Italian health insurance card

An earlier Italian health insurance card

A health insurance card issued in Sicily as a smart card

Italian Health Insurance Card (Tessera Sanitaria) is a personal card that provides individuals access to healthcare services in Italy. It is part of the Italian National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale or SSN), which is responsible for providing public health services to Italian citizens and residents. The card serves as proof of entitlement to healthcare services, both in Italy and in other European Union countries, under the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) scheme.

Overview

The Italian Health Insurance Card is issued to every Italian citizen and to foreign residents who are registered with the SSN. It contains the holder's tax code (codice fiscale), which is a unique identifier used in all interactions with public administrations in Italy. The card is used to access a wide range of healthcare services, including general practitioner visits, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and hospital treatments.

Features

The front side of the card displays the holder's name, surname, date of birth, gender, tax code, and card expiration date. The back side contains information for the EHIC, making it valid as a European Health Insurance Card for use in other EU countries. This dual functionality simplifies access to healthcare services for Italians traveling or living abroad within the EU.

Usage

To access healthcare services, individuals present their Italian Health Insurance Card at public healthcare facilities, hospitals, and pharmacies. The card is also required when registering with a general practitioner or specialist within the SSN network. For services covered by the SSN, the card ensures that the patient either receives care free of charge or is required to pay a co-payment (ticket), depending on the service and the patient's income level.

Eligibility and Issuance

Eligibility for the Italian Health Insurance Card is based on residency and registration with the SSN. Italian citizens, EU citizens residing in Italy, and non-EU citizens with a valid residence permit are eligible to apply. The card is issued by the Italian Ministry of Health and is sent automatically to eligible individuals. In case of loss or expiration, a replacement can be requested through the local health authority (Azienda Sanitaria Locale or ASL).

European Health Insurance Card Integration

The integration of the EHIC on the Italian Health Insurance Card allows Italians to receive necessary healthcare services when temporarily visiting another EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. Services are provided at the same cost as for residents of the country being visited, which can be free or involve a fee.

Conclusion

The Italian Health Insurance Card is a crucial component of the healthcare system in Italy, facilitating access to a wide range of healthcare services for residents. Its integration with the European Health Insurance Card further enhances its utility by providing coverage across the EU, making it an essential item for Italian citizens and residents alike.