Thermal Spas do represent an important part of the tourist package of a given area, though their value is often underestimated. In Italy, thermal Spas are provided by the National Health System, which therefore ensures that all citizens may access this particular type of therapy. Thanks to character, thermal services come within the legal framework of Directive No. 24/2011/EU concerning cross-border health care services, by which all European citizens are entitled to go abroad to access health provisions being granted to get reimbursed for the expenses they incur.

Il capitolo analizza il turismo termale in chiave comparativa, di cui viene evidenziata la correlazione con le prestazioni sanitarie, atteso che in taluni Stati membri le cure termali rientrano tra i livelli essenziali di assistenza garantiti dallo Stato