Italy's private health insurance market expands as citizens turn to self‑care

Private health insurance in Italy is growing rapidly. According to Ania data, the sickness branch reached €4.9 billion in 2025, up 11.6 % from the previous year, while the overall sector is worth €8.6 billion. About four out of ten Italians now have a health policy, with more than 21 million people covered through employer‑backed or individual plans. Growth is driven by collective contracts that require enrollment in supplemental health funds and a post‑pandemic surge in demand for faster access to diagnostics and treatments. However, coverage remains limited after retirement, with only roughly 3.8 % of policyholders retaining benefits.

The same trend of seeking faster, private solutions is reflected in the STADA Health Report 2026, which found that 94 % of Europeans self‑medicate for minor ailments and 78 % feel in control of their own wellbeing. Long public‑system wait times push patients toward self‑care and pharmacy services. While 79 % still prefer face‑to‑face contact with doctors and 61 % with pharmacists, consumers demand a hybrid pharmacy model that offers repeat prescriptions, 24/7 advice and digital tools. Together, these developments highlight a shift toward private and self‑managed health solutions in Italy and across Europe.