Can I choose the physiotherapist I want?

With the SSN you can choose from available contracted facilities in your ASL or region. You cannot go to any private physiotherapist and then claim a refund. If you want a specific professional, you must pay privately (not reimbursable).

How many sessions can I do on a single referral?

The number of sessions is stated on the referral by the doctor. Normally the SSN authorises courses of 6-10 sessions. If the physiotherapist considers it necessary to continue, they will advise you to return to your doctor for a new referral.

Can I take the referral to a private contracted facility?

Yes. Many private clinics and practices have an SSN agreement: in this case you pay only the ticket (as at a public facility). Check the facility's contract status before booking.

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Available in:🇮🇹IT 🇬🇧EN

NHS physiotherapy: how to get it free or at reduced cost

Physiotherapy is a specialist outpatient service of the SSN. You cannot access it directly: you always need a referral (prescription) from your GP or a specialist. Sessions are provided at ASL-contracted facilities (outpatient clinics, hospitals) and require payment of a ticket fee, unless exempt. Waiting lists vary greatly by region.

Authority

ASL di competenza — CUP

Time

20 min

Updated

May 2026

What you need

✓SSN referral (prescription) from GP or specialist
✓Health card
✓Identity document
✓ISEE certificate if applying for income-based exemption

Step-by-step procedure

Get the referral from your doctor

Go to your GP and explain your problem (lower back pain, post-operative recovery, sports injury, etc.). The doctor assesses whether physiotherapy is indicated and completes the SSN referral specifying the type of treatment (e.g. 'motor rehabilitation', 'kinesiotherapy', 'physical therapy') and number of sessions. Alternatively, a specialist (orthopaedic, neurologist, rheumatologist) can prescribe it.

The SSN referral is valid for 30 days from the date of issue: book straight away.

Book through the CUP

With your referral in hand, book through the CUP (Central Booking Centre): by phone, online on the regional portal, at the ASL desk or at a pharmacy. The system will show you available contracted facilities with waiting times. You are entitled to maximum guaranteed waiting times (TAO): 30 days for urgent cases (U/B), 60 days for deferrable ones (D).

If SSN waiting times are too long, you can choose intramoenia (hospital specialist in private mode at a public facility): it costs less than fully private but more than the ticket.

Attend sessions and pay the ticket

The ticket is paid before the first session (at the facility's reception). The amount depends on the treatment and region: typically €36-60 for a course. Exempt from the ticket: under-6s and over-65s with low income, income exemption holders (ISEE), disabled people, chronic patients (exemption code on health card), unemployed people. Bring your health card and referral to every session.

📄

Portale CUP regionale

ASL di competenza

Open →

Frequently asked questions

Responsible authority

Authority

ASL di competenza — CUP

Phone

Certified email

Website

Visit site →

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The information in this guide is for orientation only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always verify on the official portal of the responsible authority.

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