In Italy, there are two main prescription types: the Ricetta Rossa (red prescription) and the Ricetta Bianca (white prescription). Knowing the difference between them helps you understand how the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) works, how much you need to pay, and what rights you have as a patient.
👉 For a full overview of how Italy’s healthcare system operates, see The Italian National Health System Explained.
What Is a Ricetta?
A Ricetta is the document issued by a doctor that authorizes you to obtain medication or undergo a medical procedure. Ricetta and Impegnativa mean the same thing, and they are both written by a general practitioner. However, we tend to use the word Ricetta for those documents that authorise access to certain drugs, while the Impegnativa is used to book visits with specialists and diagnostic tests.
In other words, the Ricetta serves as proof that a treatment or drug is medically necessary and legally dispensed. Every Ricetta contains your personal data, the doctor’s code, the date, and details about the prescribed medicine or exam.
In most cases, Ricette are issued electronically through a regional system connected to your Tessera Sanitaria (health card). Pharmacies and clinics can access this network, making prescriptions traceable and reducing the risk of errors or fraud. The electronic format has replaced most paper versions, though printed copies are still common.
For prescriptions linked to a specific medical visit, see our guide to the Impegnativa.
Ricetta Rossa: The “Red Prescription”
The Ricetta Rossa was historically printed on a red-bordered paper form and is used for prescriptions covered or partially covered by the SSN. It’s typically issued by your Medico di Base (family doctor) for medications that are considered essential and listed in the official national formulary.
With a Ricetta Rossa, you only pay the ticket (a small payment), or nothing at all if you are exempt due to age, income, or chronic illness. These prescriptions ensure that vital treatments remain accessible to everyone regardless of income.
Even though many regions now issue digital prescriptions, the name “Ricetta Rossa” remains in common use. It’s still how people refer to any prescription that falls under the SSN reimbursement system.
Ricetta Bianca: The “White Prescription”
The Ricetta Bianca is used for medications or procedures not covered by the SSN. These are typically issued by private doctors or specialists, and the patient must pay the full price of the medicine or service.
It looks different from the red form and doesn’t include the same coding structure that connects to the public healthcare database. This type of prescription is often used for:
- Non-essential medications (like certain supplements or brand-name drugs)
- Cosmetic or elective treatments
- Private medical visits or tests
Even though the Ricetta Bianca doesn’t provide public coverage, it still has legal validity. Pharmacies are required to honor it as long as it is issued by a licensed doctor and clearly specifies the drug’s name, dosage, and instructions.
If you later decide to switch to public care, you can book a comparable visit through the CUP system to see if the same treatment is available through the SSN.
Digital Prescriptions and Everyday Use
Since the mid-2010s, Italy has largely transitioned to electronic prescriptions. Your doctor can send a prescription directly to the system, and you can collect your medication by presenting your health card or the printed “promemoria”, a summary with a code the pharmacy can scan.
This modernization simplifies the process, but many Italians still refer to Ricette as if they were physical forms. Older patients, in particular, may ask for a printed version for clarity or record-keeping. Digital or paper, the principle is the same: the Ricetta is your gateway to authorized healthcare and medication access.
Key Takeaways
- A Ricetta is a medical prescription used to obtain medication or authorized healthcare services in Italy.
- The Ricetta Rossa is linked to the public system (SSN) and may provide full or partial coverage.
- The Ricetta Bianca is used for private prescriptions not reimbursed by the state.
- Most prescriptions are now digital, connected to your Tessera Sanitaria.
- The Ricetta system guarantees traceable access to healthcare.