For EU citizens who stay in Italy for a period less three months, Italian national health service (SSN) registration is not necessary. If an EU citizen need health care, he can apply directly to public health facility. The performance is direct and nothing is due, except the payment of any ticket that is non-refundable. The EU citizen must show the European Health Insurance Card to obtain treatment with the same rules which apply to Italians.
In case that EU citizen is not in possession of the European Health Insurance Card, to obtain the assistance must be provided with a medical coverage (for example, an insurance policy).
If not provided with the European Health Insurance Card and without health coverage, the EU citizen, is entitled only to necessary and urgent care.
What is the European Health Insurance Card?
In 2004 came into force the European Health Insurance Card which allows medical care covered by the earlier models E 110, E 111, E 119 and E 128.
To whom is released?
The European Health Insurance Card is issued to all people registered in the Italian national health service in possession of Italian nationality who are resident in Italy. Exceptions are:
- Workers posted abroad and living in Italy;
- Students, in possession of model E106;
- Retirees (and their families) in possession of model E121;
- Family members of workers who reside in a different country, in possession of model E109.
Validity
The European Health Insurance Card is valid for six years (Decree of the Ministry of Economy and Finance of 25 February 2010, which updates the Decree of 11 March 2004 – Italian only), except different specification by the Regional health office. Near the deadline, the Revenue Agency will send a new one.
Who issue the European Health Insurance Card?
To obtain the European Health Insurance Card should contact the Revenue Agency. Remember that the Ministry of Health has no jurisdiction in the issuing and distribution of the European Health Insurance Card.
