Supplementary Health Care Assistance in Italy
In Italy, supplementary health care plays a critical role in supporting employees’ health and wellbeing beyond what is covered by the national health system. For employees in specific sectors, particularly those covered by the National Collective Bargaining Agreement (NCBA) for Commerce, the Fondo EST and QUAS Funds provide crucial health care benefits. In this blog we cover what these funds offer and the latest updates to the system.
What is the EST Fund (Fondo EST)?
The EST Fund provides supplementary health care assistance to a wide range of employees in the commerce sector. It covers:
- Permanent employees (both full-time and part-time)
- Apprentices
- Middle managers (Quadro)
These employees are automatically enrolled in the EST Fund, ensuring that they have access to additional health care services. Here’s how the contribution system works:
- Employee contribution: EUR 2 is withheld monthly from the employee’s payslip.
- Employer contribution: Employers contribute EUR 10 per month, making a significant contribution towards employees’ supplementary health care needs.
For more detailed information about the coverage provided by the EST Fund, employees and employers can visit the official EST Fund website.
Updates to the EST Fund contributions
As part of the 2024 renewal of the NCBA Commerce, some important changes are coming to the EST Fund. Starting from 1st April 2025, the employer’s monthly contribution will increase by EUR 3, bringing the total contribution to EUR 13 per month, while the employee’s contribution will remain at EUR 2. This increase reflects ongoing efforts to improve the quality and availability of health care services for employees in the sector.
What is the QUAS Fund (Fondo QuAS)?
The QUAS Fund, or QuAS (Fondo QuAS), provides supplementary health care assistance specifically for middle managers. This fund ensures that middle managers, classified as “Quadro” by the NCBA, receive additional health care coverage, which is funded primarily by employers. The contribution structure for QUAS is as follows:
- Employer contribution: EUR 350 per year, plus an additional EUR 340 paid at the time of registration.
- Employee contribution: EUR 56 per year.
The annual contribution paid by the employer is pro-rated based on the employee’s start date of employment, ensuring fairness in how the contributions are allocated. To learn more about the specific health care services covered by QUAS, you can visit the QUAS website.
Updates to the QUAS Fund contributions
The renewal of the NCBA Commerce also brings upcoming changes to the QUAS Fund. From 1st January 2025, the employer’s annual contribution will increase by EUR 20, bringing the total to EUR 370 per year. A further EUR 20 increase will occur on 1st January 2026, raising the contribution to EUR 390 per year.
These updates ensure that the supplementary health care services provided through the QUAS Fund continue to meet the needs of middle managers, reflecting rising health care costs and the importance of maintaining high standards of employee wellbeing.
Why supplementary health care matters
Supplementary health care funds like EST and QUAS are critical in enhancing the overall health care landscape for employees. While Italy’s national health care system is robust, these funds provide additional coverage, ensuring employees can access a broader range of services, quicker treatments, and improved care options. For employees, especially those in demanding sectors like commerce, these benefits offer peace of mind, knowing that both routine and specialized health care needs can be met without significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Ensure you’re covered with EST and QUAS
Are you or your employees fully benefiting from the supplementary health care services offered by the EST and QUAS funds? Staying informed about your health care coverage is essential for safeguarding your well-being and financial security.
- Employers: Make sure you’re up-to-date with the latest contribution changes to remain compliant and provide your team with the health care support they deserve.
- Employees: Check your payslip and talk to your HR department to ensure you’re enrolled and accessing the supplementary health care benefits available to you.
If you’re a middle manager, don’t miss out on the tailored health care coverage that QUAS offers. Employers can take immediate steps to review and adjust their contributions ahead of the upcoming increases.
Parakar can support your business by handling all the administration, ensuring compliance, and streamlining the management of supplementary health care contributions for both EST and QUAS funds. Contact our experts to discuss the possibilities for support and find out how we can assist with managing your supplementary health care needs.
