← FFCheckWho do I contact?IT
Health · Italy
Updated September 2026

👨‍⚕️ I cannot find a family doctor who takes new patients — who helps?

Direct answer

GP shortages are real in most of Europe, but you are entitled to primary care, and someone is responsible for finding it. Start with ASL — scelta del medico / URP (salute.gov.it) — your health insurer or the public health service — which keeps the list of practices accepting patients and in many countries must assign you one if you cannot find one. Tribunale per i diritti del malato (Cittadinanzattiva) (cittadinanzattiva.it) is the official practice finder and advice line. If nothing works, Comune — Polizia locale / URP (anci.it) has a duty to ensure care in the area and can intervene.

Call firstASL — scelta del medico / URP
Report toTribunale per i diritti del malato (Cittadinanzattiva)
If that failsComune — Polizia locale / URP

🗣️ What to say

"I live at [address] and have been unable to register with a family doctor: [practices] have refused because they are full. I ask you to assign me a practice or to tell me which practices in my area are obliged to accept me."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Use the official finderTribunale per i diritti del malato (Cittadinanzattiva) lists practices with open lists; call in the morning, ask to be put on the waiting list.
  2. Ask the insurer: ASL — scelta del medico / URPMany insurers must find you a doctor within a set distance or time; put the request in writing.
  3. Urgent care meanwhileOut-of-hours services and walk-in clinics do not require registration; pharmacies handle minor issues.
  4. Municipality: Comune — Polizia locale / URPLocal authorities that fund practices can lean on them; a written request often works.
  5. Register the day a spot opensBring ID, insurance card and, if you have it, your previous records.

📇 All contacts

ASL — scelta del medico / URPGP choice, exemptions, complaintsFor finding a doctor and care questions🔗 www.salute.gov.it/portale/temi/p2_6.jsp?lingua=italiano&id=4498&area=Cure%20primarie&menu=vuoto
Tribunale per i diritti del malato (Cittadinanzattiva)Free, independent support for patientsWhen the provider's public relations office does not respond🔗 www.cittadinanzattiva.it/tdm
Comune — Polizia locale / URPNuisances, roads, waste, registry, lost propertyFor anything the municipality handles🔗 www.anci.it
Difensore civico regionaleComplaints about public administration, freeWhen the administration does not answer or acts unfairly🔗 www.difensorecivico.it

❓ Frequently asked

I am new to the country and not yet insured

Emergency care is always given. Register with the insurer first — the insurance card is what practices ask for.

Can a practice refuse me?

Only for capacity reasons, not because of your condition or origin. A refusal for another reason is a complaint to Comune — Polizia locale / URP or the equality body.

Can I see a specialist without a GP?

In most countries a referral is needed for reimbursement; the insurer explains the exceptions (eye, dental, gynaecology).

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “find gp accepting new patients Italy”
  • “no family doctor what to do”
  • “register with doctor Italy”
  • “health insurer assign doctor”
  • “doctor shortage who to contact”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🏥Medical complaint→🧠Mental health waiting list→🧒Child at risk→♿Care support refused→

Your tools for Italy

Before it goes wrongCan I?What is allowed, what is not, which permit you need — with the official source.Energy · ItalyElectricity & gasThe rules that protect you as an electricity and gas customer in Italy, and who to contact. Every fact is checked on an official source.Recognise it firstIs dit veilig?Check a phone number, website or message against 47,000 scam dossiers.