USL Toscana: SSN enrolment, the tessera sanitaria and a doctor
How to enrol in public healthcare in Toscana: here the agency is called the USL. Who enrols for free and who pays the voluntary fee, how to pick a medico di base and get an interpreter. Eligibility is stable; the fee, waitlists and doctor-list availability are community-reported - verify current data.
Updated: - permesso.love editorial team
In brief: the health agency here
- Local name here: USL
- Region: Toscana
- SSN enrolment: In Tuscany the agency is called the Azienda USL (Unita Sanitaria Locale); Florence is served by the Azienda USL Toscana Centro.
SSN enrolment
In Tuscany the agency is called the Azienda USL (Unita Sanitaria Locale); Florence is served by the Azienda USL Toscana Centro. It is the same as the "ASL" elsewhere, just without the leading A in the acronym. Confirm the enrolment type with your USL.
Who enrols for free and who paysChoosing a doctor
How a doctor is assigned and how to change oneCommunity-reported quirks
Per the community in Tuscany the agency is called the USL (Azienda USL Toscana Centro), not an ASL - that is the first thing to remember when searching. After that the procedure is the usual one: enrolment on the ricevuta, assignment of a medico di base, and a free mediator with a language barrier (mediatore linguistico interculturale). Some doctors have full lists ("e pieno"). These are personal observations - verify with your USL.
Community voices
In Florence I searched for an "ASL Firenze" when I needed the Azienda USL Toscana Centro. Once I figured it out I enrolled on the ricevuta and picked a doctor near my home - without extra running around.
FAQ
Are the USL and ASL the same in Florence?
Yes: in Tuscany the agency is the Azienda USL (Unita Sanitaria Locale), and Florence is served by the Azienda USL Toscana Centro. It is the same as the "ASL" elsewhere, just without the leading A. There you enrol in the SSN and are assigned a medico di base by address.
How do you choose a doctor in Florence?
At sign-up they ask whether you want a specific doctor or a man or a woman, and find one near your home. If the list is full ("e pieno"), another is offered; you can change the doctor later. It is done on the regional site (often via SPID) or in person at the USL. Availability changes.
Further reading
Agencies in other regions
Not legal advice. Where to verify
All agencies and health by region