Can I use the electronic prescription at any Italian pharmacy?

Yes. The system is national: any SSN-contracted pharmacy in Italy can read your health card and dispense the prescribed medicines, regardless of which region you are in.

I lost the reminder. How do I recover the NRE?

Access your region's Electronic Health Record (FSE) with SPID or CIE: you will find all active prescriptions. Alternatively, contact the prescribing doctor or go directly to the pharmacy with your health card.

How long is an electronic prescription valid?

The SSN electronic prescription is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Some prescriptions for chronic conditions can have extended validity up to 6 months (repeatable prescriptions). After expiry, you must ask your doctor for a new prescription.

Can I receive a prescription without going to the doctor in person?

Yes. Since 2020 (confirmed post-COVID) many doctors issue electronic prescriptions remotely, sending the NRE by SMS, email or via the FSE app. Check with your doctor what options are available.

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Easysalute

Available in:🇮🇹IT 🇬🇧EN

Electronic prescription: how it works

Since 2015 the National Health Service eliminated the paper red prescription: the doctor enters the prescription into the national system and you receive a reminder with the Electronic Prescription Number (NRE). At the pharmacy, you just need your health card and the NRE code, or just your health card if the doctor has enabled automatic transmission to the Electronic Health Record.

Authority

Ministero della Salute

Time

5 min

Updated

May 2026

What you need

✓Health card (contains tax code and card number)
✓Paper or digital reminder with the NRE (Electronic Prescription Number) — optional if you have FSE
✓Any applicable health ticket fee (unless exempt)

Step-by-step procedure

Visit the doctor or receive a remote prescription

Your GP or specialist enters the prescription into the regional SAR system. This can also be done via telemedicine. You will receive an SMS or email with the reminder containing the NRE, or you can download it from your region's Electronic Health Record (FSE).

If you do not receive the reminder, ask your doctor to print it or send it by email.

Go to the pharmacy with your health card

At the pharmacy, show your health card: the pharmacist accesses the system directly and sees your active prescriptions. Optionally, also give the NRE verbally or show the reminder. The card must be valid (expiry date on the back).

Pay the ticket or collect for free

If you are exempt from the ticket (income, chronic illness, pregnancy, unemployment, disability), declare your exemption to the pharmacist. Otherwise pay the fixed or percentage fee set by your region. The pharmacist issues a detailed receipt for the 19% IRPEF tax deduction.

Keep the itemised receipt for your tax return: pharmaceutical expenses are 19% deductible above the €129.11 threshold.

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Sistema Tessera Sanitaria

Ministero della Salute

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Frequently asked questions

Responsible authority

Authority

Ministero della Salute

Phone

Certified email

Website

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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.