Accessing healthcare in Italy

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/countryguide/Pages/...

Your health, your choices

Country-by-country guide
Accessing healthcare in Italy

You will be treated on the same basis as an Italian resident. Remember, each countrys health system is different and might not include all the things you would expect to get free of charge from the NHS. This may mean that you have to make a patient contribution to the cost of your care. You may be able to seek reimbursement for this cost when you are back in the UK. It is important that you ensure you are treated by a state healthcare provider as you will not be covered for private healthcare. You should be particularly careful if the healthcare arrangements have been made by a hotel or travel representative. Non-EEA nationals are covered in Italy.

Where to get information while in Italy hide

The local health authorities 'Azienda Unit Sanitaria Locale', or ASL, should be able to provide information. Contact the office when you arrive in Italy. Contact details are generally available from telephone directories, the hotel reception, pharmacies or local newspapers. You can also contact the Italian Ministry of Health for general inquiries before leaving the UK. Ministero della salute Via Giorgio Ribotta 5 00144 - Roma Telephone: 0039 06 5994 1

Emergency numbers hide

In case you find yourself in an emergency during your stay in Italy, dial 118. You might want to save the number in your phone.

Treatment, coverage and costs hide

Doctors
You should consult a doctor that is registered with the Italian national health service, (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale SSN) as their services are normally free. Surgeries are open from Monday to Friday. Opening times can vary. Usually surgeries are open at weekends and on weekdays between 8am and 8pm. If you should have to pay any charges, keep the original receipts and apply at the local ASL for a any refund.

Dentists
Most dentists operate on a private basis. In order to receive state-provided health care, you should seek a SSN operated hospital or visit an ASL managed health centre that can provide a dentists.

Hospital treatment
The ASL can supply a list of SSN hospitals or private hospitals that operate under the state scheme. Charges for ambulance travel or medications prescribed in hospitals will vary depending on where in Italy you are receiving treatment. This is non-refundable in Italy but you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK. If you cannot contact the ASL in advance, show your EHIC on admission and ask the hospital administration to contact them.

Prescriptions
You will need to present your prescription and EHIC at the pharmacy. Generally, medicines are free of charge, however, some might be charged with a standard, non-refundable fee. Medicines bought over the counter are non-refundable. These charges are non-refundable in Italy but you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK.

Ambulance
Emergency services are available and called Guardia Medica. It may be necessary to pay a proportion of the cost of ambulance travel. This is non-refundable in Italy but you may be able to seek reimbursement when you are back in the UK.

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Accessing healthcare in Italy

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/countryguide/Pages/...

Air ambulance
No information available

Making healthcare arrangements in advance hide

The most common treatments or conditions that require advanced arrangements are listed below. For all other conditions or treatments, you should consult your doctor. Remember, for all treatments abroad you must present your EHIC.

Dialysis
You need to speak to the co-ordinator in your UK Dialysis Unit who will contact the dialysis unit in Italy nearest to where you will be staying. The provision of dialysis will be subject to availability in Italy.

Leisure or business - using your EHIC in Italy hide

Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will enable you to access state-provided healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes free. It will cover you for treatment that is needed in order to allow you to continue your stay until your planned return. It also covers you for treatment of pre-existing medical conditions and for routine maternity care provided the reason for your visit is not specifically to give birth.

How to claim refunds

Reimbursements are claimed from the local ASL offices in Italy. If you have had to pay for the cost of your care and have been unable to claim a refund during your stay in Italy you should contact the Overseas Healthcare Team (Newcastle) on 0191 218 1999 (Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm) on your return to the UK. However, this process will take longer than claiming for a refund in Italy.

Living in Italy hide

If you're receiving a UK state pension, or in receipt of long-term incapacity benefit, you may be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK. You will need to apply for an E121, which you should then present to the Italian health authorities. However, if you move to Italy to live but not work and do not receive a UK benefit, you may be eligible for up to two-and-a-half years of state healthcare cover, paid for by the UK. In this case, you will need to apply for an E106. For more details on how to apply for an E121 or E106, visit the 'Moving abroad' section.

How to register your E121 or E106

In both cases, you will need to contact your local ASL office. Additionally, you might be asked to provide a copy of the original E121/ E106 and a proof of identity.

How to register with a GP

No information available

Working in Italy hide

This section applies if you have been issued with an E106.

How to register your E106

You will need to contact your local ASL office. Additionally, you might be asked to provide a copy of the original E106 and a proof of identity.

How to register with a GP

No information available

Am I still eligible for treatment under the NHS? hide

UK citizens registered in another EEA country and using an E106 or E121 are not automatically eligible for free treatment in the UK. You should also visit the 'Planned treatment abroad' section for detailed information.

Last reviewed: 23/06/2011 Next review due: 23/06/2013

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