinking. No special vaccinations are required for travel to San Marino, though all are well served to ensure that their routine inoculations and booster shots are kept up to date. Visa requirements vary depending on your country of residence, for full details contact your nearest San Marino consulate office.

San Marino Expat Medical Insurance

There are few serious risks due to infection to your health or the health of your loved ones when visiting or relocating to a place as developed as San Marino, still accidents can occur in an instant and arranging payment out of pocket is the last thing that anyone wants to consider in an emergency situation. Expat Medical Insurance takes the stress away by offering comprehensive San Marino Medical Insurance packages as well as International Traveler's Insurance plans that will guarantee access to the best care available, and meet the requirements for expatriates relocating to San Marino. Contact one of our expert advisers today for a free price quote and full details.