Italy’s national health service is widely regarded for its high-quality care, innovative research, and specialized centers of excellence. When seeking the best medical treatment in Italy, whether for complex procedures, specialized research, or general care, several hospitals consistently rise to the top of national and international rankings.
Based on recent comprehensive evaluations (including rankings focused on clinical reputation, patient experience, and quality metrics), here are some of the premier healthcare institutions in Italy.
The Top 10 Hospitals in Italy
These institutions stand out for their advanced research, specialized units, and overall clinical excellence, with a strong geographical concentration in Northern Italy (Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna) and the capital, Rome.
| Rank (Approx.) | Hospital Name | City | Key Specializations |
| 1 | Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS | Rome | Oncology (Largest Cancer Center by patients treated), Cardiology, Neurology, Research. |
| 2 | Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda | Milan | General Medicine, Cardiology, Highly Specialized Surgery, Scientific Research. |
| 3 | IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele | Milan | Oncology, Cardiac Surgery, Neurosurgery, Genetic Diseases, Advanced Research. |
| 4 | Istituto Clinico Humanitas | Rozzano (Milan) | Oncology, Orthopedics, Cardiovascular Sciences, first Italian hospital with JCI accreditation. |
| 5 | Policlinico Sant’Orsola-Malpighi | Bologna | Liver/Transplant Surgery, Cardiology, Emergency Medicine, University Teaching Hospital. |
| 6 | Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona | Verona | General Medicine, Rare Diseases, Teaching, and Research. |
| 7 | Ospedale Policlinico San Matteo | Pavia | Highly specialized Transplant Surgery, Cardiology, Rare Diseases, Research. |
| 8 | Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova | Padua | Cardiology, Teaching Hospital, Tertiary Referral Centre for Rare Diseases. |
| 9 | Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII | Bergamo | Cardiovascular Surgery, Trauma Center, Complex Specialties, High-Volume Care. |
| 10 | Presidio Ospedaliero Molinette | Turin | Organ Transplants, Oncology, Highly Specialized Surgery, Teaching Hospital. |
🏥 Specialization Highlights
Many Italian hospitals excel in specific, highly complex areas, making them world-renowned destinations for particular treatments.
Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery
The undisputed leaders in heart care are often found in Milan:
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Policlinico San Donato (Gruppo San Donato): Recognized as a leading Italian clinic for high-volume cardiac surgery, performing thousands of operations annually.
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IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele: Excels in cardiovascular surgery, including complex valve repairs and advanced heart procedures.
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Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli: Houses a major Heart Center that combines clinical care with advanced research.
Oncology and Cancer Treatment
Italy is home to several leading cancer research and treatment institutes:
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Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli (Rome): Recognized as the largest center in Italy by the number of cancer patients treated.
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Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori (INT, Milan): Historically the largest comprehensive cancer center in Italy, known for its foundational role in Italian oncology research, including the development of advanced chemotherapy and surgical techniques.
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Istituto Clinico Humanitas (Milan): Highly ranked for its multidisciplinary approach to oncology and research.
Orthopedics
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IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi – Sant’Ambrogio (Milan): The Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi (now part of the new hospital complex) is often cited as Italy’s premier orthopedic hospital, known for high volumes of joint replacements and complex revision surgeries.
The Significance of IRCCS Status
You will notice many hospitals carry the designation IRCCS (Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico). This is a critical factor:
IRCCS hospitals are officially recognized research hospitals that combine high-level healthcare with biomedical research. This status indicates a commitment to translating scientific discoveries directly into innovative patient care, which is a hallmark of the country’s best institutions.
Whether you are seeking the cutting-edge therapies of a major teaching hospital in the North or the holistic approach of a specialist center, Italy offers a world-class healthcare system.
