Modulo di richiesta informazioni
(Information request form)
(Reference Office: D.G.IT. – Office II and Protection Unit)
Italian citizens traveling abroad are advised to take out an insurance policy that covers the often substantial costs of any medical emergencies.
Italian citizens traveling to the European Union’s Member States, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein and countries with which special agreements have been signed) (Paesi con cui sono state stipulate apposite convenzioni), may benefit from direct healthcare by exhibiting the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the documentation required by the individual agreements.
Citizens serving abroad, who hold an employment contract under Italian law, may apply for reimbursement of expenses for the healthcare services received. More information on the groups of people concerned and the procedure for reimbursement can be found on the Health Ministry’s website (sito internet del Ministero della Salute).
Highly specialized healthcare services abroad are paid by the National Health Service (NHS), on an exceptional basis, for services that cannot be obtained in Italy in a timely or adequate manner. These services shall be authorized in advance by the relevant Local Health Unit (ASL). For more information, see the Health Ministry’s website ( sito internet del Ministero della Salute.
Citizens permanently residing abroad and registered with AIRE, who temporarily return to Italy, shall pay regional rates and fees for all healthcare services, including emergencies. However, in the case of Italian citizens registered with AIRE, holders of pensions provided by Italian social security institutions or Italian emigrants (born in Italy), urgent hospital services are provided free of charge for a maximum period of 90 days per calendar year, if they have no insurance coverage of their own. In order to obtain urgent hospital services, a declaration in lieu of affidavit shall be signed stating – in addition to their emigrant status (certified by date, place of birth in Italy, residence abroad and Italian citizenship) – that they have no public or private health insurance coverage.
Italian citizens who move their residence to a State with which there is no agreement in force with Italy lose their right to healthcare paid by the National Health Service and shall therefore make their own arrangements, according to the terms and conditions provided for by the country of destination.